By Simon Quicke

16 September 2008

The relationship between Becta and Microsoft appears to be improving as the schools body gets closer to resolving the dual problems that led it to complain to the Office of Fair Trading about school licensing agreements and interoperability.

Microsoft ran foul of Becta because of apparent interoperability problems in its Office 2007 product as well as its schools licensing.

What appears to have eased the impasse is the recent announcement from Microsoft that it is providing in-built support on Office 2007 for Open Document Format, which will give schools the chance to use a wider range of software.

The vendor is also running a pilot programme with its licensing to introduce more flexibility for schools.

Despite the moves Becta has not withdrawn its original compliant to the OFT, made in October last year, and was standing by its advice around Vista to take a cautious approach before considering an upgrade.

Michel Van der Bel, Vice-President, Public Sector International, Microsoft, said that it was working with Becta to improve interoperability to make sure it satisfied the needs of the education sector.

"We have been reviewing our school licensing arrangements in the light of educational policy developments and the issues that have been raised by Becta. We will introduce new licensing arrangements designed to deliver the flexibility demanded by the refreshed Harnessing Technology Strategy,” he added.

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta, said that discussions had produced results and it would continue to push for greater interoperability and flexibility for schools.