Microsoft Open License

I often speak with individuals who aren't familiar with Microsoft Open License and all of its particulars. With all the options out there, who can blame them? Here are some simple explanations to oft asked questions:

1- It takes just 5 licenses to get started. You can even mix and match different products (i.e. [3] Office Standard and [2] SQL Server CALs will meet the minimum).

2- In addition to purchasing the licensing, you'll also need* to purchase a media kit for each product so you can install the software. You can use the same media kit for all installations.

*Note: recent releases such as Vista, Office 2007, and Exchange 2007 offer free downloads. Media for these products is still available upon request.

3- Only upgrades are offered for Windows Vista Business, while adding Software Assurance gives you the rights to Vista Enterprise. Microsoft does require that you have a previous operating system to upgrade from. This is likely because they want to see computers delivered with an OEM version of Windows already installed. All other products under the volume program offer full versions.

4- Software Assurance offers 2 years of upgrades (3 for Open Value). When you cover a license with Software Assurance you automatically have the rights to a new version when it's released. Software Assurance also gives you certain support and training rights.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any issue. Thanks for your time!