MSDN Licensing

The first step in learning about Microsoft® Volume Licensing is to understand what volume licensing is and how it compares with other methods of acquiring licenses for Microsoft software.

What Is a Software License?

A software license grants you the right to run or access a software program. Licensing software is different than purchasing a car or house in that you have the right to run the software but there are ongoing requirements that determine how the software can be used. These requirements include such things as deployment eligibility, transferring software to other users, and downgrading to earlier versions of the software.

Microsoft software licenses generally come with one of two kinds of agreements which specify how you may use the software. The first kind, and the one most users are familiar with, is an End User License Agreement (EULA). If you have ever acquired a license for software from a retailer or purchased a new computer with software already installed, then you have probably seen a EULA. The EULA generally either comes in the box on paper or cardstock or pops-up onscreen when you install new software. You typically must accept the terms and conditions before installing the software. The second agreement type, Product Use Rights (PUR), is similar to the EULA except that it pertains to software licensed through a Microsoft Volume Licensing program. The PUR, together with the Microsoft Volume Licensing program agreement under which a license is acquired, governs the use of Microsoft Volume Licensing software.

Your Microsoft Licensing Options

Microsoft licenses software three primary ways: Full Packaged Product, Original Equipment Manufacturer, and Volume Licensing.

• Full Packaged Product
  Full Packaged Product (FPP) is boxed, shrink-wrapped software. Licenses for this type of software are acquired through retail outlets. FPP is for consumers who are looking for a small quantity of software licenses.
• Original Equipment Manufacturer or System Builder
  Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and System Builder software licenses are acquired when you buy a computer with software legally preinstalled. Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows® are examples of this type of software. If you have ever purchased a computer from the store with Windows installed, you have acquired a license for OEM or System Builder software. To find an OEM or System Builder in the United States search the Microsoft bCentral™ IT consultant directory.
 
• Volume Licensing
  Microsoft Volume Licensing programs may be the right choice for your organization if you need multiple copies of Microsoft software. Volume licensing is a flexible and economical way to acquire from five to thousands of licenses for software. Microsoft Volume Licensing programs provide potentially substantial savings, ease of deployment, flexible acquisition, numerous payment options, and other benefits such as Software Assurance.
 

Software Assurance Benefits

Software Assurance helps organizations get the most from Microsoft software through key benefits that can help save time and money while increasing productivity. Depending on the type of Volume Licensing program, the benefits include:

• Easier budgeting through annual payments. By spreading payments annually, you can lock in your license price and plan your software budget up to three years in advance.
• Efficient deployment and administration. Training and tools included with Software Assurance make it easier for IT professionals to deploy and administer new software versions, updates, and other content across desktops and servers. 
• Expanded work options at home. With Software Assurance, employees can work from home by getting a licensed copy of Microsoft Office to install and use on a home computer.