Sun Microsystems Changes Software Maintenance Contract Terms

The Association of Service & Computer Dealers International (ASCDI) recently alerted members to Sun Microsystems' decision to change the pricing structure and discounts available for software maintenance and support. Previously, Sun end users could receive discounts when purchasing Solaris software-only support subscriptions, but that changes in December:

Sun Microsystems change in Solaris removes discounts for customers
Sun Microsystems recently announced a discount category change for Solaris Subscriptions (Basic, Standard and Premium) from Category K to Category D. (NON DISCOUNTABLE). This change is effective 12/12/2009.

This change affects end users who prefer to self-maintain their Sun hardware or who purchase third-party support contracts.

ASCDI strongly recommends that all Sun dealers immediately notify their customers about this change. Customers may be forced to purchase both hardware and software maintenance from Sun if they want to take advantage of discounts, ASCDI noted:

"This is in essence forcing the bundling of Hardware and Software from Sun, for products that were previously available as separate offerings."

As of December 13, end users should visit the Solaris Software Support area of Sun's Web site to purchase support subscriptions instead of contacting a Sun reseller.

Tradeloop is a member of ASCDI, which is a worldwide, nonprofit organization, made up of companies who provide technology business solutions, technical support and value added services to the business community.