Microsoft Licensing FAQ's from Blue Solutions

Microsoft Licensing FAQ's

Q. Is licensing cheaper than OEM ?
A. If you are purchasing for an academic, government or charitable organisation than licensing will always be cheaper than OEM product. If you are purchasing for any other organisation and are eligible to use OEM it will be cheaper than purchasing open licensing.

Q. What is the minimum number of licences I can order ?
A. Minimum requirements vary across each of the licensing schems. Please refer to the appropriate overview for more detailed information..

Q. Are points cumulative from existing orders enabling you to jump to the next price band?
A. No. The band you enter is the band you stay in. You need to do a new agreement with the minimum number of points for the band you require.

Q. Are pricing bands applicable across all the product pools?
A. No. If you have band B on Applications products this does NOT enable you to get band 'B' on Servers or Systems products.

Q. How often do the prices change on licensing?
A. They change on the 1st of every month and any change will normally be due to the dollar rate.

Q. How long is a licence Authorisation Number valid for?
A. You are able to purchase additional licences for 2 years on the same band using the original Authorisation Number.

Q. How long is Software Assurance valid for?
A. Different licensing schemes offer different Software Assurance terms. Once the term has expired clients will no longer be entitled to free upgrades without renewing Software Assurance.

Q. Can I extend my Software Assurance once it has run out?
A. Yes, you can buy software assurance licences on their own for renewal purposes.

Q. How can I pay for licensing?
A. You can pay by either using your pre-approved credit account (where applicable), sending us a cheque or entering your credit card details on the website. We do not impose any surcharges.

Q. How is a licence sent?
A. Your licence will be emailed and a copy is also accessible through logging in to the licensing site.

Q. Can I order foreign language licences?
A. Limited languages are available on request. Please email the licensing team for further information.

Q. Can I cancel or amend an order?
A. Yes, but it must be within 10 days of placing your order. Details will need to be confirmed by email. After this, Microsoft will not change or cancel your order.

Q. Why can I not find any upgrades?
A. All upgrade part codes have been discontinued on the licensing scheme. You can only order full products. Certain upgrades are still available as Retail boxed product.

Q. Where have the Upgrade Advantage part codes gone?
A. Microsoft has discontinued Upgrade Advantage and Software Assurance on its own, as well as full product and Upgrade Advantage.

Q. Why can I not buy Small Business product under academic/charity pricing schemes?
A. Microsoft do not offer Small Business products via there academic program as these are seen as business products. As the academic scheme has greatly reduced pricing, the separate components that make up Small Business products can be purchased individually and still work out more cost effective than the Small Business product.