User:Sarahmcgarr/S4S

Software4Students is an online programme that provides academic software from leading software manufactures to students. The programme has been running since 2006 in the UK and Ireland. Full software versions from software companies such as Microsoft, Kaspersky and Adobe are available for students at massively discounted prices. Software4Students is the original and largest programme for supplying discounted software to school and college students, teachers and parents in the UK. Software4Students is a Microsoft Education Large Account Reseller.

History
Software4Students was launched in the UK and Ireland in 2006. The Software4Students programme started out solely helping disadvantaged schools. Due to its success in helping bridge the digital divide, the Software4Students programme is now available to all students, their parents and teachers in the United Kingdom. Students can now access software at an affordable price for use in the classroom and at home. Teachers can aslo avail of this offer.

It has partnered with academic institutions to enable students to access academic pricing on software. Partners listed on the website include NAACE the NUS, EduServ, C2K and the NCTE.

In 2008 Microsoft launched the Dreamspark programme, enabling students to access free design and development software for free. Software4Students worked with Microsoft to bring this to students, and were used by Microsoft in Ireland to verify students in Irish colleges.

In April 2011 a German version of the programme was launched.

The programme has been featured in a number of mainstream publications such as the Guardian highlighting the postitive impact it is having for students.

Eligibilty
Students can avail of full version products under academic licensing rules. The software is avaialble to anyone in full time education. Parents or Guardians can purchase on behalf of a student but the student remains the license holder. Students can choose between download or media versions depending on the product range.