Microsoft buries hatchet with French IT users

After 10 years of correspondence, and tense relations over Software Assurance, Microsoft Corp. signed a long-term co-operation agreement with the IT club for large French businesses, CIGREF, on Thursday.

It’s a success for Jean-Pierre Corniou. Less than a week before giving up his seat as president of CIGREF, he signed a partnership agreement with Microsoft, formalizing the contact that the organization has had with the software developer for more than 10 years now. Even if he chooses not to stand for re-election, it’s a great way for Corniou to conclude his term in office. And although the partners see nothing but coincidence, his timing is good.

For Christophe Aulnette, chief executive officer (CEO) of Microsoft France, this agreement is also an excellent way to signal to the market a return to constructive relations with users, after more than 10 years of conflict. In the second quarter of 2001, the announcement of pricing for Software Assurance (Licensing 6.0) sparked off violent reactions from a number of customers, especially the members of CIGREF, and forced Microsoft to review its policy. The agreement is also a good way for the developer to assure its customers that it is listening, at a time when more and more of them are turning to open source alternatives.

A sign of the importance that Microsoft attaches to this partnership is that CEO Steve Ballmer, visiting Europe, had no hesitation in making a detour through Paris Thursday evening to sign the agreement at the same time as Aulnette and Corniou.

“The involvement of Steve Ballmer in person is a strong signal,” said S

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now