Microsoft to simplify software licensing

Microsoft has promised to publish a simplified version of its Product Use Rights document by July, in an effort to reduce confusion for customers.

The current version is over 100 pages long and crammed full of legal jargon. The revised document should be half the size, although none of the licensing terms will change.

Product Use Rights sets policies for software bought through volume licences. The document provides an overview of the licences required to use Microsoft software products available under the volume programme.

The document started expanding as Microsoft increased the number of software titles from 40 in 2002 to 70 in 2004.

Instead of listing all individual licences, the products will be divided into nine categories to eliminate repetition.

Microsoft adapts its licensing programme on a quarterly basis.