To Buy or Not to Buy?
The announcement this week for the new Verizon iPhone made me think about how people choose to embrace or reject new technology. If some brand new software or gadget comes out, there’s always a group of enthusiasts that jump right on it; whether it was the hybrid car, the Blueray disc, or even the first iPhone through AT&T.
But behind the excitement you will find a group of “hold-off-ers,” adhering to the belief that the first version of any new technology will fail. They won’t buy until all of the “kinks” are worked out. And yes, in some cases, it has been smart to wait on certain products (feel free to pat yourself on the back if you didn’t convert your entire VHS collection over to laserdisc.) But many companies provide you with a way to make sure your technological savvy won’t backfire. One of those companies I want to make an example of is Microsoft. A lot of people are hesitant to get the first release of any new software program. They want to wait for the SP2’s or the R2’s. But Microsoft, with all of their “thinking ahead”, has given us software assurance. This is not a new feature of their volume licensing program, but a benefit that has been around for a while. Not only does software assurance provide services and tools to help boost productivity, but it also gives you access to the latest version and updates for the software you are running. That way you can buy the software you want knowing when Microsoft does come out with service pack updates for their products, they will be available to you in all their glory and the “kinks” from the previous version will magically disappear.
Ok. So there’s a little bit more to it than that, but it provides good peace of mind to know that companies (not just Microsoft) are looking out for you in the update department. These companies are on to something and know that sending you in to the technological jungle of new products without providing a first aid kit is not always the best idea.
Now go ahead; don’t hold off on getting that Verizon iPhone or whatever hot new product you’ve had your eye on. Just check to see if they offer a “peace of mind” support package before you do.
For a deeper look in to Software Assurance Benefits: https://www.microsoft.com/library/errorpages/smarterror.aspx?correlationId=9BgYBaljIUi8aBOZ.0.3.0
-Erika Larson, PEI
