Microsoft Core CAL Changes & Updates

Forefront & Lync Will Now Be Included in Core CAL

Please notice recent Microsoft developments.  This impacts your business!

What's Changing?

Effective August 1, 2011, Microsoft will add Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) and Lync Standard to the Core CAL. This is the first change to the Core CAL in 10 years.

For current Core CAL customers, everyone under SA on Aug 1 will receive the "L" for free and their SA price will not change until contract renewal. At renewal, the SA price change depends on how customers license the Core CAL:

• Almost 75% of accounts buy the Core CAL through the Professional Desktop sku - these customers will see a roughly 3% increase at renewal.
• The remainder purchase the Core CAL standalone - these customers will see a roughly 14% increase at renewal.

High level Product Overview

• FEP 2010, the next generation of Forefront Client Security, protects critical desktop, laptop, and server operating systems against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other threats. Newly architected on Systems Center Client Management (SCCM), FEP allows customers to manage and secure their endpoints from a single console.
• Lync Standard includes multi-party instant messaging, group chat, presence, and PC-to-PC audio and video communications. Additionally, Lync Standards lights up Exchange, SharePoint, and the Office client with instant messaging, contact cards, and presence.

This change also demonstrates value in Software Assurance. Customers active on SA automatically get use rights for the new components, don't see a price increase until their next renewal, and never pay the "L".

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