Microsoft Volume Licensing Vs Enterprise Agreement

Microsoft is one of the most trusted names in the world of technology. They offer a range of products and services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Among the many solutions, businesses can purchase licenses for their software products through either Volume Licensing or Enterprise Agreement. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two licensing options to help you decide which one will work best for your company.

What is Volume Licensing?

Volume Licensing is a program offered by Microsoft that allows businesses to purchase multiple licenses at once. It is a way to simplify the process of licensing Microsoft software products across an organization. This option is ideal for businesses that have several employees who need access to Microsoft products.

Through Volume Licensing, businesses can buy licenses for Microsoft products without needing to purchase individual licenses for each employee. This results in significant cost savings. With Volume Licensing, businesses only need to purchase licenses based on the number of devices on which Microsoft software will be installed.

What is an Enterprise Agreement?

An Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a licensing program offered by Microsoft to companies that need access to a variety of Microsoft software products. It is a comprehensive licensing agreement that works best for large organizations that need a high volume of licenses and want access to all Microsoft products.

An EA enables businesses to purchase licenses for Microsoft products at a discounted price. With an EA, businesses can purchase licenses for all Microsoft products at a single discounted price. This option makes it easier and cheaper to manage large-scale software deployments.

Key Differences Between Volume Licensing and Enterprise Agreement

1. Cost

The cost is one of the main differences between Volume Licensing and Enterprise Agreement. With Volume Licensing, businesses only need to purchase licenses based on the number of devices they plan to install Microsoft software on. This results in a lower cost per license for businesses.

On the other hand, an EA provides access to all Microsoft products at a discounted price. The price is based on the number of licenses needed. However, the volume discounts are deeper than those provided through Volume Licensing.

2. Flexibility

Volume Licensing is more flexible than Enterprise Agreement. It allows businesses to purchase licenses on an as-needed basis. This means that businesses can purchase licenses as they need them. This option is ideal for businesses that need to be agile and require the flexibility to scale their licensing as their business grows.

An EA, on the other hand, requires businesses to purchase licenses in bulk. This means that businesses must commit to a set number of licenses for a set period. This option is best for businesses that have a clear understanding of their software needs and can accurately predict their future licensing requirements.

3. Support

Support is another key difference between Volume Licensing and Enterprise Agreement. Volume Licensing provides basic support for Microsoft products but does not offer any premium support options.

An EA, on the other hand, provides access to premium Microsoft support. This includes streamlined technical support, access to online training, and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Volume Licensing and Enterprise Agreement have their differences, the choice ultimately comes down to the specific needs of your business. Volume Licensing is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require flexibility and scalability. The Enterprise Agreement is ideal for larger organizations that require comprehensive licensing for all Microsoft products and access to premium support.

If you are still unsure which licensing option is best for your company, speak with a Microsoft licensing specialist to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.