As if the torrents of Windows-related security flaws were not enough, Microsoft has found another way to leave customers with a foul taste in their mouth and an empty feeling in their pocket.
The problem this time centers on Microsoft's Software Assurance program, a for-purchase piece of Windows Licensing 6.0 that the company says offers users "automatic access to new technology and provides productivity benefits, support, tools and training to help deploy and use software efficiently."
In reality, it's a software maintenance and upgrade program that puts even greater pressure on customers to renew existing Windows software. And time is running out: One-third of eligible contracts with Microsoft's biggest customers will be up for renewal by July 2004.
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