Naturally, I could not believe that Microsoft would do such a thing, so I researched it for myself and came across this article very quickly.
http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240158770/Microsoft-hikes-software-costs-by-four-times-for-some-charities
The first sentence speaks for itself
"Specialist charities such as housing associations and social enterprises face paying nearly four times as much for Microsoft software due to licensing changes to be introduced by the software giant in September"
Further down the same article says
"Microsoft's private sector customers also face price hikes of up to 25% from 1 July, as the software giant tries to harmonise licensing terms across Europe. Businesses using the affected volume licensing agreements are some of the biggest in the world and Microsoft risks causing anger among some of its best customers as a result."
It is so easy to boost profits, in the middle of a recession, by massively increasing your prices if your customers are instituions and locked into your products. Doubtless this "decision" will lead to massive performance bonuses for super-rich executives somewhere along the line. This is not however, a "victimless" smash and grab, because every penny taken from Housing Associations is paid for by a cut in services or an increase in rent to some of the poorest people in our society. I will say no more.
