Thinking about buying a Windows Vista machine? Do so between now and Sept. 30, and Microsoft will throw in free technical support, tools and coaching.

The program, called Small Business Assurance, is for companies with fewer than 50 employees or with 25 PCs max, and for purchasers of Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate. Of note, the ability to receive free support expires at the end of October and is only for phone support, according to InformationWeek, which also pointed to a new Microsoft Web site "aimed at 'dispelling myths' about Microsoft Vista, a possible indication that Vista is still struggling to gain acceptance among small businesses."

As explained in a Microsoft FAQ: "Our goal with Windows Vista Small Business Assurance is to help small businesses make a smooth transition to Windows Vista and experience the superior value it can deliver over its predecessor. The additional support and one-on-one coaching we're offering will help our small business customers overcome issues that may be blocking their adoption."

That said, "We love that people love Windows XP. But technology doesn't stand still." (Bear in mind: As of last week, Microsoft has stopped shipping XP, though support for Vista's predecessor will continue until 2014.)

"What we've heard in feedback from small-business customers is that the gradual wind-down of XP sales ... has caused them some anxiety," a Microsoft small-business lead product manager told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "In reaction to that feedback, we created this program to really provide resources to help them through the transition."

From Small Business Computing, Microsoft's free technical support includes:

• One-on-one coaching (example: which features are most relevant to your business)
• Compatibility assistance for software applications and peripherals
• Information on key Vista features
• Hardware configuration (example: network and printers)
• General troubleshooting

Ready to buy? Is free, albeit temporary, tech support enough incentive?