A lost advantage for Microsoft customers

One of Microsoft's older licensing programs ended yesterday, and the question now is what Upgrade Advantage customers will do next-- buy full versions of Windows and other applications or join the company's subscription-based Software Assurance. Those considering the latter route could borrow a page from European governments and businesses: Push Redmond hard--even if it means playing the "Linux" card-- for deep discounts and other concessions in your licensing terms.