How to Buy
Realize the Value of Microsoft Volume Licensing
Volume licensing of software makes it easier and more affordable to run software on multiple computers within an organization. By acquiring software licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, you only pay for the software license. Boxed software, on the other hand, includes media (the CD-ROM or DVD), a user's guide and other packaging items. Eliminating these physical costs and purchasing in volume often reduces cost and provides more customized purchasing options and improved software management.
How many licenses (how many PCs)?
Full-packaged Products
If you need less than five licenses, you can buy the products you need individually at Microsoft Store or browse Bing Shopping.
Open License
Entry-level program that allows you to start using software immediately and pay
as you go. Recommended for small organizations.
Open Value
Optimal for organizations that want to standardize their IT infrastructure, customize
their platform, and maximize their investment with Software Assurance. You can also
upgrade at any time—no need to track versions or open new agreements. Recommended
for small and midsize organizations.
Open Value Subscription
Get the benefits of Open Value with lower up-front costs and the ability to increase
or decrease license count on an annual basis to accommodate changes in desktop PC
count. Recommended for small and midsize organizations.
Enterprise Agreement
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is the best licensing program for organizations
that want to standardize IT across the enterprise yet retain the flexibility to
choose from on-premises and cloud services.
