Following the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in the Christchurch and Canterbury regions, Microsoft New Zealand is offering a variety of support to help its customers and partners rebuild their IT capabilities.

The offer is open for an initial90 day period, after which Microsoft will review it.

Microsoft will offer:

• For consumers (typically with 1 or 2 standalone PCs) experiencing software issues related to Microsoft products, as they restart their PCs, or have to reload software on new PCs, please call our support line for free Telephone based support on 0800 800 004.
• For small businesses affected by the earthquake (typically with 1 or more PCs and Servers, and not actively managed by a Microsoft Customer or Partner Account Manager), Microsoft is making available Telephone based service incident support calls free of charge by calling 0800 800 004.
• In addition to the above, Microsoft Managed Partners and Enterprise Managed Customers (defined as the Customers and Partners that have Microsoft Account Manager) also have the ability to receive free priority telephone based technical support subject to availability.

The firm is also making available to affected Microsoft Managed Partners and Enterprise Managed Customers, on a case-by-case basis, access to assistance and advice from its Consulting and Premier Support personnel, and access to Microsoft Online Services where infrastructure is damaged.

Microsoft New Zealand is also making a donation of NZ$50,000 to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Update: Microsoft has also said that Service Incident calls are free (0800 800 004) for small businesses affected by the earthquake.