Microsoft Licensing Options
This is a quick overview of licensing options for Microsoft software. It's important to take a look at your long-term as well as short-term software needs and make sure you get the most bang for your buck with software expenditures.
The OEM License
Most computer makers can include operating system and application software under the terms of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) agreement. You get a license to use the software with the specific physical computer that it came with.When the computer is retired or decommissioned, the software license stays with it and cannot be transferred to another computer.
The OEM license is the most common and for most buyers, the least expensive option for acquiring the rights to use the software. For a business, with ongoing needs for software that may span the life of several physical computers, there are more options.
The Open Value Program
Overall, this may be the best program for small and medium businesses. You enroll in the program with a small minimum purchase (5 licenses). There are 1, 2 and 3 year terms and upgrade agreements (called Software Assurance) are included. Plus, the licenses are not bound to the physical hardware, so they can move from one machine to another as needed. Flexible terms are available to qualified purchasers. Variations of the program allow for additional home use licenses on desktop software.