Microsoft Open Value is a licensing program that simplifies purchasing Microsoft software and services for small to medium-sized organizations.
Microsoft Open Value is:
- A software licensing program designed for small to midsize businesses.
- Allows organizations to purchase Microsoft software licenses over three years.
- Offers the flexibility to choose from various Microsoft products and services.
- This includes software assurance, providing access to the latest updates and enhancements.
- Facilitates budget management with predictable annual payments.
- Provides options for organization-wide or single-license purchases.
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: The Open Value Subscription offering allows organizations to easily adjust the number of licenses to match their changing business needs.
How Microsoft Open Value Works
Microsoft Open Value is a flexible licensing program simplifying software procurement and management for small to mid-sized organizations.
Below is a detailed guide on how it operates and benefits businesses.
1. Choose the Right Licensing Option
Selecting the appropriate Open Value option depends on your organization’s needs:
- Open Value Company-wide:
- Ideal if you want to own the licenses outright.
- Requires standardizing the licensed products across all devices.
- Provides a predictable cost model with a fixed price for all licenses.
- Open Value Subscription:
- A subscription-based model with lower upfront costs.
- Offers flexibility to adjust the number of licenses annually as your workforce changes.
- Provides access to the latest software versions for the subscription term.
Example: A growing business that expects to expand its workforce over the next two years may choose an Open Value Subscription for flexibility, while a stable organization might opt for a Company-wide subscription to retain perpetual ownership.
2. Select the Microsoft Products
Choose the Microsoft software and services that best fit your organizational needs:
- Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Windows Operating System upgrades for desktops.
- Server Products like Windows Server and SQL Server.
- Cloud Services such as Azure or Microsoft 365 (if eligible).
Example: A financial firm standardizes Microsoft 365 across all employees while integrating SQL Server for database management.
3. Determine the Number of Licenses
Accurately calculate the licenses based on your preferred Open Value model:
- Company-wide: License for all qualifying desktop PCs in your organization.
- Subscription: License only the number of devices or users actively using the software, with the flexibility to scale up or down annually.
Example: A company with 100 devices licenses all under Open Value Company-wide, while a seasonal business licenses 50 devices upfront and increases during peak times with Open Value Subscription.
4. Make the Purchase Through a Microsoft Reseller
Licenses are purchased through an authorized Microsoft reseller. Key points:
- Payments can be spread across three annual installments, reducing upfront financial pressure.
- Standardized pricing ensures cost predictability for budgeting purposes.
- The reseller can also offer assistance in selecting products and guiding you through the licensing process.
Example: A healthcare organization spreads its licensing costs over three years to better manage its IT budget while ensuring compliance.
5. Manage Your Licenses with VLSC
Once purchased, you can manage and access licenses through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
- License Tracking: Monitor all purchased licenses and activations in one place.
- Software Downloads: Download the latest software versions and updates.
- Software Assurance Benefits: Access benefits like technical support, version upgrades, and employee training resources.
Example: An IT administrator uses VLSC to monitor license usage, download new software updates for Windows Server, and access Software Assurance benefits like deployment tools.
Benefits of Microsoft Open Value
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Predictability | Spread payments over three years to reduce financial strain. |
| Flexibility | Open Value Subscription allows yearly adjustments to license counts. |
| Software Assurance | Includes updates, technical support, and tools to maximize software value. |
| Centralized Management | Manage all licenses efficiently through the VLSC portal. |
| Compliance | Ensures organization-wide standardization, reducing licensing risks. |
FAQ on Microsoft Open Value
What is Microsoft Open Value?
Microsoft Open Value is a volume licensing program for small—to mid-sized organizations. It offers flexible payments and benefits like Software Assurance.
Who can benefit from Microsoft Open Value?
Organizations looking for a cost-effective way to license Microsoft products with added benefits can benefit from this program.
How does the Open Value program work?
Organizations enter a three-year agreement, with options for annual or upfront payments, and receive perpetual licenses.
What products are available through Open Value?
The program offers access to a wide range of Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, and server software.
What is the difference between Open Value and Open License?
Open Value offers perpetual and subscription licenses with additional benefits like Software Assurance, while Open License provides perpetual licenses without these additional benefits.
How do I manage my Open Value licenses?
Licenses are managed through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), providing a centralized platform for tracking and managing licenses.
Can educational institutions use Open Value?
Yes, there are specific Open Value programs tailored for educational institutions.
What is Software Assurance in Open Value?
Software Assurance provides access to the latest software versions, training, deployment planning, and support services.
How do I renew my Open Value agreement?
Organizations can renew their agreement at the end of the three-year term to continue receiving benefits and adding new licenses.
Can I add more licenses during the agreement?
Yes, additional licenses can be added anytime during the three-year agreement.
What are the payment options for Open Value?
Organizations can choose between annual or one-time upfront payments for the agreement term.
Are licenses obtained through Open Value perpetual?
Yes, licenses obtained through Open Value are perpetual, meaning they do not expire.
Can licenses be transferred between organizations?
Licenses can be transferred between affiliated organizations, subject to Microsoft’s transfer policies.
What are the initial purchase requirements for Open Value?
The program typically requires a minimum initial purchase to initiate the agreement. A Microsoft reseller can confirm the details.
