Microsoft
Why Softcat for Microsoft?
As a flagship Gold Partner we have built a rich understanding of Microsoft technology, renowned for our ability to deliver solutions across the entire product portfolio.
We have been universally recognised by Microsoft for our dedication to customer excellence, born out of an approach focussed on understanding our customer’s specific requirements, current position and taking a long-term view. An easy claim to make, but few substantiate it like us following serial accolades and a genuine even handed attitude thanks to our vendor independence.
Following a recent independent audit of Microsoft’s UK Channel it was commented of Softcat:
Norden Associates – Large Account Reseller Channel Audit, on behalf of Microsoft
There aren’t many partners that can boast Microsoft credentials like ours, thanks to our dedicated Microsoft practice:
- Top five UK partner
- Microsoft Large Account Reseller – for the last 10 years
- 80 Microsoft experts - more than any other partner in the UK
- Hold more Volume Licensing Agreements than any other partner in the UK
- Enterprise Software Advisor
- Gold Volume Licensing Partner
- Cloud Accelerate Partner
- Licensing Solutions Partner of the Year
- SAM Partner of the Year
So, we’re on hand to assist you with all things Microsoft:
Licensing - through our dedicated practice, plus valuable services like our Agreement Engagement Plan to help you get the most from your software agreement
SAM – reassuring asset management services to avoid over or under licensing and ensure on going compliance
Deployment – thanks to a comprehensive service portfolio we deliver across a range of Microsoft technologies
Maintenance – impressive software support via our extensive team of experts
Managed Services – leave your Microsoft solution in the hands of our experts, delivered on site, through the cloud or a combination of both
Microsoft news
Softcat Expert Series - Office 2013
Sam Routledge quizzes Lara Kingwell, Microsoft's Launch Lead for Office 2013 on what's new, Office for touchscreen devices and how to buy Office and Office 365
Some predictions for 2013
Happy New Year from all at Softcat! Once again we thought we would start the year off with a few predictions for what we expect to happen over the course of the year. Rather than this being simply some predictions in isolation, we’ve made a few suggestions as to how you might be able to respond to, or take advantage of, these trends
Softcat Expert Series - Office 365
Microsoft online services have been available since April 2009. Now known as Office 365 the solution has begun to accelerate in innovation, development and a rapidly growing user base. We ask Ted Schultz from Microsoft what their cloud service can offer to benefit customers.
Softcat Expert Series - Windows Server 2012
Sam Routledge, Softcat's solutions director meets up with Wayne Meyer to ask about the new release of Windows Server 2012. In this short video they discuss topics such as how this new release simplifies virtual machines, virtual networks and virtual storage. The new structure of how Windows Sever is licensed is covered along with how Windows Server acts as a fantastic access point to the cloud and finally BYOD becomes a reality.
Softcat Expert Series - Virtualisation and Management
Softcat's Sam Routledge catches up with Nick Pape, Microsoft's Virtualisation and Management Partner Technology Advisor to discuss Virtualisation and Management of solutions from Mobile and Desktop through to Server Infrastructure. Microsoft products can help you realise a true self service or BYOD IT infrastructure regardless of how big or how small your organisation may be.
Important changes to Microsoft products announced
With the launch of new Microsoft products starting from 1st December 2012, we can now confirm the following suite changes and consolidation along with various price rises.
Microsoft Client Access Licensing rules to change
Effective 1st December 2012 Microsoft is making a change to the pricing of the “User” option when specifying Client Access Licences (CALs).
Office 2013 & SharePoint 2013 Released to Manufacturing
This is the most ambitious release of Office Microsoft have ever done. It spans the full family of Office applications, servers and cloud services. The new Office has a fresh, touch friendly design that integrates perfectly with the up-coming release of Windows 8.
Important Changes to MS Forefront Product Roadmaps
As a result of Microsoft’s move to align security and protection solutions with the workloads and applications they protect, Microsoft is announcing changes to the roadmaps of some of the security solutions made available under the Forefront brand.
Microsoft launch Windows Server 2012
Microsoft Corp. today announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012 at a global online launch event. Windows Server 2012 expands the definition of a server operating system, incorporating traditionally separate technologies, such as advanced storage, networking, virtualisation and automation capabilities.
Maybe VDI could be the answer to BYOD, after all?
I had an interesting thought regarding the use of VDI (hosted virtual desktops) as a way to enable a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ policy....... Sam Routledge, Softcat Solution Director shares his thoughts.
Microsoft unveils the new Office
CEO Steve Ballmer has unveiled the customer preview of the new Microsoft Office, available at office.com/preview. The next release features an intuitive design that works beautifully with touch, stylus, mouse or keyboard across new Windows devices, including tablets.
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 – line up and licensing changes
Indications are that Microsoft’s next release of its server operating system will bring consolidation both in terms of the available editions and the associated licensing.
Softcat listed in top three Microsoft Partner of the Year finalists
Today, Softcat Limited announced it has been selected as a finalist for the Microsoft Software Asset Management Market Acceleration Partner of the Year Award.
Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows
Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation.
Microsoft July price increases lower than initial expectations
Microsoft has today confirmed their final UK pricing across Volume Licensing agreements as of 1st July. Preliminary indications issued last month stated that the July increases would be between 7.5% and 33.5%. Price changes will in fact be less, now confirmed as ranging from 1.7% to 25.9%, based on current exchange rates.
LSB pack up their troubles with the help of MS System Center
LSB are a vertically integrated industrial packaging and solutions provider, currently over 2000 employees across 9 countries and 15 sites. With a fragmented and siloed IT function spread across the three divisions of the business, along with multiple IT helpdesks and a mixed array of management software. They called on the expertise of Softcat and partner Apajove to implement a single Microsoft System Center solution to regain control and significantly cut costs.
Microsoft to increase UK pricing by an average of 29%
Now is a good time for thousands of UK-based organisations to review their options for buying and renewing Microsoft product licenses, says IT provider Softcat. Microsoft today announced that in two months’ time, on 1 July 2012, it will increase the UK prices of all of its products by an average of 29%. The change will affect corporate and government customers, but not customers in the education sector.
Windows 8 Preview launched
Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview — the next milestone of the Windows operating system. This latest preview will be made available for download starting today
Microsoft announce changes to UK pricing
Microsoft has made an important announcement regarding forthcoming changes in pricing policy that will effect all volume licensing customers within the EU and EFTA area. Beginning on 1st July 2012, prices charged will be aligned to Euro pricing at the prevailing exchange rate. Due to sustained currency differences, some EU/EFTA countries will see changes to non-euro pricing as we establish greater price consistency across Europe. Based on prevailing currency rates, we anticipate price adjustments for the British Pound on 1st July 2012, across all volume licensing programmes
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Microsoft discover sensitive data
Grid processing and incremental scanning were essential for Microsoft given the volume of data that we store."
Microsoft certifies Softcat as top cloud partner
Microsoft today certified Softcat as a "Cloud Champion" – one of its top cloud partners. The accolade recognises Softcat’s hard work and commitment in providing cloud solutions
Microsoft globally launches Office 365
Today, at media events around the world, Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of Microsoft Office 365, the company's newest cloud service.
Microsoft announces new licensing model
Microsoft confirms the new licensing model for System Center 2012, the latest release of Microsoft’s portfolio of management products; expected to be available from April.
December discount on Microsoft software for NHS
Softcat today announces that it can offer a substantial saving for NHS organisations who buy Microsoft software licenses during December 2011.