The open programs offer a convenient and simple way for small businesses with at least five or more desktop computers 
to acquire the latest Microsoft Technology. The cheapest form of Open Licensing is Open Value Subscription. Software is rented for the license period after which the agreement can be renewed. If it is not renewed before the license expires it will stop until renewed again. Companies with 250 or more computers to license would benefit from either Select or Enterprise licensing.
There are many benefits including:
- Simplicity. Begin to use the software as soon as it is acquired through the open license pay as you go model.
Affordable. Ability with three of the models to spread your payments over a period of three years, freeing up your cash flow. - Flexibility. Worldwide partner channel so that you can gain access to thousands of different software titles.
- Value. Manage licenses easily as they are conveniently accessed via the Microsoft volume licensing service.
A comparison of the Open Licensing agreements can be found below:
| Open License | Open Value
Non Company Wide | Open Value
Company-Wide | Open Value
Subscription |
Payment Terms | Buy Upfront in full | Buy over 3 years | Buy over 3 years | Rent for three years |
Who is it for? | Perfect for small businesses that want a simple single transaction but with the flexibility to buy more as and when needed | Small businesses that want the flexibility of licensing chosen desktops | Small businesses that want to standardise their desktop software | Small to medium sized businesses that want to standardise on Microsoft software but do not want to “own” the licenses |
Benefits | Simple purchasing plan, with a low entry level and optional software assurance | Enables you to spread your license payments and receive the benefits of software assurance | Easier license management, spread payments, software assurance included, choice of two platforms (Microsoft Professional or Small Business) | Suitable if you want to “rent” your licenses for cost of project reasons. Has low entry cost and includes software assurance, giving you instant access to the latest technology across your desktops. |
Entry Level | 5 licenses | 5 Licenses | 5 Computers | 5 Computers |
Upgrading Products | Optional Purchase | Software Assurance | Software Assurance | Software Assurance |
Do you own software rights after the agreement expires | Yes | Yes- there is the option to renew for an additional 3 years | Yes- there is the option to renew for an additional 3 years | No. option to renew for another 3 years, choose to buy the license or remove software when license expires. |
For more information about the above licensing solutions please read the volume licencing reference guide.
How does it work?
In order to benefit from open licensing a minimum of five licenses need to be purchased to open an agreement. The licenses you choose to purchase can be a mix of products. If you are looking to standardise the software on your computers you can opt for the Desktop Professional Platform (including office professional, Windows Professional Upgrade and Microsoft Core Cal) or the Small Business Platform including Microsoft Office Small Business, Windows Professional upgrade and Microsoft Small Business Server Cal.)
How to pay?
With Open License the price is fixed, this helps you as a business to budget knowing that the instalments aren’t going to change. With Open Value and Open Value Company Wide you own the licenses at the end of the term. Whereas with an Open Value Subscription license you rent your license which provides a low entry cost, Software assurance is included which ensures you are always kept up to date with the latest software releases.
Port-P are Microsoft Certified Partners. Contact our team of Licensing Experts today on 0121 262 6240 to find the right license for your business.