Donating Software?

nuxx asks: "I have a copy of Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition here, with 25 Client Access Licenses which I don't need. I don't want to throw it away, but because it's a Not For Resale copy, I can't list it on eBay. So, I'd like to give it to a charity. It's a completely new, unused, legal copy which was handed to me by a Microsoft rep a few weeks ago, so this should be legal to do. The problem is, I'm not really sure how to donate software to a charity. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you know of any resources available regarding how to send such donations and which organizations find them useful?"

Comments

Have you checked with the MS rep?

[Noryungi]

Two things:

1. Have you checked with your Mirosoft rep to make sure you can do this?
2. If "yes", then google it, I know there are web sites where non-profit orgs can post their needs.

This being said, I can't remember the web sites addresses right now. Google is your friend.

techsoup

[Mabonus]

I work at a non-profit, but not the do-goody tipe. Whenever someone asks where they can get donated software I usually hear a reference to http://www.techsoup.org/ - so I'd check there first.

Re:techsoup

[Anonymous Coward]

Techsoup Stock is the registered MS partner for their software donations. This means you can buy _any_ MS product for substainially reduced rates if you are a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Windows XP upgrades are $8 - Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition 64-bit is $160.
This is a fantastic resource for nonprofits and nonprofit IT managers (like me). They also offer software from Adobe, Symantec & Cisco equipment, amongst others. Excellent resource.
The answer to your question might be that it is actually cheaper & easier for many nonprofits to buy software than figure out the legalities of donating it! Or, if you can indeed donate it, donate it to a charity that is not able to meet techsoup's requirements.

Nate

NGO in need

[j35ter]

http://www.cwwpp.org/
They might need it, since their "server" runs XPpro and they get a bunch of volunteers to work there.
As for the legal stuff, you dont need to transfer this license, since the installation can be performed "in your name", hence you are still the owner of this product, but you grant the organisation an exclusive right to use this software (you dont sell or give away, you just let them use it instead of you)

If it seems to good to be true...

[KokorHekkus]

...then it probably is. I'm guessing the Not For Resale editions are only for developers and/or demos. For example the Windows XP EULA says:

10. NOT FOR RESALE SOFTWARE. Software identified as "Not For Resale" or "NFR," may not be sold or otherwise transferred for value, or used for any purpose other than demonstration, test or evaluation.

So NFR is Microsoft-legalspeak for "trial version" and I'd be very surprised if it meant something else in different software packages. br>
Source:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eul a.mspx

Re:If it seems to good to be true...

[Raynor]

It says 'transferred for value' so I think taking a tax cut for the donation is right out :)

But hey, i've been evalutating WinZip for a little while now... ... and it works pretty well. I think it needs more testing.

IMHO donating to charity shouldn't be a problem, but I agree: Check with the rep.

Re:If it seems to good to be true...

[badfish99]

If you've never opened the package then it would be hard to argue that you have consented to the EULA. Did the MS rep get you (or your employer) to enter into any other contract before he handed it to you?

Re:If it seems to good to be true...

[phorest]

My (multiple) copies of 2003 Enterprise Server (NFR) specifically states in the EULA that "The use of this software does not preclude you from using it in a production environment." The big word there seems to be "preclude"

There is even a little fly-sheet included in the book that further states (in effect) -You are very lucky to be the benefactor of Microsofts generous gift-

NFR software is a bit more than trialware and has all the functionality of the retail box version. I have personally bought multiple copies from online vendors, and use them daily in a production environment. Apparently someone is allowed to sell them, as I said before that I did buy them from a reputable Microsoft online reseller (Platinum level I believe).

I have even been able to reinstall it on completely new hardware more than once with a simple phonecall upon activation. I first became aware of NFR copies when I won one at a TechNet event several years ago.

eBay it as a "gift" then :)

[bigpresh]

because it's a Not For Resale copy, I can't list it on eBay.

So, list a CD case for sale on eBay, which comes with a *free gift* of a copy of Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition then :)

Tech soup has limits

[JoeCommodore]

The parent is right Techsoup is a great place to start, and as the other poster said the prices are pretty low so many may just prefer to buy from them.

But not every non-profit can benefit from the offerings at techsoup (depends on the 'donator' and thier restrictions) For microsoft the restrictions listed are:

"Microsoft products are not available for distribution to educational institutions (including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools), political organizations, religious organizations (except for those with a secular community designation), healthcare networks and healthcare research organizations, or private foundations. Please consult our complete list of ineligible organizations for more information."

Schools have thier own discounted licensing plan (might be higher $$ though), so if I wanted to help the unhelped I'd probably help my local church, foundation or healthcare research organization.