Finding a vendor when going to Microsoft Enterprise Licensing

[Ringo Langly]

Hello all,

We're considering the switch to Microsoft Enterprise Licensing, but our
preferred vendor is Dell -- who doesn't like selling PC's without
operating systems. We've been working with Dell to negotiate the
costs, but they're rather unwilling to help us work with Dell to get
PC's with no operating system - or at least not paying extra for the OS
under the Enterprise license.

Has anyone else ran into this? Also for those on Enterprise licensing,
what is your solution? What vendor do you use, or do you build PC's
inhouse? We considered this, but with almost 800 PC's, most of which
need to be updated, it would be MUCH easier to go with Dell or some
other vendor to premake the boxes.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions, and take care,

Ringo

 

[granny]

We just get the Dells with whatever they come with and then
create an image using the Volume License. Each pc of the
same type has the same image with the basic software for
everyone and if individuals need special software, we add
it later.

 

[Ron Martell]

Hello all,

We're considering the switch to Microsoft Enterprise Licensing, but our
preferred vendor is Dell -- who doesn't like selling PC's without
operating systems. We've been working with Dell to negotiate the
costs, but they're rather unwilling to help us work with Dell to get
PC's with no operating system - or at least not paying extra for the OS
under the Enterprise license.

Has anyone else ran into this? Also for those on Enterprise licensing,
what is your solution? What vendor do you use, or do you build PC's
inhouse? We considered this, but with almost 800 PC's, most of which
need to be updated, it would be MUCH easier to go with Dell or some
other vendor to premake the boxes.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions, and take care,

Ringo

Dell pays so little for their OEM licenses that it is hardly worth
their while to set up the procedural changes needed so as to ship PCs
with no operating system.

Check with other suppliers, especially local ones who offer "build to
order" services. They are more likely to be able to supply systems
with no O/S and they can probably be quite competitive with the Dell
pricing.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[John John]

Seems a bit strange to me. I had remembered reading about this sometime
ago and now found an article relating to what you want:

Dell unhooks Windows from desktops
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-949671.html?tag=fd_top

I'm also almost certain that I heard or read the same kind of thing
offered by IBM. That was one of the issue that landed Microsoft in hot
water with the DOJ, and I was under the impression that an understanding
or agreement had been reached on the matter.

In another post Ron has said: "Dell pays so little for their OEM
licenses that it is hardly worth their while to set up the procedural
changes..." Maybe so but that is besides the point. I view it as a
matter of principle and don't agree with the comment. Sure it may be
pocket change to Dell and Microsoft and even to your company. A company
that needs to replace 800 computers isn't exactly a mom and pop
operation. So whats the cost of these 800 unnecessary licenses? $10
each? More? Less? $8,000? Pocket change for your company, right?
Like 80 cents for me. I don't care if it's $8,000 or $16,000 or $4,000
the point is why should anyone pay for what they don't need or use and
in your case why should they pay twice for the same license? But then
for some big outfits maybe $20,000 is irrelevant, petty cash hiding in a
drawer somewhere. Money a la Enron or a la Tyco.

Keep an eye on the thread, if you get interesting answers email a link
to to your Dell representative. Also send a link to it to the
Department of Justice.

John

 

[John John]

PS: Sun Microsystems would probably like getting a call from a customer
like you.

John

 

[John John]

And PS again: MDG computers sells OS free computers. Probably Acer and
a bunch more offer the same.

John

 

[Ron Martell]

In another post Ron has said: "Dell pays so little for their OEM
licenses that it is hardly worth their while to set up the procedural
changes..." Maybe so but that is besides the point. I view it as a
matter of principle and don't agree with the comment. Sure it may be
pocket change to Dell and Microsoft and even to your company. A company
that needs to replace 800 computers isn't exactly a mom and pop
operation. So whats the cost of these 800 unnecessary licenses? $10
each? More? Less? $8,000? Pocket change for your company, right?
Like 80 cents for me. I don't care if it's $8,000 or $16,000 or $4,000
the point is why should anyone pay for what they don't need or use and
in your case why should they pay twice for the same license? But then
for some big outfits maybe $20,000 is irrelevant, petty cash hiding in a
drawer somewhere. Money a la Enron or a la Tyco.

My comment was meant to be taken in the context "if you can't get what
you want from Dell then take your business elsewhere". That is how
companies like Dell will really get the message.

As for the size of my own company, if it was any smaller it wouldn't
exist - I am the proverbial "one man band" with regard to my business.

I have no firm figures as to how much Dell pays for their OEM licenses
for Windows. All I know is that because of their volume and because
they produce their own CDs and documentation it is a fraction of what
I pay for a single generic OEM license and documentation when I sell a
system. And I have zero problems getting my supplier to sell me a
computer with no operating system when I get an order from a client
that has a volume license for Windows.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."