fbpx
News Articles

Microsoft software discounts available via SBC cooperative purchasing plan


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Microsoft computer software is now available at discounted rates to Southern Baptist churches, associations and state conventions with 501 (c)(3) federal tax-exempt status, according to Jim Carter, vice president of the finance and business services division at LifeWay Christian Resources.

Also, he said, ministries such as children’s homes and disaster relief units are eligible to participate. Healthcare organizations and private foundations are not eligible.

“This is the latest cooperative purchasing agreement that has been developed by SBC entities as part of efforts to leverage our buying power and free up operational funds for ministry and missions,” Carter said.

Through the new Microsoft Charity Open Licensing Plan, he said Microsoft Office 2000 is available for $43.12 compared to a list price of $449. Frontpage 2000, which lists for $239, costs $37.30, and Publisher, $125 list price, costs $27.21. Documentation and media kits are sold separately, also at discounted rates. The initial order from any new customer is 10 units, but subsequent orders can be placed for single units.

Carter said interested persons may contact ASAP Software by calling Andrew Zaehler at 1-800-361-8939 or e-mailing him at [email protected]. A list of other authorized providers is available on the Internet at www.microsoft.com/enterprise/licensing.

In addition to Microsoft software, purchasing agreements are available to all SBC organizations on computers, office supplies and relocation services.

The agreement for computer hardware and peripherals is with the Dell Computer Corporation. Purchases can be made in one of two ways. By Internet, a dedicated website for SBC entities is available at www.dell.com/premier. Interested persons may visit the site and set up a new password using the account code: Southern Baptist and access key: city148. By phone, call Dell’s toll-free number, 1-888-806-3355, and identify yourself as a Southern Baptist entity.

Boise Cascade Office Products offers office supplies through local dealers. Orders may be placed by fax, phone, e-mail or the Internet. Products will be delivered the next day. Call Pam Mayberry of Boise at 1-800-608-8389, ext. 5654, and express interest in participating under the Southern Baptist contract.

Mayflower relocation services are offered by Apex at a discount of 57 percent off the published tariff rates on the moving of household goods. A 40 percent discount is provided for storage. Call Janet Jones or Nancy Wyatt at 1-800-766-1902 or visit Apex on the Internet at www.apexmoving.com/sbc.htm.

“Through the negotiation by representatives of SBC entities, we are pleased to offer these contracts which provide a consistent level of quality and pricing for the continental United States,” Carter said. “However, in the interest of stewardship, we still advise all interested participants to do comparison shopping.”
–30–

    About the Author

  • Staff