Would you like an expert consultation on Microsoft?
Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) with Bechtle.
Bechtle is more than just an experienced, qualified licensing specialist and Microsoft Licensing Solutions Provider (LSP). We're also an authorised SPLA reseller, a distinction that underlines our commitment to providing top quality and reliability as a cloud services provider and licensing and software consultant.
Our services:
- Sign SPLA
- Provide templates to simplify reporting
- Review and forward monthly use (including zero-use) reports to Microsoft
- Accept payment for the licenses used in the previous month
- Provide support for all licensing and customer-specific questions regarding the SPLA programme
- Proactively inform you of all new SPLA developments and price updates
We're happy to help with any SPLA questions-just send us an e-mail
Is SPLA the right choice for your business?
The SPLA programme lets you license Microsoft software products for software services. Software services are services you provide to your customers that make products available and that display, run, access or otherwise interact with Microsoft products. You provide these services from one or more data centres through the Internet, a telephony network or a private network on a rental, subscription or service basis.
Microsoft's SPLA is a versatile programme suitable for various different business models and usage scenarios.
Who can benefit from the SPLA?
- Web hosting providers
- Application service providers
- Messaging or collaboration service providers
- Platform infrastructure providers
- Streaming media providers
- Web or Internet service providers
- ISVs that provide hosted applications
- IT outsourcers that provide software licenses
- Business process outsourcers (BPO) that provide software licenses
- Consultants that provide software services
When is an SPLA required for hosting or service providers?
You want to provide commercially hosted services.
The SPLA programme allows you to commercially host Microsoft licensed products, unlike other Microsoft volume licensing programmes, such as the Enterprise Agreement, Select Plus and Open License programmes. This includes the right to use them to provide software services for your customers or third parties.
You want to rent software services.
The SPLA programme authorises you to provide software services on a rental basis to third parties who do not want to purchase licenses themselves.
You want to provide software services in a shared hosting environment.
You have greater flexibility when licensing Microsoft products to your customers in a dedicated or shared hosting environment. You can manage the services and Microsoft product user rights for your customers.
You want to pay only for the software you use.
With a monthly use-based licensing payment structure, you pay for only what you authorised your customers to use the previous month. This gives you the option to reduce the number of licenses (true-down) each month. Licenses are reported in accordance with Microsoft's Services Provider User Rights (SPUR).
Additional advantages
- Minimum start-up costs:
There are no startup costs, monthly minimums or long-term commitments. - Easy to budget:
Prices are generally adjusted only once a year in January. - Large selection of Microsoft products:
You have access to a wide range of server products and PC applications. - The latest product versions:
The SPLA provides the newest versions of Microsoft products, giving you and your customer access to the latest security updates and functions. - Test before you buy:
You can test and evaluate your Microsoft licensed products in-house before offering them to customers as a service. In addition, your customers get a free 60-day trial. - Global sales:
Microsoft licensed products can be used to sell your services to customers anywhere in the world, no matter where you're located. - Academic pricing:
Software services can be provided to academic institutions, such as schools and universities, at attractive prices.
SPLA Licensing.
The SPLA offers fixed-term or subscription licenses that can be used for the duration of the agreement.
Two models are available to deploy licensed Microsoft products to your customers:
Subscriber Access License (SAL).
Per subscriber.
A SAL is required for each unique individual user or device that is authorised to access or otherwise use the licensed products. When using the SAL option, there is no need for a separate Server License.
Benefits.
- Users can access an unlimited number of servers from any end device
- You can scale out workloads to different servers
- No startup costs
- Clear, consistent monthly use fee
Per Processor License (PL).
Per processor.
Each processor/core license allows an unlimited number of users to access the product that is installed on that processor.
Benefits.
- Unlimited user access per processor license
- Easier to manage and measure than concurrent usage licenses
- Eliminates uncertainties associated with Internet connector licenses
- Corresponds to software use
SPLA Duration.
- Three years, renewable
SPLA Eligibility.
The following are key requirements for the SPLA:
- Be a Microsoft Certified Partner or Registered Member
- Sign a Microsoft Business and SPLA
- Provide monthly reporting:
You must submit a monthly use report on all licenses that you, your affiliates and software services resellers authorised your customers to use during the preceding calendar month (including zero-use reports). - Provide technical support:
You are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products you deliver to your customers.
Bechtle: A strong partner at your side.
For many companies, software licensing is a real enigma. Will you be charged per server, VM or user? What happens if you no longer need as many licences?
Our experienced Microsoft consultants shed light on these and many other questions. We’re happy to help you choose the right licensing model for your business. Just get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
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