PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Microsoft has said it will make Office 2013 licenses transferable following fallout from users who condemned the firm’s initial restrictions.
Users will now be able to switch their software’s license to a different machine every 90 days – or even sooner in the event of system failure.
Despite introducing a host of new features, Office 2013 also brought in an amendment to the software’s licensing terms, which prohibited users from transferring their product license to another machine – even in the case of loss or theft.
Initially the software was tied to a user’s specific system, which meant that once the user has sold, broken or upgraded to a new machine, the license was effectively rendered useless.
Microsoft has moved to settle unsatisfied users by allowing Office 2013 licenses to be transferable between machines, whilst addressing further concerns over damaged machines. However, it remains unclear if a user will be granted the opportunity to transfer their license in the event of loss or theft.
The firm has updated the licensing terms of its newest Office product, which now mirror those of Office 2010, stating: "Can I transfer the software to another computer or user? You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you, but not more than one time every 90 days (except due to hardware failure, in which case you may transfer sooner)."
"If you transfer the software to another computer, that other computer becomes the ‘licensed computer’."
Microsoft has said the changes are immediate and will now apply to all of its Office products, including Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013, Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013, Microsoft Office Professional 2013 and the standalone Microsoft Office 2013 software.
The sixth annual PCR Awards are taking place at the Royal Garden Hotel on March 14th and there are only a few seats remaining! If you want to make sure you’re there to celebrate the best of the UK IT and tech industry, then contact Carly Bailey to book your place…
