A software product license grants you the legal right to run or access a software program.
A license agreement governs the use of licensed software. License agreements typically allow the software to run on a limited number of computers and allow copies to be made, though solely for backup purposes.
Microsoft has several types of licensing programs designed to meet any of your business needs.
 |  |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Choose a licensing type to learn more:
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)OEM software, such as any Windows operating system, comes pre-installed on your new computer. Operating systems and other software applications are available through the OEM channel.
Full Packaged Product (FPP) – RetailFPP refers to new, boxed, shrink-wrapped software that is purchased in any retail store or through an online vendor. This type of software is best suited to personal or low-volume needs. For users running software on five or more machines, a volume licensing solution will save you both time and money.
Microsoft Open LicenseOpen License is a volume licensing system designed for organizations purchasing five or more licenses for any given software application. Companies choosing the Open License option can access their license information at the secure Microsoft eOpen site.
Open Business allows customers to save money over estimated retail prices by placing an initial order for five or more licenses at once. Using this method, customers can combine any set of Microsoft products to qualify for the five-license minimum.
Open Volume can save you even more money if you are able to make a larger, initial order up front from one or more product pools such as applications, systems or servers.
Open Value helps you stay current with Software Assurance (SA) and spreads payments annually when you place an initial order of five or more licenses. Choose the Company-Wide Option for additional savings.
Learn more about Open Licenses
Microsoft Select LicenseSelect License* is a volume licensing program best suited for organizations with 250 or more PCs that are able to forecast software license acquisitions over a three-year period. Select License customers will receive a volume price level for each pool of product purchased (such as applications, systems or servers) based on a three-year software forecast.
Learn more about Select Licenses
Microsoft Enterprise AgreementEnterprise Agreement* is a volume licensing program for organizations with 250 or more PCs that are looking to standardize certain products in order to receive special pricing. Enterprise Agreements can work two ways:
Enterprise Agreement may be the best choice for organizations with 250 or more desktop PCs that are looking to standardize one or more Microsoft Platform Enterprise products (such as Office Professional, Windows Professional upgrade and Core Client Access License) based on a three-year agreement term.
Enterprise Subscription Agreement is for customers with 250 or more machines who prefer to license Microsoft software products on a subscription basis. This type of Agreement allows you to standardize on one or more Microsoft Platform Enterprise product based on a three-year agreement term.
Learn more about Enterprise Agreements
Academic, Government and Charity ProductAcademic Licensing allows qualifying institutions to obtain product at special prices through both retail and Volume Licensing channels.
 | View eligibility requirements |
| Learn more about the Academic Licensing Program |
Government Open License Program
The Government Open License Program gives special pricing to eligible small- and medium-sized government organization. This option is ideal for those needing to purchase smaller quantities of licenses; and who need a simple, flexible model.
"Government organization" refers to any agency, jurisdiction or other entity of a United States federal, state or local government as defined by applicable statutes. Those wishing to purchase Government Open License Products must meet certain eligibility requirements.
Learn more about the Government Open License Program
Charity Open License Program
The Charity Open License Program allows qualifying nonprofit organizations to purchase multiple software licenses (instead of multiple software packages) at reduced prices. To participate in this type of program you must qualify as a charitable organization. All information on this and related pages is specific to the United States.
Learn more about the Charity Open License Program
*Microsoft Volume Licensing programs do not offer full licenses for Microsoft operating systems. Full operating system licenses are available only when pre-installed on your new PC or with Full Package Product (FPP) acquired from a retail outlet. For more information visit http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/howtotell