Choosing between a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) and Open Value can be a challenging decision for businesses. Both options offer licensing solutions for large organizations with multiple users but work differently in terms of licensing, pricing, and flexibility. In this article, we will explain the differences between the two licensing solutions, helping you make an informed decision when choosing between EA and Open Value.
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a licensing program designed for large organizations with more than 500 users. It offers a centralized and customizable licensing solution for organizations with multiple locations to access Microsoft software and services.
Under the EA, businesses can purchase licenses for multiple Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office, Skype for Business, and SharePoint. The agreement provides volume licensing discounts, which allows organizations to save money on licensing costs. Furthermore, it offers a minimum three-year commitment, with the option to add or subtract licenses during the agreement term, making it an excellent tool for companies with a large number of employees that require software access.
Additionally, with the EA, any Microsoft Software Assurance benefits are included, which includes upgrades to new versions of the software and access to Microsoft’s Help and Support. The EA allows for flexible payment options, with different payment plans that cater to businesses’ unique financial requirements.
Open Value
Open Value is a licensing program that provides flexible and affordable licensing options for organizations with less than 500 users. It offers a subscription-based licensing model, which is ideal for businesses with changing employee numbers, as licenses can be added or subtracted at any time.
Under the Open Value agreement, businesses can purchase licenses for Microsoft software and services, including Microsoft Office 365, Project, and Visio. Unlike the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, Open Value does not offer volume licensing discounts. However, it does provide businesses with the flexibility to pay for their licensing costs annually or monthly, making it a viable option for organizations with limited budgets.
Furthermore, Open Value offers an optional Software Assurance program that includes upgrades to new software versions, as well as phone and web support from Microsoft. The Software Assurance program can be added at the beginning of the agreement term or during the agreement term, providing businesses with frequent opportunities to customize their licensing options.
Choosing between Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Open Value
When deciding between Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Open Value, businesses must evaluate their unique needs and requirements. If an organization has more than 500 users and requires licensing for multiple products, the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement would be the best option. The agreement’s centralized licensing solution, volume licensing discounts, and Software Assurance benefits make it the most cost-effective option for larger organizations.
On the other hand, if a business has less than 500 users and requires flexible payment options and support for different software types, Open Value would be the better option. The subscription-based licensing structure, the option to add or subtract licenses at any time, and payment plan flexibility make Open Value a cost-effective option for smaller organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Open Value requires careful consideration of a business’s requirements, budget, and software needs. While both licensing models offer unique benefits, the EA is better suited for larger organizations, while Open Value provides the most flexible and affordable option for smaller companies. We hope that this article has been informative in helping you make an informed decision when selecting between Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Open Value licensing models.