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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.
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.
Choosing a Volume Licensing Program
Before deciding if volume licensing is right for your organization, consider these questions:
• How often will you upgrade your hardware and software?
• What priority does your organization put on training?
• What software will you need to build the solution that meets your objectives?
• Are you interested in spreading out payments?
• How do acquisition costs and ease of deployment affect your decision?
• Does your organization need multiple copies of software?
• Is it important for your organization to deploy the most current Microsoft software?
• Does your organization prefer to acquire licenses for software when needed, or is standardization important?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then volume licensing might be the solution for your organization.
