The software maker said that starting from 1 June, businesses in its Software Assurance programme will be able to make a duplicate copy for each server software product that they license.
There are two major caveats, however. The software must be stored on a "cold" server, that is, one turned off until a disaster occurs. Also, the rights to store the extra copy are good only as long as a Software Assurance agreement is in place.
Microsoft has been working to add benefits to the Software Assurance program amid criticisms that the primary benefit -- free upgrades -- is not justifying the cost. Microsoft has already added additional training, support and other perks to improve the programme.
The issues around Software Assurance have intensified as Microsoft has delayed several key products, including Yukon (the next version of SQL Server), Whidbey (the next version of Virtual Studio) and Longhorn (the next version of Windows).
The addition of the disaster recovery rights also comes as investors are keeping a close eye on Microsoft's renewal rates for its volume-licensing programs. The company has seen its balance of unearned revenue -- money taken in for licensing but not yet earned -- decline in recent quarters.
Microsoft also said on Wednesday that it has added two online services -- MapPoint Web Services and Microsoft Office Live Meeting -- to its July lineup of products available under volume licensing.
A spokesman for Microsoft in the UK confirmed that customers here will also be able to benefit from the new scheme.
"It's worldwide, it's a part of our software assurance programme, and it will enable customers to use server disaster technology in the workplace," said Mark Buckley, licensing marketing manager for the UK.
Buckley conceded that some customers did have issues with the amount of value they were getting from the software assurance programme, given the delays to key Microsoft products upgrades such as Longhorn.
"I wouldn't say the press is making this up, but I would say that the majority of customers who I have discussed Software Assurance with have seen its value. There is some discussion around what is the time we will need to purchase the software, and whether the deployment cycles are in tune with what they require," said Buckley.
"My offer here is that if customers wish to come to me to talk about licensing, I am happy to talk them. I would push for customers to come and talk to us. My email address is markbu@microsoft.com," said Buckley.
Additional reporting by Michael Parsons.
Talkback
What happens if I buy Windows Server, install it twice (once on the "cold" server), then later buy Exchange server. Am I allowed to turn on the cold server to install it there too?And what's the point in having this backup server if it can't mirror the data on the live one? Should everything go pear shaped, you're stuck having to restore everything from backups anyway.
Seems like a useless gesture from MS to me.
Having worked closely with Microsoft for nearly 10 years, I see this as a fantastic solution to a licencing problem previously not catered for by any Microsoft licencing scheme (OPEN/Select/EA).
Many of my clients have had to fork out twice for DR licences to remain compliant, and to be totally honest countless more simply don't bother to licence properly or understand the product use Ts & Cs and set-up DR sites anyway thus illegally using software and endangering themselves with legal action. As a high proportion of clients Microsoft agreements are renewing now through July '04, this majority now have an opportunity to invest in SA more thoughtfully and instantly switch to a compliant position satisfying both vendors and policing authorities such as FAST & BSA Ts & Cs.
I accept that this benefit is limited both to Server products and to 'Cold Back-ups' but even with these limitations customers can still have effective DR. 'Cold Back-ups' means power-on is limited to Installation & patch management or DR, but this is far and away better than no solution at all.
To my mind, in conjunction with 'Ttraining Vouchers' and the 'Home Use Programme' this is one of the single biggest business benefits to clients who participate in Software Assurance.