Microsoft has put the deadline for its controversial Software Assurance licensing programme back again.

The software company had been due to change the way it licenses its software on October 1, but has now given users until July 31, 2002.

This is now the date the company's various discounted upgrade schemes will be scrapped and replaced with a subscription-based licence.

The new scheme puts pressure on companies to upgrade their software faster, as Software Assurance can only be taken out on latest versions of products. The revision of the deadline follows immense pressure from user organisations.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.