Microsoft

The ABC has been fighting this morning with an organisation people love to hate, - Microsoft. 

In the good old days, people would buy software products and upgrade to later versions, as and when the organisation could afford to do it. Organisations could upgrade when they felt it was necessary, desirable or affordable. Frequently these organisations were ones working in the Third Sector without the budgets available, of their profit making cousins. It was not just upgrading the product, the training cost and timing to moving to new software and getting the staff up-to-speed is crucial. Upgrade in your busy season, and it can be a recipe for business disaster. 

Microsoft have forced customers onto Office 365 with its annual fee. A Home Office user is now having to fork out a pricy £79.99pa which is all well and fine if you have it. £80 to those on low incomes, such as Jobseekers Allowance is a lot to find - the over 25 rate is just £73.10 per week.

Today, access to IT is not just desirable, it is a necessity. Without ITC (Information Technology and Communications) you cannot communicate with organisations, and job search. Products like Office are important in peoples lives, and without access to ITC, citizens are marginalised and excluded. 

We belive that our government should bring in legislation and a Code-of Conduct; such as those arrangements in the Water and Power industry, to stop people on low incomes (benefits) having their Internet or Microsoft account 'disconnected'. Disconnection should only happen after some formal process, that gives low income consumers protection. This should include the right to pay in installments at a reduced amount, to help those on unemployment benefits or very low incomes. 

There are some products that are so important to the future economy, that the rights of those who own them, may need to be partially set aside, for the greater public good. 

Bill Gates, is much admired for his charitable work, but perhaps he and Microsoft should pay some attention to those battling close to home. Customers caused hardship and stress by these policies that maximise Microsofts profits, but bring harm to their low income users searching for work.  

Microsoft - do not have a very transparent complaints procedure at all. In fact complaining to Microsoft is very difficult indeed, almost impossible. This needs urgent addressing.  

We strongly feel that this is an area the European Union should visit. Our challenge to Microsoft maybe somewhat David and Goliath, but Microsoft ought to take note who won that particular contest.  It wasn't Goliath, put it like that. 

The public can also use:

Open Office and Libre Office