14 DAY TRIAL // Not all Microsoft customers are equal and not all treated in such a manner either. The difference lies in the license that accompanies software from the Redmond company. While end users have to deal with retail software or OEM images, corporate customers access Microsoft software through volume licenses. And there’s absolutely nothing stopping the software giant from threatening its volume customers as first class citizens. Microsoft Volume Licensing Reference Guide is available for download for those that want to understand just how the company licenses software to business users.
The guide is designed to deliver an insight into the Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, covering a variety of topics from product licensing models to Software Assurance. Of course, now that Windows 7 is available for purchase, customers can also understand just how the latest iteration of Windows fits into the company’s volume licensing programs.
“Software acquired through Microsoft Volume Licensing is a software license only. A software license provides the right to run a Microsoft software product,” Microsoft revealed. “Savings above retail boxed software prices can be realized by participating in a Microsoft Volume Licensing program. By acquiring software licenses through Volume Licensing, you can pay for only the software license. Or in the case of some Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, you can also purchase Software Assurance. Microsoft Software Assurance is a comprehensive maintenance offering that helps you get the most out of your software investment. It combines the latest software with phone support, partner services, training, and IT tools.”
Windows 7 Business upgrade along with rights to the Enterprise SKU are included in the Open Value program, according to the document. At the same time, Open License customers can also take advantage of Windows 7, along with additional technologies. The Enterprise edition of Vista’s successor is also served to customers that opt for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. And of course, all Software Assurance customers get the rights to use the latest technology, including Windows 7 Enterprise.
“Windows 7 Enterprise - Use this premium desktop PC operating system for medium-sized and large organizations. Available exclusively to Software Assurance customers, Window 7 Enterprise delivers solutions for myriad challenges, from protecting sensitive data and improving legacy application compatibility to simplifying IT deployment and management,” Microsoft stated.