I agreeto Idea Stop Double Pay to Microsoft
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Stop Double Pay to Microsoft

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Yes

We buy computers from Dell. Each computer comes with a license from Microsoft. (Sticker with license key) We then buy an Enterprise license to install Windows (any version) on that computer. Dell sells computers without Windows. We can buy our computers without Microsoft licenses, and then install our Enterprise software. (Volume Licensing)

We never use the preinstalled version, and we never use the license key we pay for that comes with the computer. Currently, Microsoft gets payment for two copies of Windows for every computer we purchase.

We can save millions across the government.

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Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

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Comments (14)

  1. Community Member

    If this is indeed true, it should be easy to buy the computers without the OS. Each agency or part of an agency has a OS build for specific requirements so the license may work the best.

    2 years ago
    0
  2. Community Member

    This is indeed true. I have been trying to get this idea through for a couple of years now. The 'reason' or 'excuse' for continuing to purchase computers with the OEM license is that the 'system' does not allow the purchasing agent to request computers without OEM licenses.

    One simple change and we could save millions!

    2 years ago
    0
  3. Community Member

    Does the idea reduce costs in a way that is concrete and quantifiable?

    Yes, this plan will halve Government spending on operating systems

    Does the idea improve the way that government operates by:

    * Improving the quality of output at lower costs; or

    * Simplifying processes to reduce administrative burden; or

    * Improving the speed of government operations to improve efficiency?

    This idea will reduce the cost of Life Cycle Management of all DOD workstations.

    Does the idea have a tangible impact on citizens’ lives or environment?

    Yes, this plan will halve Government spending on operating systems, saving tax payer dollars and possibly opening government workstations to Linux.

    Is there a clear and practical plan for implementing the idea?

    Simply negotiate with Dell, HP and other computer distributors to not include redundant licenses with their hardware products.

    Will it be possible to begin realizing savings immediately?

    Yes. The next purchase of workstation computers should not be made before this idea has become a reality.

    2 years ago
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  4. Community Member

    I Agree.... discontinue the double purchase practice and do it with forthought not hindsight.

    2 years ago
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  5. Community Member

    2 years ago
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  6. Community Member

    Here is an example of the redundant Microsoft license that we spend tax dollars on:

    http://cdnsupport.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Gateway/450RGH/productKey.gif

    2 years ago
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  7. Community Member

    The savings are hard to calculate. If I knew how many computers we have purchased, I could put it together.

    The OEM version of Windows usually adds $80 - $120 to the price of each computer.

    2 years ago
    0
  8. Community Member

    I vote to start buying Macs. They can be dual booted, with Windows and/or Linux. It would take some to migrate to Mac, but I think most people would like it more. Many advantages, like being more robust, energy efficient, faster, and better looking.

    2 years ago
    0
  9. Community Member

    Why is this not reported to the AG so they can get the federal money back from MS with interest for "knowing about this"? AG??

    2 years ago
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  10. Community Member

    If we continue to buy two copies of Windows for each computer knowing this, it is a crime.

    2 years ago
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  11. Community Member

    It has been brought to my attention that there are 2.1 million federal workers. Assuming one computer per worker, this idea will save $160,000,000 to $ 240,000,000 per year.

    This number could be larger if you factor in servers, laboratory computers and kiosk systems that are installed in addition to employee work computers.

    2 years ago
    0
  12. Community Member

    Hello,

    First off I want to say I like your idea! It amazing how stuff like this just slips through the crack. "Oh it's only a couple million here or a hundred billion there. It's just the tax payers money no big deal." Well as we can see from a lot of these ideas it's a big deal to us!!!

    Below are a few ideas I thought you might be interested in. Please feel free to vote or comment with your thoughts. I would love to get some constructive feedback.

    Thanks,

    Tony<><

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Huge-Fuel-Savings/117877-13060

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Paperless--electronic--Flight-Publications/120771-13060

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Computer-cloud-system--Billions-saved-/120807-13060

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/No-more-fuel-dumping--Millions-saved-/120828-13060

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Fair-Tax--Save-Billions!-/120982-13060

    http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Use-of-year-end-funds--SOLAR-WIND-GREEN-/120993-13060

    2 years ago
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  13. Community Member

    I have been providing computer support as part of my job for nearly 30 years for USDA in addition to owning my own computer consulting service at home since 1990.

    The negative statements about Macs are unwarrented and untrue. Macs are more secure (less viruses), easier to use, easier to network, more creative platform, etc., etc. Open Office is free and will run any Microsoft Office application on a Mac.

    I run Windows, Linux and Mac at home. Linux or UNIX should be on all our government networks and servers as they were in the past, Macs for everyday users and Windows reserved just for games and entertainment. Windows is the least secure OS but great for games!

    The problem with govt. IT now is we have no IT specialists anymore that know anything but Windows. We ran for years with zero down time for viruses when we had UNIX on all our servers.

    2 years ago
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  14. Community Member

    I am sure that if the US Government requested hardware without Windows, the vendors would comply. We are talking about millions of dollars in contract monies.

    2 years ago
    0