2 February 2012 – Microsoft announced today that pricing across the EU/EFTA region will be amended on 1^st July 2012 to show greater “price consistency” across Europe.

We are currently assessing the impact of these changes in detail, however early indications based on typical Euro/Sterling exchange rate volatility indicate that Microsoft’s policy change equates to a price increase of 20% in real terms.

As part of our on-going service to our customers, the Trustmarque team of account managers and licensing experts is available to guide you through the process of assessing the full spectrum of procurement route options available to you based on your unique circumstances and 12-36 month licensing strategy.

The general advice from Trustmarque is to act swiftly; we will therefore be in contact shortly to organise a joint approach.

Below is the official statement from Microsoft:

Due to sustained currency differences in the EU/EFTA region, some EU countries where Microsoft operates will see changes to non-Euro pricing as we establish greater price consistency across Europe.

In the UK, based on prevailing currency rates, we anticipate some adjustment in British Pound prices for software licenses sold through our volume licensing programmes from July 1^st 2012.

The exact extent of any price changes in July will be determined by future exchange rates between the British Pound and Euro. These will be published to our partners in June in accordance with our pricing policy. Partners will continue to determine final price and currency to customers for all indirect volume licensing agreements.