Microsoft License Advisor

MLA is an easy-to-use online advisor that can help you find and select Microsoft products, find the right Volume Licensing program, and determine estimated retail pricing (ERP) based on your software needs.

Microsoft License Advisor:

Provides Volume Licensing program comparisons and guidance.

Simplifies Microsoft product selection through a series of questions.

Produces a downloadable report and estimated retail price (ERP) or recommended retail price (RRP) quote in Microsoft Word or Excel.

Helps save time and costs associated with software acquisition evaluations.

You can launch the advisor via a link on http://www.microsoft.com/licensing

Why did Microsoft introduce the MLA?

MLA was developed in response to direct customer feedback obtained from worldwide customer satisfaction surveys, requesting information, clarity and transparency related to Microsoft licensing and pricing options. Microsoft provides MLA as an online resource to simplify understanding licensing and pricing options.

Who is the primary audience of MLA?

IT professionals in the mid-market are the primary audience but MLA is available to anybody through http://www.microsoft.com/licensing

MLA Availability

When will MLA be available?

The MLA is currently available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), German, Italian, Danish, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Czech, Slovak, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

Who can use MLA?

MLA is publicly available on http://www.microsoft.com/licensing and can be accessed by any user of the website.

Can I share my MLA report with other parties?

Yes, you can provide others access to your MLA report by sharing your unique report ID, which is generated when you save the report. When another user accesses MLA and inserts your report ID, they will see the report that you generated.

When will the MLA user interface be localized to support my language?

English, Spanish, French, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), German, Italian, Danish, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Czech, Slovak, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese are currently available. Additional languages are planned for future release.

Access & Privacy

Does MLA require a password?

No special login or password is required as MLA is a publicly accessible resource.

Is registration required for me to use MLA?

Is there a charge to use MLA?

No, MLA is free to use.

Will there be a charge for a secure version of MLA?

There is not a secure version available.

MLA Benefits

What is the benefit of using MLA?

MLA helps you better understand your licensing options when evaluating Microsoft products.

Increased simplicity and transparency about Microsoft licensing and pricing options.

Convenient and simple process for preparing configuration comparisons across programs.

Helps identify the appropriate Microsoft licenses and an ERP/RRP under the appropriate licensing program.

Helps reduce the cost of software acquisition.

Provides a mechanism to archive or pass a prepared licensing solution configuration to another colleague or partner.

Support

Will I need a support incident to be connected to the Call Center Support via MLA?

How can I get help with specific licensing questions beyond what MLA provides?

Please contact your Volume Licensing partner. A list can be found at Microsoft Licensing Program Reseller page.

Also, you may review the Licensing section (http://www.microsoft.com/licensing) for information on specific program details, licensing briefs, and other resources. Or in the US you can call (800) 426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M.– 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time to speak directly to a Microsoft Customer Service agent about the program options best suited to meet your needs.

What type of Microsoft customer support is available for the MLA?

Customer support for MLA is available by email, phone, and chat. For more information please visit http://www.microsoft.com/licensing.

What information do I need to be able to provide if I call, email, or initiate a chat session with Microsoft for MLA customer support?

No information is required for you to contact Microsoft Customer Support but if you are working on a quote in the MLA, it will be useful if you can provide your report ID so that Customer Support can view your quote and provide you with customized help.

I am using an old version of Netscape or another web browser and MLA does not seem to work properly. What should I do?

If you are experiencing browser difficulties with MLA and are using an old version of Netscape or another web browser, try upgrading to the current version of that browser or download Microsoft Internet Explorer. A free copy of Internet Explorer may be found via http://www.microsoft.com/downloads.

Where can I find a glossary of Volume Licensing terms?

Use this glossary to find definitions for terms used in the Microsoft License materials: http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/glossary.mspx.

Pricing & Purchasing

Why can’t I see my country’s pricing?

Your country’s pricing may not be published. Not all country-specific pricing is available within the MLA and you may need to contact a local reseller to receive pricing information.

What price does MLA quote?

MLA quotes estimated retail price (ERP) or recommended retail price (RRP) for Microsoft Licensing programs, excluding any taxes that may apply.

Does MLA quote pricing for Software Assurance (SA)?

Yes, ERP or RRP for Software Assurance is quoted when the recommended configuration includes that option.

When I click on the link for a local reseller, I am redirected to the Microsoft.com site in my country. Where can I find a list of local resellers?

MLA will direct you to your local Microsoft.com website which will have the most up-to-date reseller information and provide you with local resources.

Can I purchase Microsoft licenses using MLA?

No, MLA is designed to provide licensing program comparisons and ERP/RRP quotes (where available). You must contact a Microsoft partner to purchase licenses.

How accurate is my MLA quote?

MLA is designed as an initial configuration resource designed to provide initial licensing program comparisons, guidance and estimated quotes. For final quotes and more detailed licensing information, please contact your Microsoft partner.

How do I purchase Microsoft Licenses?

Please contact a Microsoft partner. A list can be found at Microsoft Licensing Program Reseller page.

Functionality

Can I reconfigure my originally selected products once I have gone through the recommendations and prerequisites tab?

Currently the MLA does not offer a way to update your original selections because these choices have already driven the products available in the recommendations tab. Due to the ease of use of MLA, it is recommended that you use a copy of your downloaded report to quickly adjust and create a second report.

Can I remove products that I have selected from the Recommendations & Prerequisites Tab?

Yes, in order to remove these products go back to the products page and unselect the products you wish to remove.

Why are some products recommended as prerequisites when they are not required for basic installation of the software product?

Some products are recommended as a prerequisite to extend the use of certain functionality within a selected product but are not necessary for software product installation. If you have questions about why a product has been recommended, mouse over the recommended products name and view information is provided in the additional information pane on the right side of your screen about why the product is recommended.

Why do some products not have a prerequisite product?

Either the product selected does not require another product to be run, or the selected prerequisite product is already included in the initial configuration.