Key Takeaways:
- The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a volume licensing program offered by Microsoft for organizations with a minimum of 500 users or devices, providing access to a wide range of Microsoft products and services, with flexible pricing and payment options.
- The Enterprise Agreement offers various licensing options, including Core CAL or Enterprise CAL for users or devices, and server licenses for data centers, allowing organizations to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.
- The Enterprise Agreement provides access to both cloud services like Office 365 and Azure, as well as on-premise software such as Windows and Microsoft Office, providing organizations with a versatile and comprehensive solution for their IT needs.
- The Enterprise Agreement requires a three-year commitment, with renewal options, and provides support through Software Assurance.
- The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement simplifies license management and allows organizations to add and adjust products according to their changing business needs.
Introduction to Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Small businesses can now take advantage of the benefits offered by Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement. However, it is important to understand the basics before committing to it. This section will cover the eligibility and commitment required for the Enterprise Agreement, providing small businesses with the necessary insight to determine if this is their optimal choice.
Eligibility and Commitment
Businesses meeting the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) eligibility criteria can standardize their license terms for Microsoft software and services. To be eligible, organizations must have 500+ users/devices and commit to a 3-year term. Terms and conditions must be adhered to. This includes annual usage reporting. EA allows for yearly license count adjustment, which may not offer the best pricing.
Important: Participation in EA may restrict businesses from purchasing certain software licenses through other volume licensing programs. Careful consideration is necessary before applying.
Organizations eligible for Server and Cloud Enrollment and product offerings like Office 365 and Azure can reduce costs and optimize IT infrastructure without a separate agreement. To benefit from Microsoft’s licensing options, eligibility and commitment to the agreed-upon terms is key.
Benefits of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Small companies are always searching for ways to optimize operations and cut costs. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is one simple solution. It offers numerous benefits, particularly for small businesses.
The EA contains all the software needed including updates and upgrades. This simplifies licensing and reduces total cost of licenses. Small businesses can pay monthly or annually, making it more convenient than paying for individual licenses. The EA ensures a level of consistency and predictability. Updates and upgrades are included in the agreement, so small businesses can keep software up-to-date without additional costs. The EA eliminates unknown expenses, allowing businesses to budget and plan effectively.
Licensing Options Under the Enterprise Agreement
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement offers several licensing options that small businesses can choose from. In this section, we’ll discuss the licensing options available to small businesses under the Enterprise Agreement – including Core CAL or Enterprise CAL for users or devices and server licenses for data centers. Based on your small business needs, either of these licensing options may be best suited for you.
Core CAL or Enterprise CAL for Users or Devices
Choosing between Core CAL and Enterprise CAL for users or devices? Microsoft has options for communication and collaboration tools. Core CAL offers basics like Exchange, SharePoint, Lync/Skype for Business, and Office Online. Enterprise CAL provides advanced identity and access management, voice and video capabilities in Lync/Skype, enterprise voice integration with Exchange and SharePoint, rights management services, and business intelligence.
License either Core or Enterprise per user or device that accesses the features. The choice depends on budget, org requirements, and future growth. Specific licensing terms may apply based on location. Check our guide for server licenses for data centers under Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.
Server Licenses for Data Centers
Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement has a range of licensing options, like Server Licenses for Data Centers. These licenses let organizations use Microsoft’s servers in their data centers. The benefits? Cost savings per processor, unlimited virtualizations, plus centralized management and improved security over all connected gadgets.
The Agreement offers Cloud Services, like Office 365 and Azure. Plus, On-Premise Software such as Windows and Microsoft Office. It’s vital to pick the correct licensing program based on your business’ needs. The Product Terms Website provides plenty of info about the products and services available in the Agreement.
Businesses can save even more cash by enrolling in the Enterprise or Server and Cloud Enrollment programs. The Enterprise Agreement usually lasts three years before it’s up for renewal or termination.
To sum up, Server Licenses for Data Centers are an important element of Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement. They provide centralized management, improved security, and lower licensing costs per physical processor than other licensing programs. By selecting the right program, you can get the most out of your business while keeping costs low.
Products and Services Offered in the Enterprise Agreement
With the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, businesses can access a comprehensive range of cloud services, which includes Office 365 and Azure, as well as on-premise software such as Windows and Microsoft Office. This section gives an outline of the products and services offered within the Enterprise Agreement, making it possible for businesses to make the most out of Microsoft’s suite of tools.
Cloud Services like Office 365 and Azure
Office 365 and Azure, two cloud services, are essential for Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement. This agreement provides businesses with access to cloud and on-premises software solutions, with other Microsoft products and services. Cloud-based services give organizations flexibility, scalability, accessibility, and improved productivity and customer service.
Office 365 is a subscription-based cloud service. It gives users access to Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook from anywhere with an internet connection. Exchange Online inboxes let companies have efficient communication within their organization. With Azure, businesses can deploy scalable solutions fast. They can use Microsoft’s global network of data centers to meet their unique business needs.
The Enterprise Agreement is great for business owners who need on-demand software solutions. It offers significant cost savings compared to individual subscriptions and licenses. It also has central management to monitor software inventory across all devices and users in an organization. Companies looking to improve operations and drive growth should consider incorporating Office 365 and Azure into an Enterprise Agreement.
On-Premise Software such as Windows and Microsoft Office
Businesses can reap great rewards from the on-premise software in Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement. Windows and Microsoft Office are included, always up-to-date with easy deployment across all devices. This type of software can be scaled and is flexible, helping businesses enhance their workflow. Plus, costs are cut and competitiveness is maintained.
The EA has many licensing options. Microsoft Project and Visio are popular client application licenses. Skype for Business Server enterprise voice, Exchange Server standard/cal connection and SharePoint online services provide communication capabilities and document management.
The Enterprise Agreement offers volume discounts for new licenses under one platform, reducing the total cost of ownership. Upgrades are free and version compatibility issues are gone.
Organizations should not settle for second-rate licensing programs. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is the ultimate match – providing all the necessary software tools, advanced features and benefits to streamline operations, maximize productivity and lead to success.
Enterprise Agreement vs. Other Licensing Programs
When it comes to choosing the right licensing program, small businesses often find themselves confused between Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement, CSP, and Open Value programs. In this section, we will explore the differences between the Enterprise Agreement and the other programs and how they can impact small businesses. Let’s compare and contrast with some insightful facts and figures!
Comparison with Microsoft CSP and Open Value Agreement
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a special licensing program that provides various advantages and licensing options for businesses. When looking at licensing options, it’s important to compare the Enterprise Agreement with other programs like Microsoft CSP and Open Value Agreement.
Let’s have a look at the table below to better understand the differences between the three programs:
| Criteria | Microsoft Enterprise Agreement | Microsoft CSP | Open Value Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Organizations with >500 users/devices | All types of organizations, including SMBs. | Small-to-Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) |
| Licensing Options | Flexible & based on user/device & products/services. Allows company-wide agreement to reduce admin. | Pay-as-you-go subscription model for cloud services, cloud software licenses, and support plans. Perfect for organizations needing agility. No long-term commitment needed. User-based subs are particularly practical as they can be assigned to any user under one bill. | Flexible budget due to predictable payments; no requirement for quantity commitment |
| Product Availability | Full range of Microsoft products and services, on-premise or cloud. E.g. Windows 10, O365, Power BI Pro, OneDrive, SharePoint Plan1, Exchange Online Plan 1, Azure & SQL Azure. | Cover both cloud services & on-premises software. | Automatically replace all Microsoft products without extra costs |
| Benefits | Free training vouchers, price protection, less admin, lower TCO. | Transparent pricing & flexible management via partner center + efficient scalability make it versatile. | 2-3 year term agreement allows recommended product upgrades when needed |
As the table shows, each program has its own unique advantages catering to a specific market. However, what sets the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement apart is its flexibility & predictability of costs. It also grants access to an extensive range of products & services, as well as simplified admin for large organizations with >500 users/devices. In comparison with Microsoft CSP & Open Value Agreement, the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement provides more comprehensive & flexible licensing options, making it an ideal choice for organizations with specific needs.
Microsoft Product Terms Website: Availability of Products and Services
Microsoft’s website offers a lot of products and services. The Microsoft Product Terms website is the perfect place for businesses to find the solution they need. This is especially helpful for small businesses.
The website explains the different products and services, like cloud-based services, enterprise solutions, and office productivity suites. It also shows related details like licensing terms, pricing, and support options.
Small businesses can easily search or browse through the product listings. The website is easy to use, so businesses can make the right choices.
Many small businesses have seen growth after using Microsoft products and services, like Office 365. This allows employees to work together more easily and efficiently. This shows how great Microsoft’s products and services are for small businesses.
Additional Savings and Benefits through Enterprise and Server and Cloud Enrollment
Small businesses can benefit from Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement and Server and Cloud Enrollment programs. These programs offer advantages such as:
- flexible payment options, allowing them to spread payments over three years and save money
- Licensing that is simpler with the Enterprise Agreement, giving access to Windows, Office, and SharePoint licenses, saving small businesses time and effort.
- Discounts on software purchases, including future ones during the program’s term
- Server and Cloud Enrollment helps them move workloads to the cloud, reducing infrastructure and maintenance costs
These benefits make it easier for small businesses to operate efficiently, decrease software acquisition costs, and increase productivity. The programs give small businesses an extensive range of services at an affordable rate. All in all, the Enterprise Agreement and Server and Cloud Enrollment are a great choice for small businesses looking to optimize operations while managing costs.
Life Cycle of the Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement for small businesses has a special life cycle. It starts with the purchase and ends with renewal. This agreement helps businesses to get Microsoft software licenses at a fixed price.
To better understand this life cycle, it is important to look at the steps. The table above shows the sequence of steps for small businesses.
The life cycle starts with purchase. After that, it is time for enrollment. This involves registration and setting up a volume licensing account. Then comes compliance. Here, license compliance is checked. Finally, the agreement reaches the renewal stage. This is where the agreement terms are extended or changed.
Throughout the life cycle, it is important to follow the terms. This includes accurate record-keeping and report generation, which is essential during the compliance review. If you do not comply, you may have to pay extra.
To make sure the Enterprise Agreement is still suitable, small businesses should review their software needs regularly and talk to Microsoft representatives when the time for renewal comes.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Licensing Program for Your Business .
Choosing the right licensing program for your small business is a must. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a great pick. It simplifies the procurement process and has a suite of products & services for all sizes.
Evaluate your needs before choosing a licensing program. Microsoft’s flexible options make it easier to pick the right model. Plus, you can scale up or down as needed.
It also bundles services like Windows 10, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams. This helps enhance productivity and collaboration. And the simplified purchasing and deployment processes cut admin overheads.
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a widely trusted program for small businesses. According to a 2019 Gartner report, it scored 4.1 out of 5. This shows it delivers reliable services and offers peace of mind. Make the right decision, choose Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for your business.
Five Facts About Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: An Essential Guide for Small Businesses:
- ✅ The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a licensing agreement for large organizations with 500 or more users or devices that want to purchase Microsoft software and cloud services products through a single agreement. (Sources: Redress Compliance, Microsoft)
- ✅ The EA offers flexibility to choose among several licensing options for Microsoft products, including cloud services like Office 365 and Azure and on-premise software such as Windows, Microsoft Office, and other server products. (Sources: Redress Compliance, SAM Expert)
- ✅ The EA simplifies license management and allows organizations to add and adjust products according to their changing business needs, while offering support through Software Assurance and the option to add specific service licenses. (Source: LicenseQ)
- ✅ Companies below 500 employees may not qualify for the EA, but smaller organizations can choose Microsoft CSP or Open Value Agreement instead. (Source: SAM Expert)
- ✅ The EA has a life cycle, requires a three-year commitment, and provides access to Microsoft’s suite of services, including Office 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365, with built-in savings ranging from 15% to 45% and payments spread out over three years. (Source: Microsoft)
FAQs about Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: An Essential Guide For Small Businesses
What is a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft offers enterprise software products and services to help companies streamline their business processes. The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a licensing agreement that allows businesses to purchase a specified number of licenses for Microsoft products. Fees are paid based on the number and type of licenses, and they can be used over a prescribed period of time. The EA is a flexible option for companies that require a large number of licenses and provides centralized administration and simplification of license management. The EA allows licensing of a wide range of Microsoft products, including products from the Microsoft 365 family, servers, and developer tools. The EA program is divided into several options that address different business needs and requirements, such as the Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) and the Enrollment for Education.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Enterprise Agreement?
Businesses with 500 or more users or devices are eligible for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Smaller organizations can choose Microsoft CSP or Open Value Agreement instead.
What licenses are included in the Enterprise Agreement?
The agreement offers different licenses: Core CAL or Enterprise CAL for users or devices and server licenses for data centers. Some products and services may not be available in the Enterprise Agreement, and the best place to check availability is on the Microsoft Product Terms website.
What is Software Assurance in the Enterprise Agreement?
Software Assurance is support provided by the program, providing flexibility in buying cloud licenses, and the option to add specific service licenses.
What is the subscription option in the Enterprise Agreement?
The subscription option lowers initial licensing costs and allows for annual increases or decreases in subscription counts. This is a great option for businesses that want access to the latest products and services from Microsoft. Built-in savings range from 15% to 45% and payments can be spread out over three years. Additional savings and benefits can be obtained through Enterprise Enrollment and Server and Cloud Enrollment.
What is the life cycle of the Enterprise Agreement?
The Enterprise Agreement is for organizations that want to license software and cloud services for a minimum of three years. The Enterprise Agreement requires a three-year commitment, with renewal options. The enrollment agreement structure allows for easy addition of new products and services.