Microsoft offers big-client deals
Seattle PI | at | by Mike
Microsoft will offer its biggest customers more flexible contracts to counter rivals that sell subscriptions to programs over the Internet. Customers will get automatic discounts when they spend a certain amount and will be bumped to higher prices more slowly, said Chris Blackley, Microsoft's director of licensing and pricing. Previously, customers had to commit to buying a certain amount of software over three years.
The program, called Select Plus, will be offered worldwide in October, giving customers more freedom to change their software purchases. Microsoft is trying to make its products more attractive as customers weigh Web-based alternatives from Salesforce.com and Google.