http://www.microsoft.com/BackOffice/forum/mssqa.htm (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
WHAT IS THE MICROSOFT SOLUTION SERVER?
Microsoft Solution Server is a structured 120 day evaluation program
intended to help organizations conduct a thorough evaluation of
the Microsoft BackOffice and related applications. The Microsoft
Solution Server kit is provided by Microsoft through a Microsoft
Solution Provider who works with the customer to ensure a successful
evaluation.
WHAT MICROSOFT SOFTWARE IS INCLUDED IN THE SOLUTION SERVER
KIT?
The latest released version of the following products are
in each Solution Server kit:
Microsoft BackOffice (Window NT Server, SQL Server, SNA Server,
Systems Management Server and Mail Server (Exchange when available))
Windows NT Workstation
Microsoft Windows95
Visual Basic Professional
Microsoft Office95 Professional
Microsoft TechNet
Solution Server Step-by-Step CD
HOW MANY SERVER AND CLIENT LICENSES ARE GRANTED DURING THE
EVALUATION?
The Solution Server license agreement specifies that during the
120 day evaluation period up to 2 servers may be configured and
up to 50 client workstations. This license is only valid for
120 days.
DOES THE LICENSE AGREEMENT APPLY OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA?
Kits ordered by US and Canadian based SPs may only be used in
the US and Canada. For Solution Server access outside the US
SPs will need to work with their local Microsoft Subsidiary representative.
Note: Some subsidiaries may not support this program.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SOLUTION SERVER PROGRAM TO CUSTOMERS?
Customers receive a comprehensive evaluation kit and work with
a Microsoft Solution Provider who provides installation assistance
and product support during the evaluation. Customers evaluate
the products for up to 4 months prior to making a final purchase
decision. Each Solution Server kit is delivered with the Solution
Server Step-by-Step CD which takes the evaluation team through
a hands-on evaluation of the Microsoft BackOffice. Microsoft
includes support information on the Microsoft Technet CD in each
kit so the team can research technical topics and present their
findings.
Each MS-SP may employ their own site qualification process and
marketing initiatives. The following are criteria that many Solution
Provider's have used with the Solution Server program.
- Does my customer need to make a near term purchase decision?
- Is there a specific business need addressed by Microsoft BackOffice?
- Is there interest in migrating from /integrating with platform
such as UNIX, Netware or OS/2?
- Will my customer provide at least 1 employee to conduct and
manage the evaluation?
- Is my customer willing to pay for a minimum 8 hours of consulting
or support?
- Is my customer likely to purchase multiple servers and additional
professional services?
HOW LONG HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN RUNNING AND HOW LONG WILL IT
LAST?
The Solution Server program was launched in October of 1994 and
will run through fiscal year 1996.
HOW CAN WE RECEIVE A SOLUTION SERVER?
The Solution Server Program is available exclusively through Microsoft
and Microsoft Solution Providers. Each Solution Provider may
request a sign-up packet through the 800-SOL-PROV phone number.
The SP should complete and sign the Solution Server Request form
contained in the packet and have their customer review the request
form and sign it as well. By signing this form the customer agrees
to receive the kit, use it for evaluation purposes and to review
the license contained in the kit. SPs return the completed form
along with payment - $49.95 US/$69.95 Canadian per kit requested
for SP-Members, NO charge for SP-Partners. A kit
will then be shipped directly to the SP for delivery to the customer.
HOW MANY KITS CAN EACH SOLUTION PROVIDER RECEIVE?
There are no limits on the number of kits that an individual Solution
Provider may receive - however Microsoft reserves the right to
limit availability on a case by case basis. The only restriction
for Solution Providers is the nominal cost per kit for Solution
Provider Members.
HOW MANY KITS CAN EACH CUSTOMER RECEIVE?
Given the goals of the program Microsoft will limit the number
of kits an individual customer receives to ONE KIT PER CUSTOMER
SITE. A separate Solution Server Request form must be submitted
for each site and each request form should be signed by the site
evaluation manager. The Solution Provider remains responsible
for each kit with any given customer and must provide product
support for each of these sites. It is to the Solution Provider's
benefit to limit the number of evaluations with any customer in
order to move the customer through the evaluation process to a
purchase decision.
CAN CUSTOMERS KEEP THE KIT?
NO. The kit is NOT to be left with the customer beyond their
120 evaluation period. The Solution Provider must retrieve and
destroy the kit and its contents. The customer must delete all
software products unless an appropriate and legal license has
been purchased, in which case the software need not be de-installed.
NOTE: "Adjunct" products may be retained by the customer.
Adjunct products are described in the Solution Server License
Agreement included with each Solution Server kit. Adjunct products
include Microsoft Technet and the Solution Server Step-by-Step
CD.
WE WANT TO EVALUATE OTHER 3RD PARTY PRODUCTS DURING THE SOLUTION
SERVER EVALUATION PERIOD, IS THIS ALLOWED?
YES. During the 120 day evaluation period Microsoft encourages
customers and Solution Providers to evaluate any of the thousands
of applications that run on Windows NT Server and in conjunction
with other BackOffice applications. The customer, Solution Provider
and third party software company must negotiate the terms of any
such evaluation.
HOW DOES THE CUSTOMER MAKE THE PURCHASE AND WHAT IS THE PRICE?
The Solution Server kit itself is NOT for sale and must always
be retrieved by the Solution Provider at the end of the evaluation.
Customers will acquire Microsoft software products through existing
lines of distribution. Microsoft products will be offered
at standard pricing levels.
HOW WILL MICROSOFT MAKE CUSTOMERS AWARE OF THE PROGRAM?
During the coming year Microsoft will continue to promote the
Solution Server to its own field, in tradeshows and in print ads
for the Microsoft BackOffice.
WILL MICROSOFT PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT DURING THE EVALUATION?
Microsoft PSS support is NOT available as part of the program..
The Solution Provider is responsible for supporting all Solution
Server evaluation sites they undertake. Solution Providers are
entitled to ask customers to pay for such support as part of the
Solution Provider's service offering.
IS THE SP REQUIRED TO INSTALL / SUPPORT ALL THE MICROSOFT
PRODUCTS IN THE MSS KIT?
NO. Microsoft requires that a complete kit be delivered to the
customer BUT recommends that each Solution Provider work with
their customer to FOCUS the evaluation on only those products
or applications that make sense for the customer. The kit has
been carefully designed to fit a wide range of evaluations plus
customers may want to "explore" several of the products
on their own.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE THAN 120 DAYS TO EVALUATE THESE PRODUCTS?
The Solution Server program is a fixed 120 day evaluation. If
you need more than 120 days of no-cost products to make a purchase
decision work with your Microsoft field representative.
I NEED EVALUATION HARDWARE AS WELL, HAS MICROSOFT SET-UP ALLIANCES
TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE?
YES. Microsoft and several hardware manufacturers have teamed
up to offer a complete hardware and software Solution Server offering.
These hardware manufacturers have a limited supply of evaluation
hardware and will rigorously qualify each opportunity - the hardware
manufacturers have complete discretion in such situations and
may reject any request for evaluation hardware which is outside
the limits of their site criteria. To receive a list of hardware
manufacturers participating in the program use the Microsoft Faxback
services - (206) 635-2222 and request document #160.
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