Microsoft Open License vs Cloud Licensing: A Comparison

Microsoft Open License vs Open Value vs Cloud Licensing

5 April 2019

Microsoft Open License

Microsoft licensing is among the most confusing terms for most individuals and businesses. For instance, many small businesses believe that Businesses can only purchase Microsoft Office from the physical or virtual shelf. But, buying hundreds of copies is not necessary to quantify Microsoft open license volume licensing discounts. Microsoft provides three types of on-premise licenses – Microsoft open license volume, OEM and full packaged product. The volume license comes with many options, but small businesses widely use the other two licenses. You must purchase a minimum of 5 licenses for both Open and Open Value.

microsoft open license

Microsoft Licensing Comparision

In this article, we have covered both of these Microsoft licenses. We have also included other licensing terms to help you understand this process better. Between these five licenses, there is an online subscription also. Though Cloud subscriptions cannot compare to other licenses, it provides a cloud alternative to on-premise deployments.

Microsoft Licensing Type

Description

Advantages Microsoft Licensing

Pricing

Microsoft Open License
  • We need to purchase at least five licenses.
  • Software Assurance

Most straightforward license
  • Cost-effective as compared to retail
  • Ideal for a small number of licenses
  • Licenses can be moved or imaged.
  • Downgrade right
  • The cost of purchasing this license is meagre
as compared to other licensing terms.
Open Value
  • Similar to Open license
  • Pay the amount in three annual payments.
  • Upgrades are included in it.
Software Assurance is included. The license can be imaged or moved.
  • Have a predictable cost due to 3-year tenure
OEM
  • It comes
pre-installed on the hardware, Not used more as compared to other licenses.
  • The license is tied to the hardware.
  • Support by OEM
  • No separate installation is required.
  • Effective for personal use
  • Very cost-effective than other licenses
  • Included within the cost of hardware
Enterprise Agreement
  • Suitable for large organisations who need to purchase more than 250 licenses
  • Access to multiple licenses at a reasonable price
  • No minimum purchase
  • You can add Software Assurance further. Complete
  • package of all licenses
  • The cost per license is lower as compared to purchasing licenses individually.
Online Cloud Subscription
  • Entirely cloud-based license
  • Avail of
all the Microsoft Office services available online A defined
  • amount of resources
  • Requires less infrastructure
  • Provide more excellent elasticity for businesses
  • Require less management as compared to other licenses
  • Very cost-effective as compared to manual subscription

Software assurance is the most important when choosing Microsoft Licensing for Microsoft products. With software assurance, you will get access to new versions of Microsoft software when they are released. However, an online subscription has its benefits, as mentioned above. Also, businesses are moving to the cloud, so online subscription seems to be the best license for every small business.

If you’re finding it difficult to move to the cloud, then Server Consultancy expert cloud services can help you make a move and provide you with information on Microsoft open license