Microsoft Small Business Centre - Software buying and licensing options from small business

How to Buy

Knowing what is the best option when it comes to buying Microsoft software for your small business needn’t be a minefield. Below we have highlighted the 4 options available to you dependant on your business requirement to help you buy.

Option 1: Software in a box

Boxed software or ‘Full-Packaged Product’ comes packaged in a box containing a licensed software CD for installing on a single computer. Boxed software is a great option for one-off purchases for home users and small organisations.

Things to consider

•	Buying boxed software is often a quick and convenient option. However, if you have more than two desktop computers in your company you may save money by getting a volume licence agreement (below).
•	Volume licence agreements also give access to added benefits such as software assurance*.

Where can I buy boxed software?

You can buy boxed software from retail outlets, by mail order or from other software resellers. A selection of boxed Microsoft software is available to buy via this website.

Visit our 'Products' section to buy;

•	Microsoft Office 2007 Small Business
•	Windows Vista Business
•	Small Business Server 2003 R2

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Option 2: With a new computer

Pre-installed software consists of the programs and applications that are already installed and licensed on a computer when you buy it from an 'original equipment manufacturer' (OEM).

Things to consider

•	Pre-installed software can only be used on the computer which you bought it with. If you want to use the software on a different machine you will need to buy a new licence, this could mean buying new boxed software (above) or adding a licence to a volume licence agreement (below).
•	The pre-installed software that comes with your PC may not be the best choice for your business needs. Make sure you assess the different types and versions of software that are available to make sure you have the software you need.

Where can I buy?

Pre-installed (OEM) software can be bought on a wide range of laptop and desktop PCs via retail outlets or online resellers.

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Option 3: Open Value or other Volume licensing agreement

If you need to install the same software on more than one computer, you will need to buy licences for that software. A software licence grants you the legal right to use a piece of software.

Microsoft volume licensing programmes offer companies of all sizes, several cost-effective ways to buy and manage multiple software licences - for as few as two desktop personal computers.

•	Read more about Open Value and other license types for companies with 2+ PCs

Added benefits

Volume licence agreements also give access to the added benefit of Software Assurance. Software Assurance includes technical support, tools, significant productivity resources and the right to upgrade your software if a new version is released during the period of Software Assurance.

•	More about Software Assurance benefits

Where can I buy?

•	Get a list of Microsoft resellers for organisations with less than 250 PCs
•	Find a local IT Specialist who can help arrange your volume licence

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Option 4: Hosted software

You can also access software on a hosted basis. This is also known as Software as a Service (SaaS), Hosted Services or Software Services. With this type of agreement you pay a subscription to an IT provider for the right to use the software. The types of programs available range from hosted desktop applications such as Microsoft Office to complex server-based software such as Microsoft Exchange Server.

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