[There's a reason that Yoda is the unofficial mascot of SBS. Size indeed matters not.] The hidden costs of Microsoft - THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE SBS "DIVA"
Sun, Jul 19 2009 17:17 bradley

The hidden costs of Microsoft

http://industry.bnet.com/technology/10002712/the-hidden-cost-of-microsofts-free-online-office-suite/

Dear Mr. Hinkins.  When writing an article about Microsoft that includes licesning, it's a minefield.  I don't know who you spoke to that quoted you that to stand up a SharePoint Server costs $4,400 plus cals, but they aren't quoting the SharePoint fees that I'm familar with.

But wait – there’s more! A Microsoft spokesperson told me that customers will need to buy a SharePoint server, which ranges from $4,400 plus CALs or $41,000, all CALs included if they want to share documents using the online version of Office 2010.

So let’s recap this notion of a free online Office suite for business:

  • You need a SharePoint server and license in order to collaborate, and either:
    • You need to pay license fees for an on-premise version of Office 2010 or
    • You need to pay an as-yet-unspecified subscription fee.
  • '

You need to be aware that there are TWO SharePoints out there.. one is the SharePoint Server 2007 that probably does cost a farm in Texas and is about the price tag you state, but I'll bet you that's not what is being referred to here.  There is another version of SharePoint that is a free download.  As long as you use SQL express and are small, you stick it on a box and it's free.  In my office my Windows cals cover my licensing.

I'll bet you the SharePoint they are referring to is the hosted BPOS variety of which there are two.... one they call the "deskless" version that is read only, the other is an interactive one that you can save to.  None of them cost $44,000 unless you stand up your own SharePoint Server 2007.  https://mocp.microsoftonline.com/Site/Default.aspx BPOS suite which includes SharePoint is $15 a seat. 

The hidden costs of Microsoft is the headache that you get trying to figure out their licensing.  But I SERIOUSLY DOUBT that I will need to write a check to MIcrosoft for $44,000 to "rent" a SharePoint.

Windows SharePoint Servers is the OTHER SharePoint.  The one that small businesses use now.

The Offce LIve that is a modified SharePoint is of similar cheap price tag.  So Mr. Hinkins, get that calculator back out again.  Because you don't need to spend $4,400 to stand up a SharePoint http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/sharepoint/default.aspx

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