Early access, like to Windows 7, another benefit of Software Assurance
For many years now, I have been sharing information on the various aspects of Software Assurance and all of the things that it offers to business clients of all sizes. A short while ago, I even posted the Software Assurance: What you need to know, resources for you, answers, and more post, which pulls together some of the top requested posts and asked questions about Software Assurance into a single post to make it even easier for you to find. Well, another benefit of Software Assurance, that many clients are able to enjoy right now, is early access to the latest versions of software!
You may recall on the last release of Microsoft Office, we made the latest version available to clients with Software Assurance earlier than those purchasing through other channels outside of Volume Licensing. Well, with Windows 7, you now have that same option available again. As noted in my Windows 7 RTM’s! Availability for Partners and Customers post at the end of July, clients with Software Assurance on their Windows Desktop Operating Systems licenses will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), which means that you have access to the Windows 7 RTM bits right now.
So remember, Software Assurance is not just upgrade protection, as some people still think. Software Assurance offer much more beyond that and you can learn more in my Software Assurance: What you need to know, resources for you, answers, and more post if you are interested. For those of you with Software Assurance on your Windows Desktop Operating Systems licenses, be sure to head out to the Volume License Service Center (VLSC) to access your Windows 7 RTM bits.
Thank you and have a wonderful day,
Eric Ligman – Follow me on 
Global Partner Experience Lead
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
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