Microsoft releases volume license tool

Microsoft on Tuesday released an early version of an online tool designed to simplify license-related decisions.

Called the Product Licensing Advisor, the product is aimed for corporate customers who acquire Microsoft software through volume contracts. It presents customers with a list of questions to help make licensing decisions and can produce a report with an estimated price, according to Microsoft. A more full-featured edition of the tool is scheduled for release in the spring of 2006, a company representative said.