Microsoft has come under fire from MP Bob Blizzard for 'hoovering* millions of pounds' unfairly from UK schools.

The software giant charges schools on a per seat licensing basis, in contrast with colleges and universities which pay an annual campus fee. Upshot, schools end up paying more than they should, according to Blizzard, MP for Waveney, who raised the matter in Parliament.

"I cannot see why schools should be treated differently from schools(sic) and colleges," Mr Blizzard said. "Microsoft is one of the world's richest companies and it should extend the same facility to schools."

Microsoft denies the claim, pointing to huge discounts available - up to 80 per cent - for schools. It says it has nothing to hide and will co-operate with any government inquiry.

Blizzard's attack is reported in the Eastern Daily Press - 'The site where Norfolk News really matters'. There's plenty more detail, so it's worth checking out. ®

Bootnote

* hoover is a common, generic term to vacuum clean carpets in English English (don't know about American, haven't got a copy of Webster's to hand). It comes from the Hoover Company, of the US, which invented some of the earliest vacuum cleaners.