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New definition of "External Users"

Updated language suited for today’s work environments.

June 25, 2024

As we navigate the evolving landscape of hybrid and remote work, it's crucial to ensure that our language keeps pace with the changing needs of our customers. To support this, we've made an important update to the definition of "External Users" that better reflects modern work environments while providing clear guidelines for licensing requirements.

Currently, the term "External Users" refers to users that are not employees, onsite contractors or onsite agents of Customer or its Affiliates.

Effective October 1, 2024, "External Users" will be modified for products that include External Users use rights in product terms. The new definition will refer to users that are not (a) employees of Customer or its Affiliates, (b) contractors or agents that typically work for Customer or its Affiliates for more than 30 hours on average per week, or (c) contractors or agents that typically work onsite for Customer or its Affiliates on each working day. For more information, please reach out to your account team.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • The applicable products include:

    • Microsoft Teams 
    • Office Servers 
    • Office for the web 
    • Office 365 Services that include Yammer 
    • OneDrive for Business 
    • SharePoint Online 
    • Microsoft Entra ID 
    • Dynamics 365 
    • Windows Server 
    • SQL Server 
    • Exchange Server 
    • Project Server 
    • SharePoint Server 
    • Skype for Business Server 
    • Azure DevOps Server 
    • Windows Multipoint Server 
    • Advanced Threat Analytics 
    • Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager 
    • System Center Data Protection Manager/Protection, System Center Orchestrator/Operations Manager/Service Manager 
  • Yes, there will be a change in the glossary. The new term will take effect starting October 1, 2024.
  • The changed definition only applies to the customer who sign an enrollment or agreement on or after October 1, 2024.