Microsoft Open Value is a licensing program that simplifies purchasing Microsoft software and services for small to medium-sized organizations.
This program offers numerous benefits, including flexible payment options, simplified license management, and the ability to upgrade to new software versions at no additional cost. Understanding Microsoft Open Value is crucial for IT professionals as it can significantly impact an organization’s software procurement strategy and overall IT budget.
Understanding Microsoft Open Value
Microsoft Open Value is a volume licensing program that allows organizations to purchase Microsoft software and services flexibly and cost-effectively. Unlike traditional licensing models, Microsoft Open Value allows organizations to spread payments over three years, making it easier to manage IT budgets.
The program is divided into two main offerings: Open Value Company-wide and Open Value Subscription. The former allows organizations to license software for their entire company, ensuring all users can access the same Microsoft products. On the other hand, the latter is a subscription-based model that offers lower upfront costs and the flexibility to increase or decrease the number of licenses as needed.
Benefits of Microsoft Open Value
Microsoft Open Value offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance an organization’s software procurement and management processes. Some of the key advantages include:
- Flexible Payment Options: Microsoft Open Value allows organizations to spread their software costs over three years, providing greater financial flexibility.
- Simplified License Management: The program offers a single, company-wide agreement that simplifies the process of managing software licenses.
- Software Assurance Benefits: Microsoft Open Value includes Software Assurance, which provides access to new software versions, training, and support at no additional cost.
- Scalability: With the Open Value Subscription offering, organizations can easily adjust the number of licenses to match their changing business needs.
How Microsoft Open Value Works
Understanding the workings of Microsoft Open Value is crucial for IT professionals tasked with managing an organization’s software procurement and licensing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the program operates:
- Choose the Right Offering: The first step is to choose between Open Value Company-wide and Open Value Subscription based on your organization’s needs. If you need licenses for the entire company and prefer to own the licenses, opt for Open Value Company-wide. If you prefer a subscription model with lower upfront costs and the flexibility to adjust the number of licenses, choose Open Value Subscription.
- Select the Products: Next, select the Microsoft products you want to license. Microsoft Open Value covers various software and services, including Office, Windows, and Azure.
- Determine the Number of Licenses: Determine the number of licenses you need. For Open Value Company-wide, this should be the total number of desktop PCs in your organization. For Open Value Subscription, this can be the number of PCs that will use the software.
- Make the Purchase: Purchase the licenses through a Microsoft reseller. The cost can be spread over three years, providing financial flexibility.
- Manage Your Licenses: After the purchase, you can manage your licenses through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). This online portal lets you track and manage your licenses, download software, and access Software Assurance benefits.
Common Questions about Microsoft Open Value
Here are some frequently asked questions about Microsoft Open Value, along with clear and concise answers:
- What is the difference between Open Value Company-wide and Open Value Subscription? Open Value Company-wide allows you to license software for your entire company and own the licenses. At the same time, Open Value Subscription is a subscription-based model that offers lower upfront costs and the flexibility to adjust the number of licenses.
- What products are covered under Microsoft Open Value? Microsoft Open Value covers a wide range of Microsoft software and services, including Office, Windows, and Azure.
- How are licenses managed in Microsoft Open Value? Licenses are managed through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), an online portal that allows you to track and manage your licenses, download software, and access Software Assurance benefits.
- Can I adjust the number of licenses in Microsoft Open Value? Yes, with Open Value Subscription, you can adjust the number of licenses to match your changing business needs.
- What is Software Assurance, and how does it benefit me? Software Assurance is a program that provides access to new software versions, training, and support at no additional cost. It’s included in Microsoft Open Value and can help your organization stay current with the latest Microsoft technologies.
Conclusion
Understanding Microsoft Open Value is crucial for IT professionals managing software procurement and licensing.
This flexible and cost-effective program simplifies acquiring and managing Microsoft software and services, providing numerous benefits such as flexible payment options, simplified license management, and access to Software Assurance benefits.
By making informed decisions about Microsoft Open Value, IT professionals can ensure effective license management that aligns with their organization’s needs and budget.
