Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement Program

Web hosting providers

Application services providers

Messaging or collaboration services providers

Business process outsourcers

Platform infrastructure providers

Computer rental companies

Streaming media providers

Web or Internet services providers

Independent software vendors that provide hosted applications

IT outsourcers that provide software licenses

Franchisees and franchises

Direct access. You facilitate your customer's business (including business transactions with third parties) through software services.

Indirect access. You provide your customer with access to and use of any licensed product, Microsoft or otherwise. The application is running on a server and interacts with a Microsoft licensed product on that server.

The ability to deliver a customized service. The SPLA gives you greater flexibility when licensing Microsoft licensed products to your customers in a dedicated hosting environment or shared hosting environment. You can manage the services and Microsoft product use rights for your customers.

Flexible cost structure. The SPLA offers a monthly use-based licensing payment structure. You pay for only what you authorized your customers to use the previous month. Plus, there are almost no start-up costs and no monthly commitment.

The most current product versions. Now you can access the most current version of Microsoft licensed products for one monthly price.

Worldwide distribution. You can use Microsoft licensed products to sell your services to customers in any part of the world.

Rental rights. The SPLA now includes rental rights that allow you to rent desktop computers with certain Microsoft licensed products installed.

Customer demonstrations. You can demonstrate your software services to prospective customers as long as you comply with the Services Provider Use Rights. You can have up to 50 active user IDs for demonstration purposes.

Customer evaluations. You can use the licensed products to provide software services to your prospective customers on a trial basis for up to 60 days.

Data center outsourcing. You can install Microsoft licensed products on servers that are under the day-to-day management and control of an outsourcing company so that they can perform data center administration, testing, and maintenance support services for you.

Expanded reach to corporate and academic institutions. The SPLA has great offers for corporate and academic customers, so you can expand your service offerings.

Per Subscriber: A Subscriber Access License (SAL) is required for each unique individual user or device that is authorized to access or otherwise use the licensed products. With the SAL option, you don't need a separate Server License.

Per Processor: Each Processor License allows an unlimited number of users to access the software that is installed on that processor for products licensed through a per processor model.

Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. You must be either a Microsoft Certified Partner or a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program. If you are a Registered Member, you must also enroll in the Microsoft Hosting Program. Each of these programs offers unique benefits to members.

Designate a licensed products reseller. Unless you have a direct agreement with Microsoft, you need to designate a SPLA reseller.

Provide monthly reporting on software licenses.Y ou will need to submit a monthly use report or zero use report on all licenses that you, your affiliates, or software services resellers have authorized your customers to use.

Provide technical support. You are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products you deliver to your customers. You are required to obtain a minimum of 10 pre-paid incidents either under a separate agreement from Microsoft or through a third-party support services provider.