Redmond Negotiator

Survey Says... [online only] July 2007 • by Scott Braden Scott reveals the results of our recent reader licensing survey and answers several reader questions. full story

Will Microsoft Ever Change Its Licensing Ways? [online only] June 2007 • by Scott Braden No, Microsoft will not be "nicer" next time around. Deal with it. full story

Microsoft Licensing Survey and Contest! [online only] May 2007 • by Scott Braden Here's your chance to win consulting time or a Redmond T-shirt just by letting Scott know your most pressing licensing questions! Plus, why you don't want to let the the "tail wag the dog" when it comes to software. full story

The More Things Change... [online only] March 2007 • by Scott Braden Scott looks at the fairly static state of Microsoft negotiations, and what you can do about it. full story

Accurate Thinking [online only] February 2007 • by Scott Braden Knowing what you have (and having the ability to prove it) is key to saving money on your licensing fees. full story

Dealing with Multiple Microsoft Licensing Agreements January 2007 • by Scott Braden You can almost always bring these together -- and save money in the process. Our licensing guru Scott Braden shows you how. full story

2007 Licensing Resolutions December 2006 • by Scott Braden Our licensing and negotiation guru Scott Braden walks you through what you can do now make sure your Microsoft licensing costs stay in check through the new year. full story

Microsoft's Stealth Price Hike November 2006 • by Scott Braden Microsoft helps its quarter but hurts its customers by holding back details on price hikes -- more than quadruple on some products -- during the all-important October budget season. full story

A Redmond Negotiator Mulligan Stew [online only] October 2006 • by Scott Braden Tips, tidbits and other news from our Microsoft negotiating guru Scott Braden. full story

Getting Serious About Microsoft Alternatives [online only] September 2006 • by Scott Braden Scott offers realistic steps for gaining the ultimate bargaining chip when dealing with Microsoft: a willingness to move to something else. full story

SA 'Reparations' vs 'Incentives': What's in a Name? [online only] August 2006 • by Scott Braden The real scoop on how Microsoft is handling accounts burned by Software Assurance, and what you can do about it. full story

Is Microsoft's SAM Just a Shakedown in Disguise? [online only] July 2006 • by Scott Braden While Software Asset Management once showed promise for customers, Braden warns that the way Microsoft appears to be implementing the program should raise red flags. full story

Last-Minute Deal Tips June 2006 • by Scott Braden About to sign on the dotted line with Microsoft? You still have time to get the best deal possible. full story

Why Does Microsoft Keep Its Volume Pricing Secret? May 2006 • by Scott Braden Hey Microsoft, want to really help your customers? Publish your volume licensing price list! (Yes, all of it!) full story

Patents, Patches and Patently Absurd Ideas [online only] April 2006 • by Scott Braden Microsoft's most recent patch Tuesday wasn't just about security, it also patched a licensing problem. Here's why you can expect to see more patches like this in the future, and why patches won't be the end of it. full story