Microsoft Licensing

What is Software Assurance?

Software Assurance is a Microsoft 'Subscription' that allows you to get free upgrades to the next software version without having to buy another license. As of July 2002, Microsoft has stopped selling upgrade versions of software in their volume licensing plans. If you purchased bulk copies of Office XP and then Office 2003 became available, without Software Assurance you must buy another license to be able to use the new version, upgrades do not exist anymore.

Why are Open Value Licenses more expensive?

Open Value licenses come with Software Assurance, which is a special 'subscription' plan that includes free upgrade versions, special training and support programs, and even special employee take-home licenses. The initial investment for an Open value license can be more expensive because it include the license AND the 'subscription' of 3 years. But with the option to pay annually over 3 years and the lower cost of renewing your Software Assurance it totally pays off in the end.

Can the software I use at work be installed on my computer at home?

This depends on the License and the Licensing Plan that your business has with Microsoft. Open Value allows for an employee to obtain a special 'Home Copy' of the software they use at the office. This is only for software purchased within the Company Wide Option. Read more about Open Value Licensing in the Open License Article.

What is a CAL?

A CAL is a Client Access License. This type of license grants one network user permission to access a network service (such as a SQL or Exchange Server). There are also different types of CALs for each service.

What is the difference between per seat, per server, and per processor?

The Per seat licensing model refers to the total number of computers allowed to connect to the service on that machine. Each connection is called a Client Access License. In per seat mode a single CAL for each workstation can be used to access multiple servers in per Seat mode. This is usually the most economical option

In Per Server licensing, each CAL is dedicated to that specific server.

In per Processor mode, no CALs are needed to connect to the server. The right to access the server is covered by the (more expensive) Software License itself.

What is the difference between a Device CAL and a User CAL?

A Device CAL is specific to a workstation whereas a User CAL is specific to a user. For example, if you have one user connecting to a SQL server from 2 different machines, you would need 2 SQL Server Device CALs or 1 SQL Server User CAL.

What is the difference between an OEM License and a Retail License?

An OEM license allows you to use the software that came with your computer but the software can never be transferred to any other machine. Retail Licenses can be transferred provided that the software is only installed on one machine at a time. OEM licenses are typically cheaper than Retail licenses.

What is the Company Wide Option?

In the Open Value program, licenses for Microsoft Office and Windows can be purchased on an incremental basis or all at once using the Company Wide option. Company Wide gives you great discount (up to 23%!) but you are making the commitment to pay for one license for every Windows based workstation you have. Company Wide also qualifies you for Employee At Home Use and Employee Software License Purchasing Discounts.