Licensing Options

For Service Providers

The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is for services providers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to license the latest Microsoft software to provide software services and hosted applications to customers.

With the SPLA, service providers and ISVs can license Microsoft products on a monthly basis, during a three-year agreement term, to host software services and applications to their customers. SPLA supports a variety of hosting scenarios to help you get highly-customized and robust solutions to a wide set of customers.

Download the SPLA Program Guide to learn more.

Volume Licensing customers now have the ability to license their Server Applications on-premises and in the cloud on a qualified Service Provider's shared hardware environment for specific applications. Get details about License Mobility through Software Assurance.

MSDN subscribers will also be able to run the MSDN software (except for Windows and Windows Server) on virtual machines through qualified MSDN cloud partners. More information will be made available on this program soon. SPLA partners who are interested in hosting MSDN workloads by becoming authorized MSDN cloud partners may contact msdncloudpartnersign@microsoft.com to be notified once the program information is available.

MSDN Cloud Use Rights (PDF 118 KB)

The following benefits are available through the SPLA:

  • Deliver a customized service. Flexibility to deliver tailored IT services to your customers through a dedicated or shared hosting environment. Increase the value of your services by managing software use rights for your customers.

  • Pay as you go with no up-front costs. Pay only for the products that you authorized your customers to use the previous month. There are no start-up costs, monthly sales requirements, or long-term commitments.

  • Access the most current product versions. Give your customers the most current and capable Microsoft platform. Download your products at no charge through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) instead of ordering physical media.

  • Try before you buy. Test and evaluate products internally before offering them to your customers as a service.

  • Outsource data center services. Install Microsoft products on servers under the day-to-day management and control of an outsourcing company. That company can then perform data center administration, testing, and maintenance support services on your behalf.

  • Install at customer facilities. Install Microsoft products on devices you own or lease and that are located on your customer’s premises.

  • Offer demonstrations and evaluations. You can have up to 50 active user IDs for service/product demos, and provide your customers a free 60-day trial period.

  • Include your affiliates. Include affiliates under a single agreement.

  • Expand your reach to academic institutions. Expand your business with specific price offerings available to your academic end customers through SPLA.

Licenses under the SPLA are non-perpetual (or subscription) licenses that can be used during the term of the agreement. There are two licensing models available 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.

  • Product-Specific Licensing: Download the Hosted Microsoft Office Licensing Brief for answers to commonly asked questions about hosted Microsoft Office in partner hosting scenarios. It covers the required licensing components for providing a partner-hosted Office solution to customers.

Learn more about Service Provider Use Rights

Build a Customized Service Provider Use Rights Document

You can sign up for the SPLA program with a SPLA reseller. See a list of SPLA resellers.

Your organization must meet the following requirements to participate in the SPLA program:

  • Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network. You must be a member of the Partner Network at any level. If you are not a member, get more information about the Microsoft Partner Network. You must also join and maintain status in the Microsoft Hosting Community.

  • Sign a Microsoft Business and Services Agreement (MBSA). Service providers that have an existing MBSA via another Volume Licensing agreement should work with their Microsoft account manager and/or reseller to provide their MBSA number and link the MBSA to their SPLA.

  • Designate a SPLA Reseller. Designate a SPLA reseller and work with the reseller to complete the Services Provider License Agreement. The reseller will submit your reporting and payment on your behalf and assist you on all aspects of the SPLA program.

Get additional SPLA program materials at the Microsoft Partner Network SPLA page.

Additional Requirements

To participate in the SPLA program, you also must:

  • Provide monthly reporting on and payment for software licenses. Service providers must submit a monthly use report or zero use report on all licenses that they have authorized their customers to use the previous month. Affiliates or software services resellers must also be included in their report.

  • Provide technical support. Service providers are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products they deliver to their customers.

For a complete list of requirements, download the SPLA Program Guide.

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Resources

Webcast

Learn about the Services Provider Licensing Agreement, including its benefits and features, eligibility and requirements, and how to get started.