Microsoft EA Brand Name Just.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Brand Name Justification for Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has been using Microsoft software for many years. The entire Department uses Microsoft software to perform daily functions. In order to receive the Microsoft software required to operate the Department requires a new Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. The Department’s agreement is currently licensed for 6200 Desktop Pro. If the Department’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement was not renewed it would cause undue hardship to the Department.

The Department has invested substantial resources and funding in using Microsoft software. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a critical product and keeping the software and support up to date will ensure the continued support for all major applications. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement provides:

· The rights to the latest Microsoft Enterprise software products, including Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007, Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007, Windows Vista Enterprise, Microsoft Core Client Access License (CAL) Suite, and Microsoft Enterprise Client Access License (ECAL) Suite.

· Software Assurance; a powerful combination of benefits that include new version rights, the Home Use Program (HUP), and many other advantages, including support, tools, and training.

· Additional products with a broad selection of Microsoft business software products. Examples of products offered as additional products include Microsoft Office Visio® 2007 drawing and diagramming software, Microsoft Office Project, the Windows Server® operating system, and Microsoft Exchange Server.

· Enterprise products.

· An annual True Up so the Department can run software on desktop PCs as they are acquired.

· Step Ups so that the Department can migrate software licenses and the flexibility to upgrade software as the Department needs to gradually increase.

Additionally, the Department will achieve the below cost savings:

· The ability to continue to have standardized IT choices across the Department, allowing the Department to tap into the latest technology at a substantial savings.

· Software Assurance benefits that offer a broad range of tools and solutions to help the Department get the most out of the Department’s software investment.

If the Department decided to use another product, it would cost the Department a considerable amount of money and resources to replace Microsoft software. Microsoft software is installed across the enterprise and meets the Department’s requirements. Switching from Microsoft software would have a unquantifiable effect the Department, not allowing the Department achieve its mission of serving America’s students.