Key Takeaways:
- The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a valuable resource for educational institutions looking to acquire Microsoft licensing and products, with options for both subscription and licensing.
- The Azure Enterprise Agreement offers a variety of resources, including support plans, enrollment statuses, and pricing structures that can be impacted by agreements and amendments, start dates, and renewal dates that institutions need to be mindful of.
- The Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement provides licensing options for service providers and ISVs, including licensing rights and pricing based on use rights and conditions outlined in the agreement. This can be obtained through authorized SPLA resellers and offers license mobility through Software Assurance.
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: An Overview
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a comprehensive resource of products and services for educational institutions. In this section, we will provide an overview of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, highlighting the importance of Microsoft licensing, and the simplified options of subscription and licensing for educational institutions.
Importance of Microsoft Licensing and Products Services
Today’s market demands that we stay up-to-date with tech trends. That’s why Microsoft’s Licensing and Product Services are so important. Investing in them allows organizations to stay competitive. Microsoft offers a wide range of licensing solutions with varied pricing models to fit diverse business needs.
The Azure Enterprise Agreement is an advantage for companies needing cloud services at scale. It affects access, use, and payments. Companies enrolled get support, plus features and discounts.
Service Providers can license Microsoft Products through SPLA, getting pricing and rights outlined in the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights. License Mobility through Software Assurance helps move licenses between hosting environments, making deployment easier.
Microsoft Licensing and Product Services are essential in today’s marketplace. They ensure companies stay ahead and remain competitive.
Options Simplified: Subscription and Licensing
Microsoft offers customers two different purchasing options: Subscription and Licensing. Subscription gives short-term access to applications, without long-term commitments. Licensing lets users permanently buy Microsoft products – but upgrading to newer versions may be pricey. Check out the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: A Resource for Education for more information on purchasing options for education.
“On-premise” Licensing is when a company pays a one-time cost for software that can be installed on their servers or desktops. It has a big upfront investment and not much flexibility.
Subscription-based models have a predictable monthly fee structure, and the ability to scale up and down. But, it does not give permanent rights.
How the Azure Enterprise Agreement Works
The Azure Enterprise Agreement is a critical resource for educational institutions. This agreement provides resources for organizations to bring their own licenses and allows them to use the most up-to-date versions of Azure software. The Azure Enterprise Agreement Support Plan Offer, Enrollment Statuses, and Start Dates for New Prepayments all fall under this agreement. It is important to note that renewal of the agreement must take place before the end date.
Impact of Agreements and Amendments on Access, Use, and Payments
When entering a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, it’s essential to understand the impact it can have on access, use and payments. Amendments can change prepayments and support plans, resulting in changes to overall pricing. Be sure to note the agreement start date, as this can influence new prepayments and costs. Also consider your enrollment status, as this can affect pricing and cost savings. Lastly, don’t forget to renew the agreement before the end date to maintain access to products and services.
It’s important to review any terms outlined in the agreement and amendments to ensure compliance. This is especially true for licensing rights and license mobility through Software Assurance.
Enterprise Agreements can provide lower initial licensing costs and ongoing subscription cost savings. Joining the Server Cloud Enrollment program can also offer further benefits, such as reduced Azure services usage rights from a separate workload pool. By keeping these considerations in mind and staying up-to-date on amendments, you can make the most of your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.
Start Dates for New Prepayments
Start dates for new prepayments refer to when an organization begins paying in advance under the Azure Enterprise Agreement. These payments are to keep billing consistent and predictable based on estimated usage. Customers can start prepaying at any time, and payment sizes depend on projected usage.
If usage exceeds the prepaid amount, the customer is charged the standard rate. If a customer needs to adjust their start date, they must submit an amendment request to Microsoft. Changes to start dates can affect payment amounts and budgeting plans.
A unique feature of this arrangement is that customers can select multiple licensing offerings under a single agreement. This gives access to lower pricing structures and exclusive benefits.
An example of how start dates could impact an organization: if a natural disaster causes employees to work remotely, resulting in higher internet consumption, the company may be overcharged. By changing the start date for future prepayment periods and utilizing the amendment process, the organization can avoid similar issues and keep a more stable payment schedule.
Azure Enterprise Agreement Support Plan Offer
The Azure Enterprise Agreement support plan is ideal for customers who want lots of benefits. It includes:
- A dedicated support team
- Technical training resources
- Microsoft FastTrack help
- Proactive advisory services with onsite or remote assessments too
All of these services help improve performance, reliability, and security, as well as driving digital transformation and offering end-to-end guidance. So, if you’re looking for an Azure Enterprise Agreement support plan that delivers great value, this plan is it!
Enrollment Statuses and their Significance
This <table> has two <tr> rows. Each row contains <td> cells with info about Microsoft’s enrollment statuses.
| Enrollment Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Open License | For customers who have already bought other licenses from Microsoft. They can update their software for two years minimum. |
| Select License | Only for customers who have got software licenses through Volume Licensing from Microsoft. They get extra discounts and better price points. |
Customers can also get different status levels by following the agreements in their contract. They can manage entitlements, use online self-service methods, or go through authorized resellers.
Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement gives lower costs and better subscription options than competitors. To keep security and get better prices, renew the agreement before the end date.
The concept of Enterprise Agreements started in mid-2001 to encourage virtualized infrastructure in enterprise environments. Customers looking for a long-term commitment can check out the Indefinite Extended Term Status and Pricing section.
Indefinite Extended Term Status and Pricing
A table presents the pricing structures for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement:
| Contract Length | Price Per Year |
|---|---|
| 1-year | $50,000 |
| 3-year | $45,000 |
| 5-year | $40,000 |
The Indefinite Extended Term Status also comes with the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. This offers many advantages, such as infinite company use of existing enterprise software licenses and the right to use on-premises servers or in Azure cloud.
Evaluate long-term plans and preferences prior to selecting the Indefinite Extended Term Status, as it affects pricing. Delaying renewals can lead to extra costs and pricing changes. So, to avoid high prices and lost benefits, don’t procrastinate when renewing your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.
Importance of Renewing the Agreement before the End Date
Renewing agreements with Microsoft is key for enterprises that have licensed their products and services. Licenses are usually between one and three years. Planning must begin months before the termination date to avoid service disruption or loss of access. Missing the deadline by one day can have serious consequences. A new contract negotiation could be needed, along with price reevaluation and renegotiation. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead and renew the agreement before the end date to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement
Microsoft’s Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) allows Service Providers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to license eligible Microsoft products at a fair price. This agreement outlines the licensing rights and pricing based on usage rights stated in the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights. It also covers the license mobility through software assurance and its conditions. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a cost-effective solution for educational institutions seeking such licensing offerings and it should be obtained through authorized SPLA resellers.
Licensing Eligible Microsoft Products for Service Providers and ISVs
Microsoft provides licenses to service providers and independent software vendors via the Service Provider License Agreement. To determine licensing rights and prices, service providers must refer to the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights, which are accessible through authorized SPLA resellers.
SPLA offers a variety of Microsoft products and services, such as Office Suite Applications, Windows Server Operating Systems, SQL Server Databases, SharePoint Server Collaboration Tools, and Exchange Server Messaging Platform. With license mobility through Software Assurance, service providers can use their existing licenses on infrastructure provided by SPLA partners.
It’s vital for service providers to comprehend pricing and use rights to avoid any potential repercussions from SPLA. In sum, the agreement grants eligible parties access and the ability to utilize Microsoft products and services in a more flexible way, consequently increasing their capacity to meet customers’ needs.
Licensing Rights and Pricing Based on Use Rights Outlined in the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights
When it comes to Microsoft products and services, licensing is based on the use rights in the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights. And the price is according to these rights.
The options are in the table below.
| Licensing Option | Description |
| Service Providers & ISVs | Licensing various Microsoft products for delivery over the internet or through a hosted environment. |
| Use Rights Affect Licensing Costs | Price depends on the use rights with each licensed product. |
| License Mobility via Software Assurance (SA) | Moving certain server application licenses within server farms or across data centers. |
Refer to this table when deciding which option. Note, using Azure often affects pricing. Renewing licensing before it ends is important. Read “Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: A Resource for Education” for more details.
Offered through Authorized SPLA Resellers
Authorized SPLA resellers offer various licensing options for eligible Microsoft products. They tailor pricing and support for customers, to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. License mobility through Software Assurance is also available. This lets service providers and ISVs transfer server licenses from on-premises data centers to a cloud-based environment, with certain conditions. To obtain these licenses, you must use authorized SPLA resellers. These resellers help service providers and ISVs get the necessary licenses and support. This ensures ongoing compliance and top-quality services for customers. If you have any licensing compliance issues, seek guidance from an authorized SPLA reseller who can find the best solution for your needs.
License Mobility through Software Assurance and its Conditions
Taking advantage of License Mobility through Software Assurance requires identifying eligible licenses. Consult the Product Terms site or use the License Mobility Verification process. Not all products are eligible, and restrictions may apply.
The table below outlines key factors to consider when using License Mobility through Software Assurance:
| Eligible Licenses | VDA (Virtual Desktop Access), Office applications, Server Management Suite Enterprise (SMSE), Core Infrastructure Suite Datacenter (CISDC), and more. |
| Requirements | Active Software Assurance coverage; Use with an Authorized Mobility Partner; Compliance with SPUR policies and product licensing rules; Reporting and Validation. |
| Benefits | Savings on cloud usage costs; Easier migration to new tech; Consistent licensing for on-premises and third-party hosting. |
Failing to comply with License Mobility through Software Assurance could result in penalties. These include extra payments or loss of rights under Microsoft Volume Licensing. So, follow the product terms agreement.
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Life Cycle
Educational institutions can license Microsoft software and cloud services through the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Life Cycle. This process has various stages, including signing, renewing, managing licenses, and assessing compliance.
To better understand this life cycle, it can be represented in a table with four columns. The Stage column lists the different stages, such as enrollment and renewal. The Description column gives a brief explanation of the stage. The Timeline column provides an approximate duration. Lastly, the Key Activities column outlines key actions that must be performed during the stage.
To manage and track Microsoft products and services, there are resources available. The Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center is a web portal that offers software downloads, product keys, and license management tools. Another resource is the Software Asset Management (SAM) Portal. This online tool analyzes use of Microsoft products and provides optimization suggestions.
Additional Benefits of the Enterprise Agreement
By choosing a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, educational institutions can enjoy several benefits. In this section, we will explore advantages that go beyond the basic licensing rights provided by the agreement. We will discuss lower initial licensing costs and subscription options, as well as Enterprise and Server and Cloud Enrollment, which unlocks further savings and benefits.
Lower Initial Licensing Costs and Subscription Options
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement offers lowered initial licensing costs and subscription options. This is advantageous for businesses due to the following five points:
- Firstly, companies have flexible payment options and they can select monthly or yearly plans. These are based on either the user-based model or the device-based model.
- Secondly, businesses can easily scale up or down. They can add or remove licenses with no additional expenses.
- Thirdly, subscribing to Microsoft’s cloud services is more affordable than using them independently. This means they don’t need to buy servers.
- Fourthly, businesses can optimize their cash flow and have access to the latest software releases. Microsoft automatically sends out updates.
- Finally, they can ensure their software is up-to-date with security patches and bug fixes.
Subscription-based models are often more cost-effective in the long run than buying licenses outright. Get big savings and even bigger benefits with Enterprise Enrollment and Server, and Cloud Enrollment.
Enterprise Enrollment and Server and Cloud Enrollment for Additional Savings and Benefits
Enterprise Enrollment and Server and Cloud Enrollment are two programs. They offer extra savings and advantages for organizations wanting to make their Microsoft product buying and management easier.
Enterprise Enrollment is best for businesses with more than 500 users or devices. It brings together licensing for easier license management and lower admin costs. Additionally, it gives cost savings on perpetual software licenses, subscription services, and Azure resources. Plus, Software Assurance benefits are available – like product upgrades, training vouchers, planning services days, and 24/7 support.
Server and Cloud Enrollment is designed for businesses that use cloud services and on-premises offerings. It lets companies purchase licenses at a reduced rate. It also enables custom workloads to run in the public cloud or on-premises.
Both enrollment strategies provide access to Microsoft’s technology stack. This gives organizations plenty of products and tools for system security across operating systems and applications. These strategies create value for businesses wanting to expand and take on the digital age. Plus, they offer extra savings and benefits.
Changes to Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents Website
The Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents Website has recently been revamped. The goal? To give users an easy-to-use platform for understanding and managing Microsoft licensing.
On the website, users can find updated info on the available Microsoft licensing options. They can also learn more about the Enterprise Agreement, with details on terms, conditions, and benefits. This way, users can make smart decisions.
Also, they have access to helpful tools and resources for managing their agreements. The content is regularly updated so they always have the latest info.
Plus, users can find all they need to know about buying and using Microsoft licensing options. Support forums and other resources are available too, to help with any Microsoft product issues.
In short, the changes made to the Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents Website make it a comprehensive resource for managing Microsoft licensing.
Five Facts About Microsoft Enterprise Agreement:
- ✅ The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is for organizations that want to license software and cloud services for a minimum of three years. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/enterprise)
- ✅ The agreement offers built-in savings ranging from 15% to 45% and allows for three annual payments instead of one up-front payment. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/enterprise)
- ✅ Additional savings and benefits can be obtained through Enterprise Enrollment and Server and Cloud Enrollment. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/enterprise)
- ✅ The enrollment agreement structure allows for easy addition of new products and services. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/docs/view/Enterprise-Agreement-EA-EAS-SCE)
- ✅ The Enterprise Agreement has a life cycle and should be renewed before it reaches the end date to avoid pricing at retail rates. (Source: https://www.microsoft.com/fi-fi/licensing/product-licensing/microsoft-365-education and https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/docs/view/Enterprise-Agreement-EA-EAS-SCE)
FAQs about Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: A Resource For Education
What is the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and who can benefit from it?
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a licensing agreement for organizations that want to license software and cloud services for a minimum of three years. This agreement offers built-in savings ranging from 15% to 45% and allows for three annual payments instead of one upfront payment. It is ideal for organizations with more than 500 users/devices.
What is Microsoft Azure and how can it be utilized with the Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service that can be utilized with the Enterprise Agreement to enable organizations to deploy, manage, and scale applications or infrastructure across a global network of data centers. Enterprises can get the best pricing and also manage their Azure services by selecting Billing in the Azure portal.
What is the Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) and how does it work?
The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing agreement for service providers and ISVs who want to license eligible Microsoft products to host software services and applications to end customers. SPLA provides license rights to host specific Microsoft products monthly for a three-year term, with pricing based on use rights outlined in the Microsoft Service Provider Use Rights (SPUR). Partners must attach an addendum with additional License Mobility terms to their SPLA agreement to host application server licenses using License Mobility through Software Assurance.
What are the enrollment statuses and how do they impact enterprise agreement pricing?
Enrollment status can be pending, active, or indefinite extended term, and determines how the enrollment can be used and accessed. Indefinite extended term status occurs after the enterprise agreement end date, and pricing is at retail rates. It is important for the Enrollment Administrator to decide to renew the enrollment before it reaches the enterprise agreement end date.
What is an Azure Prepayment, and how is it processed?
An Azure Prepayment is a method for customers to make an upfront payment for Azure services. The start date of a new Azure Prepayment is determined by the date it is processed by the regional operations center, and delays can occur if the purchase order was processed in a different region.
Where can I find the Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents site?
The Microsoft Licensing Resources and Documents site can be found at https://aka.ms/licensingdocs. This site replaced the previous Microsoft Volume Licensing site (MSVL) and contains all the content that was previously hosted on MSVL. Users are advised to update their bookmarks accordingly.