Software Upgrades
This page discusses the Software Assurance benefit Software Upgrades. Software Assurance allows TechSoup Canada product donation recipients to get free upgrades to new versions of their products released during the two years their Software Assurance is in effect. Software Assurance replaces the need to request upgrades for your organization's volume licensing products. Additionally, if you request more licenses from TechSoup Stock for a product that has undergone a version upgrade, the product will not count as another title toward your limit of six titles per donation cycle. The number of licenses you request will, however, count toward your limits of 50 licenses per title and one request per year.
License-Only Products
Under Microsoft's licensing terms, client access licenses (CALs), external connector licenses (ECLs), and management licenses (MLs) must be for a version equal to or later than their server software. For instance, without Software Assurance, Windows 2000 Server CALs would not be usable on Windows Server 2003; new ones would have to be obtained. With Software Assurance, the CALs are also usable on the upgraded product. Software Assurance upgrade benefits for licenses are automatic: you do not have to do anything to activate them.
Software upgrades can be obtained online, by phone, or by fax.
How to Obtain Upgrades Online
You can get downloaded versions and order discs online through Microsoft's eOpen Web site as described in the section titled "Obtaining Software and Setup Codes" of TechSoup Donation Recipients' Guide to the Microsoft eOpen Web Site (3.9-MB PDF). If discs are requested, Microsoft will send them by 2nd Day Air for a shipping and handling fee of $25.
How to Obtain Upgrades by Phone or Fax
You can call Microsoft Worldwide Fulfillment at (800) 248-0655 or contact them by fax at (800) 554-8281. They will need the agreement license and authorization numbers from the TechSoup Stock fulfillment email or the TechSoup Stock Order Status page. The shipping and handling fee is $2 more, or $27, if the order is placed by phone or fax.
After Your Benefits Expire
If your Software Assurance benefits have expired and you would like to obtain a new version of the software, you can request it through TechSoup Stock if the software is available and you are eligible to receive a new donation. You can also contact one of the Microsoft charity resellers listed in the upper right corner of the Microsoft Open License Charity Overview (nonprofit organizations) page or Microsoft Academic Open License (public libraries) page.
