Microsoft Financing - It Was Good While It Lasted

As per Karl Palachuk's blog, Microsoft Financing is no longer a viable option in the vast majority of situations anymore.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - under Steve Ballmer, Microsoft looks like flotsam being tossed wildly on an uncertain sea whereas previously they looked like a ship with a captain that knew how to sail.

Microsoft Financing now requires a 35% minimum Microsoft content to the deal. I know they keep putting their prices up in a world where everyone and everything else (within reason) is getting cheaper, but this is ridiculous. It means you cannot any longer finance your installation costs and maintenance under the same contract. It means that you cannot - almost guaranteed - finance an entire network deal under Microsoft Finance on the one contract - you'll need one purely for Microsoft content plus whatever you can squeeze under the 65% limit, and then either another contract for the rest, or payment up front.

There are many other easier options available to us which have now become viable. I wonder if Steve Ballmer meant to open our eyes up to the wide world of financing that is out there? Either way, he's done that. Thanks Steve - it is a shame we won't be able to use your product from now on.

Regards,

The Outspoken Wookie