Unlocking Efficiency: How Microsoft Volume Licensing Benefits Enterprises

Microsoft Volume Licensing is a program designed for businesses and organizations to acquire multiple software licenses at once, often at a discounted price compared to purchasing individual licenses. It offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for managing software across an organization’s devices.

The program caters to various types of organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises, providing options tailored to different needs and budgets. Here’s an overview of Microsoft Volume Licensing

1. Types of Volume Licensing

Microsoft Volume Licensing offers several programs to suit different organizational sizes and structures:

Open License: Designed for small to mid-sized organizations, this program allows flexible purchasing of licenses with no minimum purchase requirements.

Open Value: Suitable for small to mid-sized organizations, Open Value provides discounts on software licenses, along with additional benefits such as software assurance, which includes upgrades and support.

Select Plus: Geared towards larger organizations, this program offers centralized purchasing and flexibility in software acquisition across multiple affiliates or departments.

Enterprise Agreement: Tailored for large enterprises with over 250 users or devices, this agreement offers the best pricing discounts, comprehensive software assurance benefits, and centralized license management.

2. Benefits of Volume Licensing

Cost Savings: Volume Licensing typically offers lower prices per license compared to retail purchases, allowing organizations to save money on software procurement.

Flexible Purchasing: Organizations can tailor their license purchases to their specific needs, whether they require a few licenses or hundreds, without having to buy each individually.

Software Assurance: Many Volume Licensing programs include Software Assurance, which provides benefits such as free upgrades to newer versions of software, technical support, and training resources.

Centralized Management: Volume Licensing simplifies license management by providing centralized tools and resources for tracking licenses, managing activations, and accessing software downloads.

3. Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for Volume Licensing, organizations must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a valid business or government entity with a minimum number of users or devices. The specific requirements vary depending on the program chosen.

4. Licensing Models

Microsoft offers various licensing models within the Volume Licensing program, including:

Per Device: Licenses are assigned to specific devices, regardless of the user accessing the software.

Per User: Licenses are assigned to individual users, allowing them to access the software on multiple devices.

Subscription: Organizations can opt for subscription-based licenses, paying a recurring fee for access to the software over a specified period.

5. Deployment Options

Volume Licensing supports various deployment options to accommodate different IT environments:

On-Premises Deployment: Organizations can install and run software on their own servers and devices within their network infrastructure.

Cloud Deployment: Microsoft offers cloud-based solutions such as Office 365 and Azure, which can be accessed remotely over the internet.

6. Compliance and Audits

Organizations must ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms and agreements to avoid penalties or legal consequences. Microsoft conducts periodic audits to verify compliance, requiring organizations to maintain accurate records of their license usage and purchases.

Microsoft Volume Licensing offers organizations a cost-effective and flexible solution for acquiring and managing software licenses at scale. By choosing the right program and licensing model, businesses can optimize their IT investments, streamline license management, and stay compliant with Microsoft’s licensing terms and agreements.

Get a discount on these licenses through Technology Solutions Worldwide as we apply our Microsoft partner discount to all our products and services that we provide our clients.