Software Licence Types

Knowing what is the best option when it comes to buying Microsoft software for your small business needn’t be a minefield. Below we explain which volume licensing options may be suitable for your small business.

Option 1: Open Value licence

An Open Value agreement may be the right choice for you if:

Your organisation is small or medium-sized

You have two or more PCs

You want to spread your payments

You want Software Assurance* built in as standard

How does it work?

You can begin an Open Value agreement with a minimum of five licences of either any mix of products, or, if you wish standardise your desktop software, by choosing products from either the Desktop Professional Platform or Small Business Platform (more info here). The cost of your product licences are fixed, and payments are split equally over three years.

With Open Value you also have the choice of 'renting' your licences which could further reduce the cost of your software licences. This option is called Open Value Subscription.

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

Compare Open Value agreements here

Option 2: Open Licence

An Open Licence agreement may be the right choice for you if:

Your organisation is small or medium-sized

You have two or more PCs

You want to buy and license multiple copies of Microsoft software

How does it work?

If you buy five or more Microsoft licences, you qualify for an Open Licence agreement. An Open Licence agreement lasts two years, but you're licensed to use the software you've purchased indefinitely. During the period of the agreement, you can buy extra licences as and when needed at the Open discount. Your Open Licence agreement can be enhanced with Software Assurance*.

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

Compare Open Value agreements here

*Software Assurance

Software assurance gives you access to 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


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