Microsoft extends controversial licence scheme

Microsoft has extended the deadline of its controversial Software Assurance licensing plan for Office XP.

Software Assurance forces Microsoft customers to upgrade Windows and other software applications on a periodic basis, taking the decision out of customers' hands.

Although the scheme will save money for businesses that upgrade their software on a regular basis, it will force companies that upgrade less frequently to pay more.

Office XP customers now have until 28 February 2002, rather than 1 October 2000, to make the
change.