Microsoft Master Licensing Agreement: What You Need to Know
If your organization relies heavily on Microsoft software products, you may want to consider a Microsoft Master Licensing Agreement (MLA). An MLA is a contract between Microsoft and a customer that consolidates all existing licensing agreements into one comprehensive agreement.
An MLA can reduce the complexity of managing software licenses and facilitate compliance. It can also provide cost savings by aligning purchasing with usage, streamlining procurement, and providing volume discounts.
Here are some key things to know about the Microsoft Master Licensing Agreement:
1. MLA is only available for select customers and products
The MLA is only available to commercial and government customers with a minimum commitment of 250 licenses. It covers various Microsoft products, including Office, Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and SQL Server, among others.
2. There are two types of Master Licensing Agreements
Customers can choose between two types of MLA: Enterprise Agreement (EA) and Enterprise Subscription Agreement (ESA).
The EA is a three-year agreement that provides perpetual licenses and software assurance (SA) for each licensed product. SA provides the right to upgrade to new versions of the software during the agreement term.
The ESA is a three-year agreement that provides subscription licenses and SA for each licensed product. Subscription licenses require a yearly payment to maintain the right to use the software.
3. MLA offers flexible licensing options
An MLA allows customers to choose from various licensing models for different products. For example, customers can choose between device-based and user-based licensing for Office products and choose between server and CAL licenses for server products.
The flexibility of an MLA allows organizations to align licensing with their specific needs and usage patterns, which can result in cost savings.
4. Compliance is crucial
One of the primary benefits of an MLA is the ability to manage licenses and ensure compliance. Microsoft conducts regular audits of customers to ensure they are using software products in compliance with licensing agreements.
An MLA can provide reporting tools to help customers track license usage, which can assist in managing compliance. Failure to comply with licensing agreements can result in penalties and legal action.
In conclusion, a Microsoft Master Licensing Agreement can simplify the management of software licenses, provide cost savings, and ensure compliance. However, it`s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement and choose the appropriate licensing model for your organization`s needs.
If you`re considering an MLA, consult with a Microsoft licensing specialist or a trusted advisor to help you make the right decisions and maximize the benefits of the agreement.