Microsoft Volume Licensing Agreement Terms and Conditions: What You Need to Know

If you`re a business owner, chances are you`ve heard of Microsoft volume licensing. This is a program that allows organizations to purchase Microsoft software licenses in bulk, typically at a discounted rate. However, with any licensing agreement come terms and conditions that must be understood and followed. In this article, we`ll break down the most important things you need to know about Microsoft volume licensing agreement terms and conditions.

1. Types of Volume Licensing

There are three different types of Microsoft volume licensing agreements: Enterprise Agreement (EA), Select Plus Agreement, and Open Agreement. Each agreement has its own set of terms and conditions, so it`s important to understand which one you have.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Microsoft volume licensing, you must be a commercial, government, or academic organization with a minimum purchase requirement of five licenses. Non-profit organizations with a valid charitable status may also be eligible.

3. License Types

There are two main types of licenses offered through Microsoft volume licensing: perpetual and subscription. Perpetual licenses allow you to use the software indefinitely, but you must purchase a new license if you want to upgrade to a newer version. Subscription licenses, on the other hand, are leased for a set period of time and must be renewed to continue use.

4. Software Assurance

Microsoft offers a program called Software Assurance, which provides additional benefits to volume licensing customers. These benefits include access to new versions of software as they are released and technical support.

5. Renewal

All Microsoft volume licensing agreements must be renewed periodically, either annually or every three years depending on the agreement. It`s important to keep track of renewal dates to ensure continued use of software.

6. Compliance

One of the most important aspects of Microsoft volume licensing agreements is compliance. You must ensure that all software is being used according to the terms and conditions of the agreement, and that you have the correct number of licenses for your organization.

In conclusion, Microsoft volume licensing can provide a cost-effective way for organizations to access Microsoft software. However, it`s important to understand and follow the terms and conditions of the agreement to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. If you have any questions about Microsoft volume licensing, consult with a knowledgeable professional to ensure that you`re taking advantage of all the benefits while staying within the guidelines of the agreement.