Frequently Asked Questions About the Microsoft Campus Agreement

What is the Microsoft Campus Agreement?

The Microsoft Campus Agreement allows Universities to license Microsoft software for large groups of users. This "buying in bulk" is cheaper than buying individual licenses. The cost of the agreement is based on the number of people (full time equivalent) in a participating department, and the agreement covers all the computers owned by that department. The biggest advantage is to those departments that have more computers than people, such as those with computer labs. It also allows a department to upgrade all its computers to the latest versions of Windows and Office at a lower cost than paying for individual upgrades. In addition, the agreement includes licenses for Microsoft server clients, which benefits those departments running any Microsoft server software.

Notice that a license is the right to run software. The license does not include a copy of the software itself. However, the agreement includes the right to purchase copies of the installation CDs and documentation at very reduced prices from a specified vendor.

Who is paying for the agreement?

Each department paid for its total number of full-time equivalent faculty and staff.

What technical support is included?

Microsoft technical support is not included. Faculty and staff needing technical support should contact the computer center HelpDesk (phone: 348-HELP; e-mail: Help.Desk@ua.edu; Web: helpdesk.ua.edu) or their local computer support staff. Faculty and staff taking part in the home use clause of the agreement are responsible for their own installation.

Why were only certain departments included?

Every department on campus was given the opportunity to become part of the agreement. Some departments determined they would save money by joining, while some determined they would not. Clearly the usefulness of the agreement depends on a number of factors, such as the number of computers running Windows and the number of other Microsoft products in use. Each area made this decision based on its own needs.

What are some advantages and disadvantages of the Microsoft Campus Agreement?

The main advantage is that every computer in the department is covered, including lab computers. If you want to upgrade lots of existing computers to the new versions of Office or Windows, that is covered. The main disadvantage is that it is a one-year agreement. At the end of the year, you have to decide to renew (at the then current price) or drop the agreement. If you drop the agreement, you have to uninstall any software you installed under the agreement or arrange to purchase it through some other agreement.

What client software is included?

The client software for Exchange, Windows Sever, SharePoint Server, SMS, and SQL Server are included in this year's campus agreement.

How do we get the server software?

Server software is not included in the Microsoft Campus Agreement. However, the University Supply Store (348-0668) manages a Microsoft Open License Program that includes all the server software. Any department can purchase software licenses through the Microsoft Open License Program.

How do I get the software for home use?

Check with your network administrator or computer support staff to see if they have an arrangement for you to get the software. Your installation choices might include bringing your computer in and borrowing the Office CD to load the software; checking out a CD to take home and loading the software; or making a copy of the Office CD for your own use. Although the agreement does allow copying the CD for faculty/staff home use, not all departments are set up to accommodate this. If your department is not ready to address home use, call the HelpDesk to see if some other arrangement can be made. The HelpDesk staff will not install the software for you on your personal machine, but they may be able to arrange for you to copy or install it.

You will need to sign the Home Use agreement before you can install the software. You are responsible for making sure that your use of the software adheres to the conditions for home use. In particular, you must not use the software for any home business or other commercial enterprise, and you must not allow your family or other non-University persons to use the software.

What is the Microsoft Campus Agreement? Who is paying for the agreement? What technical support is included? Why were only certain departments included? What are some advantages and disadvantages of the Microsoft Campus Agreement? What client software is included? How do we get the server software? How do I get the software for home use?		Search:

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	Frequently Asked Questions About the Microsoft Campus Agreement What is the Microsoft Campus Agreement? The Microsoft Campus Agreement allows Universities to license Microsoft software for large groups of users. This "buying in bulk" is cheaper than buying individual licenses. The cost of the agreement is based on the number of people (full time equivalent) in a participating department, and the agreement covers all the computers owned by that department. The biggest advantage is to those departments that have more computers than people, such as those with computer labs. It also allows a department to upgrade all its computers to the latest versions of Windows and Office at a lower cost than paying for individual upgrades. In addition, the agreement includes licenses for Microsoft server clients, which benefits those departments running any Microsoft server software. Notice that a license is the right to run software. The license does not include a copy of the software itself. However, the agreement includes the right to purchase copies of the installation CDs and documentation at very reduced prices from a specified vendor. Who is paying for the agreement? Each department paid for its total number of full-time equivalent faculty and staff. What technical support is included? Microsoft technical support is not included. Faculty and staff needing technical support should contact the computer center HelpDesk (phone: 348-HELP; e-mail: Help.Desk@ua.edu; Web: helpdesk.ua.edu) or their local computer support staff. Faculty and staff taking part in the home use clause of the agreement are responsible for their own installation. Why were only certain departments included? Every department on campus was given the opportunity to become part of the agreement. Some departments determined they would save money by joining, while some determined they would not. Clearly the usefulness of the agreement depends on a number of factors, such as the number of computers running Windows and the number of other Microsoft products in use. Each area made this decision based on its own needs. What are some advantages and disadvantages of the Microsoft Campus Agreement? The main advantage is that every computer in the department is covered, including lab computers. If you want to upgrade lots of existing computers to the new versions of Office or Windows, that is covered. The main disadvantage is that it is a one-year agreement. At the end of the year, you have to decide to renew (at the then current price) or drop the agreement. If you drop the agreement, you have to uninstall any software you installed under the agreement or arrange to purchase it through some other agreement. What client software is included? The client software for Exchange, Windows Sever, SharePoint Server, SMS, and SQL Server are included in this year's campus agreement. How do we get the server software? Server software is not included in the Microsoft Campus Agreement. However, the University Supply Store (348-0668) manages a Microsoft Open License Program that includes all the server software. Any department can purchase software licenses through the Microsoft Open License Program. How do I get the software for home use? Check with your network administrator or computer support staff to see if they have an arrangement for you to get the software. Your installation choices might include bringing your computer in and borrowing the Office CD to load the software; checking out a CD to take home and loading the software; or making a copy of the Office CD for your own use. Although the agreement does allow copying the CD for faculty/staff home use, not all departments are set up to accommodate this. If your department is not ready to address home use, call the HelpDesk to see if some other arrangement can be made. The HelpDesk staff will not install the software for you on your personal machine, but they may be able to arrange for you to copy or install it. You will need to sign the Home Use agreement before you can install the software. You are responsible for making sure that your use of the software adheres to the conditions for home use. In particular, you must not use the software for any home business or other commercial enterprise, and you must not allow your family or other non-University persons to use the software.
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