Many institutions are unaware that they can receive discounted Microsoft Licences, and are not taking full advantage of the significant cost savings of utilising this licensing method.

As a Microsoft Authorised Education Reseller, ION Systems are able to sell academic priced software through Academic FPP, Open Agreement and School Subscription Agreement to eligible academic customers of the types listed below:

Eligible UK Institutions

• Universities or colleges recognised by the DfES
• Primary and secondary schools (state, public and private) recognised by the DfES
• Government Education Authorities, ie Local Education Authorities (LEAs)
• Department of Education and Employment (DfES); Welsh Office, Scottish Office and Northern Ireland Office Education Departments
• Public research establishments funded by the DfES
• Government training colleges – classroom training (only) in the RAF, Army, Royal Navy
• Hospitals – when products are used solely in a teaching environment, used by nurses’ training schools or hospital medical schools (no other circumstances)
• Public libraries
• Museums
• Registered charities (including housing associations) – must have a registration number unless charitable status conferred by Act of Parliament or legal statute
• Education departments within prisons.

Here are some examples of the prices you are likely to be quoted. These prices assume a purchase of 5 or more units. Individual unit pricing is also available. Due to the fact that software pricing is constantly changing, please contact ION Systems for an exact quote.

Note: All Microsoft products are available through ION Systems. The list above gives examples of the most commonly purchased products. If you have any further queries about licensing please refer to the FAQ's below or contact one of our MLSS (Microsoft Licence Sales Specialists), via one of the following methods;

Phone: 0845 125 9470

Fax: 01635 500351

Email: sales@ion-systems.net

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. So, what is an Educational License anyway?

A. In order to run Microsoft software (such as Windows 98, Windows XP, Microsoft Office etc) you require a license. In many cases, these licenses are supplied with your PC or Server when you buy it and the cost of the licenses is passed on to you as part of the purchase price. Educational licensing provides exactly the same software, but is sold at a significant discount. These discounts enable you to update any computer software versions at a significant saving of over 50% off most software licensing costs, and can result in a total discount of around 80%.

Q. What software is covered by these licenses?

A. The bulk of Microsoft software is covered by Educational Licensing. This includes:

• Desktop Operating System upgrades like Windows XP.
• Desktop Applications like MS Office and MS Project.
• Server Operating Systems like Windows 2000 Server.
• BackOffice Products like Exchange Server and SQL Server.

Q. How do I know if I need to update my software?

A. Call or email us to discuss your requirements. Many organisations already have sufficient licenses to carry out their day to day activities with no problems. However, in most cases, new software can provide much more functionality and stability allowing users to carry out their day to day tasks with greater efficiency.
The initial consultation with our Microsoft Team is free and will enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not you need to update your software.

Q. So I want to update, are my systems compatible?

A. Check out these pages on the Microsoft website - they detail the system requirements for the most common Education Software licenses purchased.
For information on other products, feel free to contact us and our sales team will give you any information you require

Office XP System Requirements

http://www.microsoft.com/office/evaluation/sysreqs.asp

Office 2003 System Requirements

http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/editions/sysreq.asp

Windows 2000 Professional System Requirements

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/professional/evaluation/sysreqs/default.asp

Windows XP Professional System Requirements

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.asp

Windows 2000 Server System Requirements

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/evaluation/sysreqs/default.asp

Windows Server 2003 System Requirements
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/sysreqs/default.mspx

Please Note that in each case, these are the MINIMUM system requirements.

Q. Why ION?

A. ION Systems have a number of qualified Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist (MLSS) and Microsoft Licensing Sales Expert (MLSE) staff available to help you decide on the right course of action for your organisation.
Since we are also a solutions provider, we have the in-house expertise required to provide solutions tailored to the needs of any organisation. In short, we will recommend a solution that is right for you.

Q. We already have an IT provider, why should we use ION?

A. In most cases, your IT provider will already have recommended educational licensing. However, unless your provider is also an Authorised Educational Reseller they will not have been able to sell you educational licensing directly.
It is common practise for organisations to ask third party IT providers to liaise with us to decide on the most suitable licensing requirements and once the eligible institution has purchased the licenses they are free to use their usual support people to install and configure the software as normal. Feel free to pass on our details to your provider and we will be happy for them speak to us on your behalf.

For more information on pricing or to see if you are eligible to receive a discount on your Microsoft licensing please contact our sales team on:

Phone: 0845 003 9470

Fax: 0845 003 9471

Email: sales@ion-systems.net