The Supreme Court of the State of New York has reached a settlement with Microsoft in relation to those who purchased its products between May 18th, 1994 and December 31st, 2004. This applies to purchasers in New York State only and is limited to those who purchased the products in an "indirect purchase". Generally this means that the software was bundled with the purchase of computers.

This settlement will provide vouchers for the purchase of computers and software. The value of vouchers offered is:

• $12 for each license of Windows 95, 98, 98SE or ME
• $5 for each license of other eligible versions of Windows or MS-DOS
• $5 for each license of Office, Excel or Word.

Claim forms can be submitted by your firm for the issue of vouchers and should be received by October 18th, 2006.

There are provisions for the transfer of vouchers to other parties and for the donation of vouchers to charitable organizations.

Further details of this class action settlement can be found at www.microsftNYsettlement.com or by calling 1-800-372-2368.

It appears that the form is not especially complex or difficult to complete. We encourage our clients to take advantage of this offer.

If you do nothing you will not automatically receive any vouchers. There is a procedure to exclude yourself from the suit and preserve your right to sue Microsoft.

How Can Net@Work Assist?

There are three things Net@Work can do to assist you in this matter -

• Accept any vouchers you may receive as part of payment for software or hardware purchases.
• Provide copies of past invoices in an attempt to support your claim - but the main "proof of purchase" is the Microsoft Product ID Key which is provided with all Microsoft products. Invoices are generally not necessary.
• Assist clients in the preparation and submission of claims.

*Please note that this is a "layman's interpretation" of a rather complex series of documents and is not intended to be a definition of your rights in this matter.

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