Microsoft Software Volume Licensing: Three Reasons to Make the Move

Volume software licensing essentially means purchasing multiple licenses or software instances in a single package based on the software vendor’s available options. Managing IT services and support duties include managing these licenses to ensure that what is purchased supports the company’s growth, business processes, and budget while maintaining compliance with multiple vendors.

Here are three reasons Swift IT recommends making the move to Microsoft volume licensing.

Flexibility – Microsoft software volume license packages are structured for business use and the operational complexities associated with multiple types of users. When you purchase an individual retail product that is exactly what you buy – that stand-alone product for a single installation on one machine. One of the benefits of volume license agreements is the option to downgrade rights. For example, if your organization is not ready to move all users to MS Office 2013 the option is available to use MS Office 2010 until the organization is ready for full adoption.

IT Management – Licenses purchased in a software package, rather than individually allow the central management of users and devices. Installations are easier and more flexible because one agreement and one unified license key for each product is leveraged to activate all installations. Also, those products offer online downloads versus a CD / DVD and the licenses are stored online so there are no paper copies to keep on-file. Typically, software packages allow a fixed number of installations and there may be other limitations or conflicts with individual product instances versus volume packages such as license life spans and bundled licensing requirements.

Compliance – If you’re not sure if your business software meets licensing requirements or if you could survive a Microsoft compliance audit, it’s something you definitely want to double-check. A software compliance entity, The BSA, represents software giants like Microsoft and Adobe. The organization actively solicits tips from disgruntled employees which they report to the large software companies. If the software company conducts an audit and finds a violation, which could be missing documents such as proof of purchase or packing slips, they typically issue a fine in lieu of legal action. The BSA is paid and pays-out the whistleblowers from the monies collected for the tips and they don’t care if you don’t understand the rules.

To help you determine leverage all of the Microsoft software volume licensing advantages and ensure you’re not nailed by compliance issues, call 301.682.5100, 877.SWIFT.S.I (877.794.3874), or email Swift IT.

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