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Why Use SPLA?

SPLA is the only Microsoft Licensing program that provides use rights for hosting. Other programs like Enterprise Agreement (EA), Open, Select, FPP and OEM do not.
Microsoft Licensing Use Rights on Volume License Agreements (EA, Select, Open) as well as OEM and FPP restricts:

  • Hosting (providing software services)
  • Rental and Leasing
  • Sharing of Hardware Resources (i.e. Server must be dedicated to customer)

Pay As You Use

You pay for what you use and how much you utilize – it is based on simple calculations on the number of end users licenses (SAL) or per processor licenses (PL) actually utilized on a monthly basis.

Price Stability
SPLA pricing increases(if any) on January of every year. During the course of the year, prices may be reduced depending on Microsoft.

 
Zero Start Up & Upgrade Cost
Near zero start-up costs as the service providers pay for the licenses that are used each month. The price quoted for SPLA licenses covers the cost of all upgrades and provides customers with the right to use the current as well as the previous versions of the relevant Microsoft products.


Service Provider Internal Evaluation and Testing

Default allows service provider to test and evaluate software product without need to report use for up to 90 days.

End User Evaluation
Service Provider has the right to grant end users up to 60 days free evaluation.

Built-in Software Assurance
Each SPLA license comes with software assurance granting access to the most current version of Microsoft software products for one monthly price. However, you have the option to deploy prior versions.

Facilitates Licensing Compliance
By acquiring SPLA, you meet the compliance requirements for providing hosted services to third parties as per Microsoft.