To all faculty, staff and students:

At Kyoto University, we have a comprehensive licensing agreement with Microsoft and outsource the distribution of their software products, including Office, to Kyoto University CO-OP, making it possible for everyone at the university to purchase a copy at a reasonable price.

Meanwhile, at Institute for Information Management and Communication (IIMC), we have been following the general trend toward BYOD by encouraging students to use their personal devices in the educational and research space. We are also planning to deliver the next generation of Computer System for Information Education, which is scheduled to launch in March 2023, on the premise that every student has access to basic software products including Microsoft Office.

In light of these backgrounds, IIMC has worked with CO-OP and committee members from across the campus community to achieve a consensus on making changes to the distribution and payment systems concerning Microsoft products available under the licensing program. Today, we are delighted to announce three major changes this will bring about:

• CO-OP will end its sale of Microsoft products covered by the licensing agreement by the end of March 2023. (*1)
• After March 2023, the products concerned will be available to all faculty and staff members and students at no individual cost. (*2)
• The university or the departments, not individuals, will pay for the licensing program.

Another notice will follow to update you about further details. We would appreciate your understanding on these changes and your continued cooperation in utilizing the licensing program.

(*1) For more details on the distribution of the products concerned until March 2023, please contact Kyoto University CO-OP. Some Microsoft software products are not subject to this change and they will continue to be available for purchase from CO-OP after March 2023.

(*2) Those of you who already own a license of the products covered by the licensing agreement will continue to use the software. However, please be aware that you may need to authenticate your products again after March 2023. Further details will be provided later.