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          Microsoft Volume Licensing

          Simply stated, volume licensing of software makes it easier and more affordable to run software on multiple computers within a single purchasing organization.

          Acquiring software licenses through Microsoft® Volume Licensing is different than acquiring retail boxed software licenses. A retail software license is usually sold in a box and contains media (floppy disk, CD-ROM, or DVD format), a user’s guide, access to product support, and Microsoft Software License Terms (formerly known as the End User License Agreement or EULA). The Software License Terms dictate how the software may and may not be used.

          Software acquired through Microsoft Volume Licensing is a software license only. A software license provides the right to run a Microsoft software product. Savings above retail boxed software prices can be realized by participating in a Microsoft Volume Licensing program. By acquiring software licenses through Volume Licensing, you can pay for only the software license.

          In the case of some Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, you can also purchase Software Assurance. Microsoft Software Assurance is a comprehensive maintenance offering that helps you get the most out of your software investment. It combines the latest software with phone support, partner services, training, and IT tools. You can choose Software Assurance at the time of purchase and begin using your benefits immediately for the term of your license agreement.

          Depending on the Volume Licensing program, you may receive media, and you have the option to acquire media (or supplemental media), documentation, and product support separately via download or physical media as needed.

          Understanding Microsoft Volume Licensing

          Listed below are a few keys to understanding the major characteristics of Microsoft Volume Licensing policies and programs and to choosing the best option for your organization:

          • The size and type of your organization
          • The products you want to license
          • The way in which you want to use those products

          At the most elementary level, Microsoft Volume Licensing program models address organizations in two main categories: organizations with more than 5 but fewer than 250 computers and organizations with more than 250 computers.

          Small-to-Midsize Organizations

          For those organizations with fewer than 250 computers, the Microsoft Open Programs provide volume discounts for a minimal up-front cost and are available broadly through a worldwide partner channel. Open Programs provide three purchasing license options for commercial businesses: Open Value, Open Value Subscription, and Open License.

          • Open Value is for organizations with as few as five desktop PCs and offers the advantages of Software Assurance, simplified license management, and an annual payment structure. The Open Value program offers three options: company-wide, non company-wide, and Open Value Subscription.
          • Open Value Subscription is for customers in some regions who want to subscribe to, rather than acquire, Microsoft product licenses. Microsoft Open Value Subscription provides the lowest up-front costs of the Open Programs with flexibility to reduce your total licensing costs in years when your desktop PC count declines.
          • Open License is for customers who want a minimum initial purchase of five software licenses. This program is ideal if you prefer to pay-as-you-go, an important feature for a growing organization’s changing business needs.
            You may qualify for volume purchasing under the volume feature of Open License. Open volume purchasing is for customers who can meet minimum purchase levels using a system of product pools and points. With an entry minimum of 500 points from a single product pool, this program offers deeper discounts for a greater savings.


          Midsize-to-Large Organizations

          For organizations with 250 or more desktop PCs, Microsoft offers the following four options:

          • Enterprise Agreement is for larger organizations that want to standardize IT across the enterprise. Based on a three-year enrollment term, it provides the deepest pricing discounts and the advantages of Software Assurance.
          • Enterprise Subscription Agreement is a Volume Licensing program for large organizations that want to subscribe to—rather than purchase—Microsoft software licenses. This program provides lower annual payments than an Enterprise Agreement but the right to use the software ends at the end of the three-year agreement term.
          • Select Plus is for large organizations with multiple affiliates that want to license software and services at any business unit level while still getting the advantages of being a single organization.
          • Select License  is for organizations that have mixed software requirements. It is based on a forecast-licensing model in which use is measured against the forecast. This program offers a flexible and cost-effective way to make licensing purchases on a pay-as-you-go basis.

          In addition to size, the organization’s primary function should be considered. For example, additional discounts are given to some public sector organizations such as schools and universities.