Microsoft Licensing

Microsoft Volume Licensing of software makes it easier and more affordable to run software on multiple computers within a single organisation. Understanding the varying types of licenses available and implementing the most suitable one can provide real cost effective benefits and more importantly improve company productivity and enable employees to work smarter and be more efficient with their day-to-day tasks.

Unfortunately, most businesses are running Fully Packaged Product (FPP) or Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) Licenses usually bought with a machine. Whilst ideal for low license users, they can provide real problems for companies moving forward. Fully Packaged products are generally purchased from a retailer and come boxed with documents and media. OEM is preinstalled when purchased and lives and dies by that machine without the opportunity to move the license to a new or existing PC. Both are ideal for low volume needs but pose problems for companies when experiencing growth or undergoing IT changes. This firstly includes the high cost of buying a new FPP or OEM license for each new machine with some licenses going into the 100's of pounds, the lack of ability to move the license across a new PC in the case of failure, and the associated admin of controlling which license key is associated to which machine.

Volume Licenses

For those companies running 5 or more machines within an organisation, Microsoft Volume Licensing is the solution to problems associated to low user licenses. Providing a number of great advantages and features tailored to meet your organisation, choosing the right Volume Licensing program is based on a number of factors, which fall under the three main license main types.

- Open License - A Perpetual (Owned) License with an up front payment - Software Assurance is optionally acquired at time of Purchase providing maximum flexibility to grow with the business and the involved changing needs.

- Open Value Licensing (OVL) - Choose between 'Non-Company' and 'Company-wide (All PC's)' Subscription with Software Assurance as standard. OVL is a Perpetual (Owned) License based on a 3 Year Agreement with an included flexible annual or upfront payment. Organisations can standardise their IT infrastructure and maximising the investment from their software.

- Open Value Subscription (OVS) - A Company Wide and Non Perpetual (Rented) software, OVS is a 3 Years Renewable Agreement with Software Assurance included. Through flexible terms, payment can be made upfront or annually over the course of the agreement.

- Academic Licensing (Charity/Non for Profit) - Academic Open Licenses are a perpetual 1 or 2 year license agreement which are solely for Charities or Non for Profit organisations. Software Assurance is optional but in comparison to normal License agreements, Academic Licensing can be up to 70% cheaper without sacrificing any of the normal benefits and features.

Software Assurance

Mentioned within all of the agreements is Software Assurance (SA). SA is included in many Microsoft Licensing programs and is an optional extra in others. Containing a range of benefits which provide service and technological support as part of the license, the benefits of investing in Software Assurance can be advantageous to the company as a whole and to individual employees.

- Software Assurance (SA) - Provides a readily available option to upgrade to the newest product version as well as eligibility for a Windows 7 Enterprise license for every SA purchased. Training vouchers are included to ensure your employees are fully up to speed on the latest updates, whilst the Home Use Program (HUP) provides a copy of that license for the employee to use at home, for a marginal cost. Further, renewing Software Assurance at the end of the agreement includes the license itself at the fraction of the cost of the actual license price, in effect greatly improving the cost effectiveness of including SA when purchasing the original licenses.

If you are unsure of the type of license you need, our Microsoft Licensing Specialists are on hand to guide and advise you through the licensing process ensuring you get the most suitable license. Speak to us now on 0121 784 0077 or contact us here to find out more.