Hello everyone.
I've recently had to upgrade a computer for one of our systems in order to
comply with our IT departments requirements for reasonably up to date
Operating Systems. I've done this on numerous other Bruker systems in the
past and it necessitates the request for a new license to be generated for
the new computer.
This time they've added a new wrinkle.. a fee of $220 which is perhaps a
pittance in the NMR world, but enough to grate my nerves. In speaking with
our sales rep they claim that this has always been the policy and I've been
'lucky' to have gotten away with it in the past.
I'm curious if any other lab managers have been charged this fee to
transfer an existing license to a new computer when retiring an obsolete
computer.
I'm on the record with Bruker that I think it's outrageous. Frankly
upgrading computers in today's IT and security environment is an
inevitability. Just another way to nickel and dime your customer.
Bruker informs me that this fee is for the upkeep of our system database on
their end whereby they track changes, repairs and issues to our systems.
And this service is performed by a 3rd party which this fee offsets the
cost of.
Anyway, I'm would like some feedback and to hear the opinions of others on
this matter. Enough negative feedback may encourage a policy change.
Thanks,
--
Ken Knott
Department of Chemistry
Analytical Services
Virginia Tech
(540)267-6502 (Cell)
(540)231-0885 (Office)
Received on Fri Jul 01 2016 - 04:52:31 MST