I want to know how much it will cost for one (1) Client Access License (CALs). This essentially means that we need to purchase a license so an additional computer can have access to our file and print server at work.
I searched Microsoft’s website. No luck. I found out there are resellers for CALs, Dell being one of them. I called good ol’ Dell, the PC mammoth that’s based out of Round Rock, just half an hour from here. I actually spoke to someone in Bangalore who I could not understand for the life of me. Strike number one.
I have a question. I don’t want to make a purchase. I want to know the price of one Client Access License. Mr. Idontwannatrytopronouncehisname transfers me to another department that I honestly could not understand him say. I’m on hold for 15 minutes. “Jason” answers the phone and starts asking for “Customer ID” numbers. I HAVE A QUESTION!!! I tell this to “Jason” who then tells me he’s just a “Call Manager”. I said “Jason, I want to know the price for a singe Client Access License.”
“Let me transfer you to Sales” says Jason. “Can you tell me the 1-800 phone number you called?”
“What?” I ask.
“What was the 1-800 phone number you called when you called Dell?”
“I don’t know – I called the number off of Dell’s website.” I didn’t bother telling him that I had to traverse a mind-numbing automated answering service, speak to some guy working in Bangalore and 15 minutes holding. I figured he knew that already.
21 minutes and 26 seconds later, I leave a message for “Diana”. I asked Diana to call me back because I want to know the price for a single Client Access License.
An hour later, “Noah” calls me back. I tell him that I want to know the price for a single Client Access License. He can’t answer that question. He sent a request to another department and they’re to call me back.
Technology is a love/hate thing. I’d be pretty happy with an abacus and a slice of watermelon right about now.