Important Microsoft Licensing Changes

Microsoft has announced that in August 2011, Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) and LyncTM Server Standard CAL will be added to the Core CAL Suite.

These changes will help align the on-premises platform with Microsoft’s online offerings such as Office 365 and Windows Intune.

Lync Server Standard CAL and Forefront Endpoint Protection will be moving into Core CAL to help deliver the essential capabilities that every user needs.

Lync Standard is the entry level version of Microsoft’s next-generation instant communications tool, and allows for PC-to-PC calling, conference calling, among several other rich features.

Forefront Endpoint Protection combines desktop security and management.

Our preliminary information indicates price increase of 3% for the Professional Desktop, Core CAL SA price increasing by 14% and Core CAL L&SA increasing by 10% . This pricing is estimated and will not be finalised by Microsoft until the release in August.

If you would like to deploy Lync or Forefront Endpoint Protection prior to August 2011or wish to better understand how these changes impact your organisation, contact your Form IT Solutions account manager today..