The SPLA is ideal for businesses that offer their customers Microsoft server licensed products—such as hosted Web sites or line-of-business (LOB) software applications—or software services that interact with Microsoft licensed products.
The SPLA is a good option for:
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
ISVs that provide hosted applications
IT outsourcers that provide software licenses
Franchisees and franchises
Online gaming providers
How SPLA Works
The SPLA provides a fast, easy way for services providers to give their customers access to fully licensed Microsoft products. Because the services provider—not the customer—is the licensee, the SPLA reduces the complexity of offering software services.
Services providers and ISVs use the SPLA to license Microsoft products on a monthly basis over a three-year term and use them to provide software services and hosted applications to customers.
Also, the SPLA can accommodate the various types of services offered, including:
Direct access.
The services provider facilitates their customers' business (including business transactions with third parties) through software services.
Indirect access.
The services provider gives their customers 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.
SPLA has many benefits, including:
The ability to deliver a customized service.
You have greater flexibility when licensing Microsoft products to your customers in a dedicated hosting environment or shared hosting environment. You can manage the services and Microsoft use rights for your customers.
No up-front costs.
Since there are no start-up costs, monthly sales requirements, or long-term commitments, you can start delivering software services and hosted applications upon acceptance into the program.
A flexible cost structure.
With a monthly use-based licensing payment structure, you report and pay for only what you authorized your customers to use the previous month.
A wide selection of current product versions.
You have access to the most current Microsoft licensed products—including servers and desktop PC applications—for one monthly price per licensed product.
Worldwide distribution.
You can use Microsoft licensed products to sell your services to customers in any part of the world where distribution is legally allowed.
Evaluation and testing of licensed products.
You may internally test and evaluate the Microsoft licensed products for up to 90 days before offering them to your customers as a service.
Media fulfillment options.
Services providers can download licensed products through Volume License Services Center as an alternative to purchasing media for a minimal cost from the price list through Worldwide Fulfillment.
The simplicity of a MBSA/Master Business Agreement.
The Microsoft Business and Services Agreement (MBSA) is a perpetual agreement between the customer and Microsoft that contains evergreen terms and conditions that are applicable to all agreements signed under it.
Rental rights.
The SPLA includes rental rights that allow you to rent desktop PCs with certain Microsoft licensed products installed.
Data center outsourcing.
The SPLA allows you to install Microsoft licensed products on servers 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.
One organization-wide agreement.
You can include affiliates associated with your organization under one master agreement. Affiliates of your company must be entire legal entities, not partial entities such as departments, divisions, or business units.
Customer facility installations.
You can install Microsoft licensed products on devices you own or lease and that are located on your customer's premises.
Expanded reach to corporate and academic institutions.
The SPLA has great offers for corporate and academic customers, so you can expand your service offerings.
Customer evaluations and demonstrations.
Your customers have a 60-day trial period to use the Microsoft licensed products you provide. You may offer demos to your customers free of charge with up to 50 active users.
There are two types of SPLA licenses with two choices for offering Microsoft licensed products to customers:
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, a separate Server License is not needed.
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.
Learn more about Service Provider Use Rights
Build a Customized Service Provider Use Rights Document
Your organization must meet the following requirements to participate in the SPLA program:
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 Community. Get more information about the Microsoft Partner Program.
Sign a Microsoft Business and Services Agreement (MBSA).
Services providers that have an existing MBSA/Master Business Agreement via another Volume Licensing agreement (Enterprise Agreement, Enterprise Subscription Agreement, Select Plus, Select License, or ISV Royalty) should work with their Microsoft account manager and/or reseller to provide their MBSA/Master Business Agreement number and link the MBSA/Master Business Agreement to their SPLA.
Services providers without an existing MBSA/Master Business Agreement will be required to sign one the next time they sign an SPLA.
Designate a licensed products reseller (indirect agreements only).
Unless you have a direct agreement with Microsoft, work with an SPLA reseller to complete the Services Provider License Agreement and MBSA (if a new MBSA is necessary). The reseller will:
Collect your monthly use or zero use reports and submit them to Microsoft.
Collect payment for the licenses used during the previous month.
Assist you on all aspects of the SPLA program.
Select a licensed products reseller.See a list of SPLA resellers.
More Program Requirements
To participate in SPLA program, you also must:
Provide monthly reporting on and payment for software licenses.
Services providers must submit a monthly use report or zero use report on all licenses that they, their affiliates, or software services resellers have authorized their customers to use.
Provide technical support.
Services providers are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products they deliver to their customers. They are required to obtain a minimum of 10 pre-paid incidents under a separate agreement from either Microsoft or a third-party support services provider.
For a complete list of requirements, download the SPLA Program Guide.
