When Microsoft introduced Enterprise Licensing, many law firms were confused – if not downright displeased.  The pricing structure was complicated, and it was difficult to figure out the least expensive approach to purchasing and managing licenses for large enterprises.  Concurrently, Microsoft created the Software Assurance (SA) program, which originally ran for the three-year term of a license and covered all upgrades during that period.  Otherwise, its benefits were limited.  But last October Microsoft significantly expanded the benefits associated with the SA program.

If your firm has purchased Software Assurance, we suggest you investigate the new benefits.

Training
Microsoft offers “free” training in two forms: training vouchers and downloadable Microsoft eLearning.  Training vouchers are valid at all Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs), a list of which can be found by region and subject matter from the resource directory on Microsoft’s website. The value of the vouchers depends on how many licenses are purchased.  Training vouchers can be used for back office training as well as desktop applications.

Online learning (eLearning) tools can be downloaded and added to a firm’s intranet.  This is a no-cost solution for offering your users beginning, intermediate and advanced Word, Outlook and Excel online training.  Naturally, none of these lessons address unique legal-related or customized third-party software.

Two particular benefits to incorporating Microsoft’s eLearning modules in your firm’s educational program are it’s free education (once you’ve configured the SA Benefits Administrator, downloaded the files and integrated them into your intranet), and it’s an effective way to introduce and test how Microsoft eLearning is received in your environment.  Also, a firm’s HR or recruiting department may find these useful for assessing the skills of new hires.  It’s also an opportunity to begin familiarizing users with eLearning as a problem-solving tool.

Home Use Program
If your firm has purchased Open License, Select License, Open Value, Select License SAM, Open Value Company-Wide Option or an Enterprise Agreement/Enterprise Agreement Subscription, you’re entitled to a Home Use copy of the program for every licensed workstation in the office.

Employee Purchase Program
The Employee Purchase Program is now available for Select and Open Value customers only.

New Feature:  Solution Accelerators
Microsoft currently offers seven Solution Accelerators, including a proposal generator, Excel reporting and recruiting.  (Solution Accelerators require customization by an experienced Solution Accelerators developer at an additional cost.)

If you’ve already purchased SA, we encourage you to explore how these tools might be of use to you.  Just keep in mind that the benefits require on-going administration and configuration time.  (Please note that SA benefits cannot be added to an existing license.)

About our authors ...

Ruth Halpern and Deborah Holt, principals of Halpern & Holt, Ltd., have been providing training and software consulting to law firms for over 20 years, helping firms maximize their return on their software investment through consulting, workflow analysis and quality education programs.  They can be reached at rhalpern@halpernandholt.com and dholt@halpernandholt.com, respectively.