Gartner Alerts Clients to Review Microsoft Software Licensing Agreements Now to Prepare for July 31, 2002 Deadline

Business Wire, May 21, 2002

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2002

Analysts at Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT and ITB) are advising clients to immediately review their Microsoft software licensing agreements. After a July 31, 2002 deadline, Microsoft software customers will no longer be able to sign Select version 5 agreements, purchase Upgrade Advantage on noncurrent version licenses or enroll their current version licenses in Software Assurance. Gartner is urging clients to evaluate their Microsoft licensing requirements and renegotiate immediately where appropriate.

The Select version 6 agreement will replace Select version 5 agreements that will not be available after July 31. The Gartner report "Microsoft UA and Select v.5: Won't Be Available for Long" outlines the terms and conditions that led to Gartner's distinct preference for the version 5 agreement. Gartner is advising clients to avoid Select version 6 agreements in favor of entering into a new Select version 5 agreement before July 31, 2002.

"This deadline has already been extended twice and most likely will not be extended again," said Gartner analyst Alvin Park. "Clients who miss the July 31 deadline could pay up to 45 percent more for their licenses at their next upgrade cycle. Act now to ensure that your company can hang onto Select version 5 agreements one last time, upon which to purchase Upgrade Advantage or Software Assurance on existing licenses before July 31, 2002."

"CIOs and technology teams don't need a surprise cost increase after July 31, 2002," said Park. "As Microsoft Upgrade Advantage and Select version 5 evaporate after July 31, so does the potential for significant savings."

About Gartner, Inc.

Gartner, Inc. is a research and advisory firm that helps more than 11,000 clients understand technology and drive business growth. Gartner's divisions are Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, Gartner Measurement and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. and consists of 4,300 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants, in more than 90 locations worldwide. The company achieved fiscal 2001 revenues of $952 million. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.