Microsoft Open License
Microsoft Open License 6.0 is a software volume licensing program designed for corporate, government, charity, and academic customers who order as few as five licenses. After the initial order, customers can benefit from volume pricing for all licenses for the remainder of the two-year term of their Open License authorization number.
Microsoft Open License 6.0 benefits include:
- Significant discounts over full retail prices.
- Opportunity to get the latest versions of Microsoft software through Software Assurance.
- Ability to obtain licenses through multiple locations from a worldwide reseller channel.
- Easier management of license portfolios with eOpen (electronic license tracking).
- Reorder minimum of one license.
Is Your Company Ready for Software Assurance?
Software Assurance (SA) is a simpler way for volume licensing customers to keep current with the latest and most innovative Microsoft products. SA replaces previous one-time upgrade programs, including Upgrade Advantage (UA), Version Upgrade (VUP), Product Upgrade (PUP), and Competitive Upgrade (CUP). Under the SA program, customers acquire the right to install any new release of products released during the term of their agreement.
While Microsoft intends to continue to upgrade and enhance its products, Microsoft does not guarantee that a new version of any particular product will be released within any specific period of time. While Microsoft always widely publicizes upgrades, it does not proactively notify all users of a product of an upgrade for a particular product.
Current Open License customers can use the eOpen tool to help gauge their Software Assurance readiness (first-time users will need to input their volume licensing information before using the tool). The tool analyzes your Open License status and helps provide the Software Assurance options available to you. To evaluate your Software Assurance option, please consult your reseller.
Choose the Open License Program That's Right for You
The Microsoft Open License 6.0 program offers you two great ways to save on Microsoft products:
- Open Business allows customers to save on estimated retail prices by placing an initial order for five or more licenses. With Open Business, customers can combine any set of Microsoft products to qualify for the five license minimum.
- Open Volume potentially saves you even more if your organization is able to make a larger initial up-front order in one or more product pools (applications, systems, servers).
| Open License Program Comparison |
| |
Open Business |
Open Volume |
| Minimum Order |
Initial purchase of five software licenses in any combination of Microsoft products. |
Required 500 point minimum within a specific product pool (applications, systems, and servers) on an initial order. Each license carries a point value. NOTE: 150 minimum point values are required in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. |
| Products Included |
Broad range of Microsoft products available in any combination. |
Broad range of Microsoft products available from three product pools (applications, systems, and servers). |
| Pools and Price Levels |
Single price level for all products and upgrades. No pools. |
Single price level for all products and upgrades. Price level established by product pools. |
| Reorder Minimums |
Reorders for as few as one license at the same discount level throughout the two-year authorization number. |
Reorders for as few as one point at the same discount level throughout the two-year authorization number. |
| Authorization Number |
Two-year authorization number begins with each new initial order. |
| Purchasing Open License |
All participating resellers. |
| eOpen License Tracking |
When an initial order is placed, a logon is set up to view licenses online on the eOpen Web site (where available). |
| Media |
May order media at time of initial order or acquire media separately. |
| Software Assurance |
Software Assurance begins at time of order and ends when the Open Authorization number ends. |
| Parent/Subsidiary & Affiliate Relationship |
Parent or other related entity must place initial order to set price level. However, the parent or qualified affiliate may use the same authorization number for reorders. |
In addition, Microsoft offers Open License programs tailored to these customers:
- Microsoft Government Open License for government organizations
- Microsoft Academic Open License for educational institutions
- Microsoft Charity Open License for qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
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