Open License

What is the Microsoft Open License program?
The Microsoft Open License program is designed to provide a simple solution for Licensing needs of virtually any size business. The Microsoft Open License contains a license agreement with a license authorization number, which allows the customer to use any legally acquired copy of the specified software (except OEM) as a master copy to make additional copies as designated in the license agreement.
Who can order an Open License?
The Microsoft Open License is designed for any size of business. An order for an Open License may be submitted only by the single legal entity named on the license agreement. Combining the purchasing power of multiple legal entities is not permitted, unless you reside in a region that has made the Open License Affiliate Offering available.
What are the benefits of the Open License program?
Open License benefits include:
- Business Value: The Open License helps you manage overall costs, facilitate consistency and maintain control of licensing use of the software products you need to operate your business.
- Simplicity: The Open License allows you to participate in a Licensing arrangement that is easy to understand, communicate, and administer.
- Broad Product Offering: The Open License provides a simplified licensing model in which you can choose the products you need and the pricing levels that best fit your organization.
How does a customer qualify for an Open License?
To qualify for Open License, your organization must be a single legal entity. Your organization may then qualify for the Open License by placing an order through a Microsoft reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider for at least 5 licenses.
Who should consider the Open License program?
The Open License program is designed for any business that has the ability to make up front payments.
What gives me the right to make and use copies of Open License products?
Microsoft will assign a unique license and authorization number on the agreement that arrives with your Microsoft Open License. The license agreement is a permanent license and authorizes a business to reproduce and use copies of Microsoft software as specified in the license agreement itself. Businesses are not authorized to make any copies until receiving the license agreement, either from the eMOLP site or in hard copy.
What are the key requirements for acquiring an Open License?
You may be eligible to acquire licenses through an Open License if you can answer "yes" to the following questions:
1. Are you buying licenses for a single legal entity (or for qualified entities within the same region where the Open license Regional Affiliate Agreement is available)?
2. Do you need to acquire at least 5 new licenses, version upgrades, competitive upgrades or Upgrade Advantage rights?
3. If you are acquiring upgrades Open License Upgrade Advantage protection, do you have the proof of purchase your reseller or Solution Provider requires?
Can an Open License be transferred to another business?
Yes. You may transfer your Open License and the right to order additional Open licenses as long as all Open licenses under the same Open License authorization number, and the right to order additional Open Licenses, are transferred as a whole. Individual licenses may not be transferred separately.
What is the term of an Open License agreement?
All Open License agreements have a term of 2 years. The 2-year term applies to your ability to place reorders at the same discount level via the reorder process, as well as to any Upgrade Advantage coverage you acquire. The licenses you obtain through the Open License program do not expire.

The 2-year period begins on the first day of the first full calendar month after the Open License is acquired, and expires on the last day of the 24th full calendar month. When the Open License is acquired any time during a calendar month, you have 24 full calendar months in addition to whatever time is left in the current month for placing orders. The Open License will never expire at any time other than at the end of a calendar month.

For example: If an initial Open License order is placed on June 3rd, your 2-year period would begin on July 1 (the first day of the next calendar month) and run through June 30, two years hence. However, you would be able to place reorders starting on June 3rd.
Does the Open License offer cross-platform licensing for applications?
Certain Microsoft applications available under Open License are licensed across all available platforms (platform independent licenses). A platform-independent license lets you use a specified version of a specified product on any platform the software runs on. For example, a license for Office 4.2 may be used on the Windows or Windows NT operating systems, or on the Macintosh platform, but may be used on only one computer. You may choose between the operating environments, but you do not receive a license on each. The platform-independent license applies to the following application products: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office (Standard and Professional editions), Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Works. Developer tools and programming languages, while included in the applications pool, are not platform-independent; thus, separate licenses must be obtained for each operating environment.
Do resellers charge tax on Open License orders?
Whether a reseller charges tax on Open License orders is not a decision made by Microsoft. Rather, the reseller will need to abide by its own state's and country's tax laws.
Does a full package product (FPP) that I acquire to use for installation count toward the license minimum for an Open License order or reorder?
No, full package product (FPP) does not count toward the Open License minimums for orders or reorders. However, your FPP does include one user license for the product (the End User License Agreement contained within the package).

Completing Order Form

Can an Open License customer specify a department name in the "Contact Name" field of an Open License?
Yes. Open License customers are allowed to designate a department name rather than an individual person's name in the "Contact Name" field on the Open License.

Fulfillment

What do I receive when I order the Microsoft Open License?
The Open License is a legal agreement between Microsoft and each customer, consisting of a license certificate (except in North America where Open License certificates have been replaced by an electronic web-based solution, eMOLP) and the license agreement itself, which explains what you may and may not do with the license.

Please note that no disks or documentation are included with the Open License agreement. Disks for installation or backup as well as manuals or other documentation, may be obtained separately through your Open License reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider. Many Open License customers prefer to obtain a full package product with each Open License order to obtain an additional license along with the complete disk and documentation set.

The certificate also contains an authorization number, which is a unique number that provides customer-specific information including the expiration date of the two-year reorder period, the price level at which you may place qualifying reorders, and whether you have acquired Upgrade Advantage.
How do I receive the software for an Open License?
Open License is a license-only acquisition. This means it does not include any disks or documentation sets, but these are available separately for an additional charge. The Open License is a stand-alone license, so any legally acquired copy of the specified software (except OEM) may be used as a master disk set. For example, you may acquire a full-packaged product or upgrade to serve as the master from which you can make the specified number of copies that you acquired under Open License.
Which Microsoft software products are available under the Open License program?
Resellers and Solution Providers have access to complete, current information about which Microsoft products are available under the Open License program.
How are product upgrades handled under an Open License?
You may acquire a version upgrade license or competitive upgrade license in compliance with established upgrade procedures (ask your reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider for details). Or you can take advantage of the Open License Upgrade Advantage. With Upgrade Advantage, you automatically acquire the rights to any upgrades of the products covered that are released during the 2-year term of your Open License.

Just as with new licenses obtained through the Open License, no disks or documentation are included with these upgrades. You may acquire the disks separately through your reseller, or choose to obtain one full package upgrade for the additional license as well as a full set of disks and manuals.
Is the Open License program available internationally?
Yes, the Open License program is available through the Microsoft reseller channel and Microsoft Solution Providers in numerous countries. However, Microsoft resellers and Solution Providers may only sell Open Licenses in the countries (or regions, in some cases) where they have reseller authorization.

How to Purchase

How will localized versions of products be priced under the Open License program?
The Open License is only offered for the language versions that are sold as FPP in the country where the Open License is purchased. For example, localized product (i.e., Microsoft Excel for the Windows operating system - French) is not available under Open License in the U.S. because the French Microsoft Excel for Windows product is not available through the retail channel in the U.S. Pricing for products outside your country is only available from resellers in the country (or in some cases, region) where the products are to be used. Sites in other countries must qualify for the Open License of their own accord in their own country.
Can a customer in one country acquire an Open License from another country?
No. The Open License program is designed to be distributed only within the country in which the Open License Agreement is produced. For example, an Open License produced in the HK is only to be acquired by a HK entity.

Ordering

Are Open License orders cumulative over the term of the Open License agreement?
Open License orders are not cumulative over the 2-year period. In other words, you cannot advance to the next price level by combining reorders placed throughout the 2-year Open License agreement period.

If you wish to obtain pricing at a more attractive price level, you must place another initial Open License order with quantities that would satisfy the points minimum of the higher price level.

Product Support

What kind of support are Open License customers entitled to receive?
Microsoft volume license end users receive all support privileges, EXCLUDING free telephone technical support.

Microsoft Technical Support provides easy access to the latest technical and support information for Microsoft products. Access a variety of low and no cost Information Services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including:
- Microsoft Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Find quick answers to the most common technical issues on using Microsoft products.
- Microsoft Software Library: The Microsoft Software Library contains hundreds of free software add-ons, bug fixes, peripheral drivers, software updates, and programming aids for easy, convenient downloading (connect charges may apply).
- Microsoft Knowledge Base: The Microsoft Knowledge Base is the same database that Microsoft support engineers use to answer technical questions. It is a comprehensive collection of more than 70,000 detailed articles with technical information about Microsoft products, bug and fix lists, and answers to commonly asked technical support questions.
Internet services (World Wide Web site):

The Microsoft FAQ, Microsoft Software Library, and Microsoft Knowledge Base are accessed more than 850,000 times each week on the Microsoft Internet site. Additional information, such as resource kits, white papers, and the latest information about Microsoft products, is also readily available. It's easy to search through these technical sources to find information.

MSN, The Microsoft Network online service and other online services:

Access the 70,000-plus Microsoft Knowledge Base articles and the Microsoft Software Library files through MSN and other online services. Additional technical information and community services, such as the Microsoft Frequently Asked Questions, Member-to-Member Bulletin Board Services and links to the World Wide Web, are available on MSN. To access Microsoft support services on MSN, choose Go To Other Location from the Edit menu and type MSSUPPORT.

Microsoft TechNet:
Microsoft TechNet is the front-line resource for fast, complete answers to technical questions on Microsoft desktop and systems products. From crucial data on client-server and workgroup computing, systems platforms, and database products, to the latest on support for Microsoft Windows-based and Macintosh-based applications, it's all on Microsoft TechNet. To subscribe to Microsoft TechNet in the U.S., call (800) 344-2121; in other countries, contact your local Microsoft office.

Microsoft Developer Network Library (MSDN):

The Microsoft Developer Network Library is the comprehensive source of programming information and toolkits for those who write applications for the Microsoft Windows, Windows 95, and Windows NT operating systems, or use Microsoft products for development purposes. Members with an MSDN annual subscription are kept up-to-date through regular deliveries of information, a newsletter, and other information sources. To subscribe to the Microsoft Developer Network in the U.S., call (800) 759-5474; in other countries, contact your local Microsoft office.

Reorders

What do I do with the Open License authorization number on the Open License agreement?
You may use the Open License authorization number to place additional orders at the same price level as your initial Open License order, if you choose to place any reorders.
How do I order additional Open Licenses?
After acquiring an Open License, for the duration of the 24 full calendar month term (2 years), there is no minimum reorder.
As an Open License customer, am I required to place reorders through the same reseller that placed my initial Open License order?
No. You may place qualifying reorders through any Microsoft reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider. The Open License authorization number ensures that you will receive the same price level regardless of whether you reorder through the same or another channel partner. Final pricing is determined by your reseller, however, so your exact price may vary.
What if I misplace my Open License certificate? Am I still able to place reorders?
If you misplace your Open License agreement, you have no legal proof of ownership, and you should therefore request a replacement immediately by contacting the reseller from whom you purchased the license. There may be a charge for this replacement.

Your authorization number will appear on your replacement certificate, allowing you the ability to continue to place reorders.
Will the reorder prices always be the same as the prices at the time I place my initial Open License order?
Not necessarily. Prices are subject to change. Also, while the price level is guaranteed for reorders within the two-year Open License term, your final price is determined between you and your reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider at the time of the order.

Returns

What is the returns procedure under the Open License program?
Open License purchases must be returned as one product to the point of purchase. Individual licenses within an Open License cannot be returned separately. Returns follow the same path in which an Open License order is fulfilled: the customer returns the Open License order in full to its reseller, who in turn forwards the returned Open License to its Distributor, who then sends it to Microsoft. Returns must be received by Microsoft within 60 days of the issue date of the Open License that is being returned.

If the initial Open License order is returned due to an error in ordering, the customer must return the original Open License agreement (the certificate) and reorder what they originally wanted. This will generate a new Open License authorization number for the entire purchase. Microsoft will invalidate the first Open License authorization number and a new Open License agreement will be sent via the distributor to the reseller, and from the reseller to the customer.

If a customer is returning an Open License reorder, the customer must return the complete reorder to its reseller.
If there is an error on my Open License certificate, how can I get the Open License replaced?
Please contact your reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider to have your Open License corrected.

If the wrong number or type of licenses was ordered, your reseller will need to return the Open License and place another order with the correct information. If the error occurs in your company name, address, or contact information, you may need to draft a letter to your reseller indicating your Open License number and explaining the reasons for changing the information.

Secondary Use Rights

Are secondary use rights granted to application products under the Open License program?
Secondary use can be broken down into two components: home use and laptop use. In order to simplify the complexity of our licensing programs and bring the application license rights up to date with today's business and compliance issues, the secondary home use provision is not available for Microsoft's desktop applications (including Microsoft Office 97 and its component products) under the Open License program. However, because companies are increasingly purchasing laptop machines for employees who require more flexibility, Microsoft offers the licensing provision that allows a second copy of the application software to be installed for the primary user's exclusive use on a portable computer. These changes apply to all new Microsoft Office 97 desktop applications, whether acquired through retail or the Open License program. It is not retroactive to previous application versions. The Open License Agreement contains a list of products that have the home use provision.

Upgrade Advantage

What is Open License Upgrade Advantage?
The Open License Upgrade Advantage offering gives you both "get current" and "stay current" rights for enrolled products. For any eligible, legally licensed copy of Microsoft software products enrolled in Open License Upgrade Advantage (whether such products are acquired under the Open License or independently), you will have the rights to use the most current version of the enrolled products as soon as you receive your license agreement. In addition, you also have the right to install and use any upgrade for those products enrolled in Upgrade Advantage throughout the two-year term of your Open License agreement.
How do I receive the upgraded product if I have enrolled in Open License Upgrade Advantage?
You may use any legally acquired Microsoft product or upgrade (except OEM) as a master disk set from which to make additional copies as allowed under the Open License Upgrade Advantage offerings. The most convenient way may be to acquire one full copy (or full upgrade) of the qualifying Microsoft product upgrade through your reseller or Microsoft Solution Provider and use that as the master disk set.
Are there any guarantees of a product upgrade if I acquire Open License Upgrade Advantage?
Microsoft does not guarantee that any product upgrades will be released during the two-year period of the Open License. Product announcement estimates and other public or private statements, whether written or oral, cannot serve as a basis for expecting product upgrades at any given date. The definition of eligible product upgrades will be at the sole discretion of Microsoft.
What happens at the end of the two-year period of an Open License Agreement?
Once the two year term of the Open License ends, you retain the rights to the licenses acquired, but any Upgrade Advantage coverage is terminated. To regain those rights, the customer would need to order a new Open License with Upgrade Advantage.
What are the rules for ordering Upgrade Advantage under the Open License program?
You must hold a Microsoft software license for the product(s) which you enroll in Upgrade Advantage. This license can be an Open License, FPP, MLP, or OEM license. You may then enroll as many of your licenses in Upgrade Advantage as you choose. Upgrade Advantage features a simplified pricing model of one price for one SKU regardless of when, during the agreement period, you order. Upgrade media can be obtained through your reseller.
What payment options does the Open License have with respect to Upgrade Advantage?
Upgrade Advantage features the simplified pricing of one SKU/one price, regardless of when you enroll during the term of the Agreement. Upgrade Advantage coverage is in effect until the end of the Open License agreement term, which is up to two full years (24 full calendar months). As you move into the second year of your Agreement, it may be more cost effective to order version upgrades rather than Upgrade Advantage or to establish a new Open License for your Upgrade Advantage acquisition.
Which upgrades are covered by Upgrade Advantage?
The upgrades covered by Upgrade Advantage include: minor releases (e.g., 2.1 to 2.2), major releases (e.g., 3.0 to 4.0) and product maintenance releases (e.g., 2.0 to 2.0a).
Are there any upgrades that are not covered by Upgrade Advantage?
Upgrades not covered by Upgrade Advantage include: products not considered the successor to the previous product (e.g., Microsoft Excel to Microsoft Office, or Microsoft Windows to Microsoft Windows NT Workstation); jointly packaged products like extensions, add-ons, accessories; and MS-DOS Utilities that update separately.

Upgrade Advantage is available for most Microsoft software products offered under the Open License program. For a listing of products that are available under Upgrade Advantage, refer to the Open License Product List and Open License ERP price list available from your reseller or Solution Provider. The availability of a particular software product, and any conditions or limitations on that availability, is defined by the Open License Product List.
What are the benefits of Upgrade Advantage?
Upgrade Advantage can reduce administrative, training and support costs by providing an effective means of version standardization.
- Upgrade Advantage allows for immediate upgrade to the most current version of enrolled products and all upgrades to those products during the term of the agreement (so you can "get current and stay current").
- Upgrade Advantage products count towards volume point hurdles. This provides you an entrance into volume pricing without requiring large volumes of new and/or upgrade license orders to qualify.
Do Upgrade Advantage licenses have a point count?
Yes, the point count for Upgrade Advantage for a given product is equivalent to the point count for the new and upgrade (version and competitive) licenses for that product. The Upgrade Advantage points are combined with the new and upgrade licenses to achieve the volume pricing levels.
Do I need to own a full license for Microsoft Office in order to enroll in Open License Upgrade Advantage, or will the individual components qualify as well?
You may enroll Microsoft Office under Open License Upgrade Advantage only if you have a valid license for Microsoft Office or a valid license for Word, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint on the same workstation. The same holds true for Microsoft Office Professional, with the addition of either Access or the Visual FoxPro database management system as a requirement for the separate components.