Read what independent industry analysts are saying about Microsoft Volume Licensing.
(PDF, 172 KB) IDC (July 2009): The analysis presented in this white paper reveals the value of Microsoft Software Assurance for Volume Licensing in helping customers reduce and better predict the costs of licensing Microsoft products, and improve the capabilities of their workforce.
Also view the multimedia version online.
(PDF, 176 KB) Yankee Group (July 2008): This Yankee Group Report details the new deployment planning services and application virtualization licenses available for Microsoft Software Assurance and examines the impact of these services on businesses. It also details how the inclusion of these services within Software Assurance can enable companies to lower their TCO and achieve accelerated and optimal return on investment (ROI).
(PDF, 266 KB) Forrester (July 2008): According to this Forrester Research report, "The simpler legal structure and streamlined procurement process make Select Plus a good choice for enterprises that want to receive the full economies of their scale yet retain flexibility for individual business unit buying decisions."
Keep up with news about Microsoft Volume Licensing and the software industry.
Small and Midsize Business
Network World (November 2008): Microsoft released an updated bundle of infrastructure servers for small business and its first-ever offering tailored to midsize businesses. Microsoft also introduced new financing plans in response to the sagging economy.
Redmond Channel Partner Online (April 2008): In March of 2008, Microsoft introduced the Open Value Subscription value licensing plan in the United States and Canada. This in-depth article looks at the potential impact on partners and customers.
eWeek (January 2008): The Microsoft Open Value software license subscription program made its debut in the United States on March 3, 2008. Read what a Microsoft senior manager and a Microsoft partner have to say about the advantages of the new licensing option.
ChannelWeb (January 2008): Channel partners got a sneak preview of the Open Value Subscription program. This article features the perspectives of a CEO, a Small Business Specialist, and a Microsoft senior manager of community engagement for small business in the United States.
Volume Licensing Simplification
Network World (August 2008) Microsoft's announced changes to server mobility have brought focus onto its commitment to its customers. Read more details about which server applications are covered and the technical support that Microsoft will provide.
InfoWorld (July 2008) The announcement of Select Plus made clear the intent to make the Microsoft product licensing terms easier for companies to navigate. This article provides a good overview of Select Plus features.
CNET (July 2008) Select Plus is identified by Forrester analyst Duncan Jones as being a large improvement over the Select program. With Select Plus, companies can get economies of scale without losing any flexibility, and customers can see all their licenses in one place.
ChannelWeb (August 2008) Read what several Microsoft solution providers and partners have to say about the changed Microsoft virtualization policy that enables customers to move applications between servers as often as they wish, without having to pay additional licensing fees.
Partners
Channel Web (November 2008): Microsoft began offering zero-percent financing for new customers purchasing Microsoft Dynamics business software applications. The offer, good for 36 months, applies to licensing and first-year enhancement costs between $20,000 and $1 million. Solution providers said the offer helps them overcome customer hesitations and close deals.
eChannelLine (December 2008): The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) usage-based licensing program is available now to all qualified Ingram Micro partners in the U.S. and Canada. The program boasts zero start-up costs and requires no minimum, up-front purchase.
Microsoft Financing
ChannelWeb (November 2008): Microsoft is offering zero percent financing for new customers of Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM applications—a move that should provide channel partners with an additional sales tool in these tough economic times.
Redmond Channel Partner (December 2008): Despite the global credit crunch, a top executive says Microsoft Financing can still provide funding to help partners close deals.
