General
Eligibility
Ordering
Processing
Fulfilment
Refunds and Returns
Software Assurance
Additional Information
For answers to general questions about the BiG Tech, including registration and placing an order, please see BiG Tech FAQ’s Program FAQs.
What is the Microsoft free Software Donations Program?
As part of Microsoft’s Affordable Access to Computing Program, Microsoft operates the Microsoft free Software Donations Program in partnership with BiG Tech, providing support and software donations to eligible Indian organisations.
Microsoft India aim is to build Indian prosperity, both socially and economically, through their Citizenship programs.
How can I find out if my organization is eligible?
Please see Microsoft Eligibility Criteria for further information.
How much software can my organisation request?
Each eligible organisation may request up to six software titles, and up to 50 user licenses per title, every two year period, with the following exceptions:
For server titles, organisations may request one server licence per title and up to 50 Client Access Licences (CALs). i.e. organisations may not order two copies of the same server title.
Server licences and accompanying CALs will, together, count as two separate titles towards the six-title limit.
Organisations may order additional licenses of software titles that they already received through the Microsoft free Software Donations Program (as part of their previous order within the two-year ordering cycle). This is true even if the current title is an upgraded version of the original software. Such orders will not count against the six-title limit. However, the total number of licenses requested for this title (between the two orders) may not exceed 50.
How often can my organisation request software?
Each eligible organisation may place a maximum of two orders (one per year) within a two-year period:
An organisation's first order initiates a two-year ordering cycle. After the ordering cycle has begun, an organisation must wait one full year before placing a second order. i.e. an organisation that ordered 01/07/06 may place a new order 01/07/07.
The combined total of products ordered in a two-year period may not exceed six titles and 50 user licenses per title (or one license per server title).
Once two years have passed since an organisation's original order, the order limits will be reset. i.e. a customer that placed an order on 01/07/06 may order six new titles and 50 licenses per title (or one license per server title) on 01/07/08.
Is there a minimum amount of products and software assurance that I need to order?
Microsoft's Open License Program specifies that an organisation must request at least five "seats" to be eligible for a donation through our system:
1 License = 1 Seat
1 Server Processor License = 5+ Seats
Please note: Licenses offered as 'processor licenses' automatically meet the five seat minimum because they come with unlimited clients.
Thus, an organisation must request at least 5 individual licenses or one 'processor license' to be eligible for a donation. Please see below for examples of orders that meet the five seat minimum:
Example 1
2 Publisher 2003 licenses
1 Project 2003 Standard Edition license
1 Visio 2003 Standard Edition license
1 Office 2003 Standard Edition license
Example 2
5 Office 2003 Standard Edition licenses
Example 3
1 SQL Server 2000 (1 processor license)
Example 4
1 Exchange Server license
4 Exchange Server Client Access Licenses (CALs)
Visit the Placing an Order page.
How soon will we get the software?
Once your order has been accepted and processed, the normal turnaround time for license requests is up to 14 days.
What format will my order come in, and how will I receive it?
Orders are fulfilled using Microsoft Open Licensing.
This means that instead of shipping full packaged product and paper licenses to you, you will receive:
Microsoft product media (ie: CDs) delivered by UPS.
An email advising you that your Open License order has been accepted and processed by Microsoft, which will include:
Your Authorisation and License Agreement numbers.
Directions on how to download licensing agreements from the Microsoft eOpen website.
Product licence key codes that can be used with the media to install the software.
What is Software Assurance? How does it apply to my donation?
Software Assurance is a Microsoft program that allows recipients to upgrade licenses to any new release of eligible products within two years of the initial request. This means free upgrades for software that comes with Software Assurance within this two-year period. Software Assurance replaces the need to request upgrades for your organisation's volume licenses.
Additionally, if you return to the online shop within the two-year ordering period to request additional licenses for a product that has undergone a version upgrade, it will not count as an additional title toward limit of six titles per two-year period. The number of licenses you order will, however, count toward the 50 licenses per title limit.
When you make a donation request for a Microsoft title or licenses in the online shop, the product description will state clearly if the product comes with Software Assurance. For products that come with Software Assurance, your organisation will receive free upgrades for two years from the time of your original donation request.
What should I do if I want to return my order?
Please e-mail us at bigtech@nasscomfoundation.org with 'Order Return Request' as the subject line, and include the following information in the text of your email:
o Organisation Name
o Registered Charity Number
o Order Confirmation Number
o Reason for return or refund request
How can I find out more about Microsoft?
One of the areas in which Microsoft works, to make a difference socially within Citizenship, is through Community Affairs. Microsoft has successfully established an extensive network of non-profit partners who they work with to support community-based programs and local projects which will enable more people to have access to technology. They give to a range of major charity projects both financially and through gifts in kind. In addition they support the investment of their employees in the community.
For more information about Microsoft’s wider Citizenship programs, please see Microsoft India Citizenship.
