Microsoft Announces a New Support Lifecycle Policy for Online Services

[JMH]

With the advent of new Online Services such as Windows Azure and Microsoft Office 365, the Microsoft Support Lifecycle team has focused on bringing the proven principles of predictable and consistent Support Lifecycle policies to Online Services provided via the cloud.

These new Online Services policies really break new ground in the industry for ensuring that Microsoft customers have the exciting benefits of Online Services – such as more rapid enhancements to products – while providing a predictable Support Lifecycle experience.

Historically, customers frequently purchased boxed software for on-premises use. This software was often licensed perennially and Microsoft provided specific Support Lifecycle timeframes for product support such as Mainstream Support and, in the case of Business and Developer products, Extended Support.

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