Microsoft Licensing Model
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A Microsoft Licensing Model is a software licensing model that allows organizations to access and manage Microsoft Corp. products and services through various structured plans, designed to align with specific organizational needs, sizes, and usage patterns.
- Context:
- It can (typically) include licensing options like the Enterprise Agreement (EA) and the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programs, along with additional frameworks like Microsoft Product and Services Agreement (MPSA), Microsoft Open License, and Microsoft Select Plus.
- It can (often) be structured according to user count, device numbers, or types of services, supporting both long-term commitments and flexible, subscription-based licenses.
- It can allow companies to optimize costs, with options such as annual payment models in EA or monthly billing through CSP, meeting a range of budget requirements.
- It can include options to use Software Assurance, allowing organizations to receive upgrades, support, and compliance resources.
- It can provide access to managed services and technical support through certified Microsoft partners, who help businesses navigate their software usage and licensing needs effectively.
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- Example(s):
- An Enterprise Agreement (EA) Model, which provides large organizations with a fixed, discounted rate over a three-year term for Microsoft products, ideal for stable enterprises.
- A Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Model, offering monthly, flexible licensing that can scale based on usage, fitting for dynamic or growing organizations.
- A Microsoft Product and Services Agreement (MPSA), which enables businesses to license products as they need them, combining on-premises, online services, and Azure into one agreement.
- A Microsoft Open License, designed for smaller organizations needing simple, perpetual licensing, with the ability to expand as they grow.
- A Microsoft Select Plus Agreement, allowing mid-sized and large organizations with multiple affiliates to purchase licenses as needed, benefiting from volume discounts while avoiding long-term commitments.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- Pay-as-you-go plans for Azure services, which differ from traditional licensing models by not requiring structured agreements.
- Perpetual licenses without the flexibility or support options found in CSP or EA models.
- See: Enterprise Agreement, Cloud Solution Provider, Software Assurance, Microsoft 365, Azure.