Ever wondered what each of the CAL “suites” contains, wonder no more, below is the overview in a very handy table of the actual CALs you get per suite

Couple of points to note:

• Core CAL and Enterprise CAL Suite are always sold with Software Assurance<SA> so they are technically version-less
• Core CAL suite are all Standard CALs
• Enterprise CAL Suite contains Standard and Enterprise CALs
• Core CAL and Enterprise CAL Suite contain additive CALs, so if you want Enterprise functionality, you need the Standard CAL + the Enterprise CAL
• EBS Premium and SBS Premium suite contain SQL CALs
• EBS and SBS are NOT additive, you buy Standard CALs for all and Premium CALs only for those users/devices accessing SQL

Just wondering what a CAL is – Check out my older post HERE

Full details on the transition and migration path for existing customers on SMSE and new customers moving to SMSD

System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise is versionless and product use rights are determined by the status of System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise Software Assurance coverage.  If coverage lapses, access rights under perpetual licenses are determined based on the product use rights in effect prior to the lapse in coverage. 

License Grant:

One-time License Grant of System Center Server Management Suite Datacenter (SMSD) to License Holders of System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise (SMSE):

As a one-time exception in connection with the transition of SMSE* from a suite that allows for the management of any number of OSEs on a licensed device to a suite that allows for the management of up to four OSEs on a licensed device, we are granting Select, Enterprise, Open License, Open Value, and Campus and School customers with active Software Assurance on SMSE as of July 1, 2009 the following:

• Four complimentary SMSD licenses for each qualifying SMSE license with active Software Assurance the customer has as of July 1, 2009.
• Each set of four granted SMSD licenses must be assigned to a single device, and may not be separated for use on two or more devices.
• The management rights associated with the complimentary SMSD licenses are granted in place of the management rights associated with the qualifying SMSE license. Upon the assignment of the granted SMSD licenses, the customer forfeits its management rights under the corresponding SMSE license.

Note: Any licenses granted under this offer are subject to the following limitation: Each set of granted SMSD licenses must be assigned to a single device.

Options at Software Assurance Renewal

Any licenses granted under this offer include Software Assurance Coverage that terminates when coverage on the corresponding qualifying licenses expires. Upon expiration of the Software Assurance coverage customers may renew their Software Assurance under one of the following options:

• Customers may renew coverage for their original SMSE license. The management rights under the SMSE Software Assurance coverage will be determined by the rights applicable to the SMSE at the time of renewal. Upon renewal of the original SMSE license, the customer forfeits the rights to the four complimentary SMSD licenses.
• Customers may renew coverage for the complimentary SMSD licenses:
  • Customers may renew coverage for all SMSD licenses in the set of four complimentary SMSD licenses granted under this offer.
  • Under this option, the requirement to assign the set of four licenses to a single device is waived.
  • Customers renewing their Software Assurance before July 1st, 2011 may renew coverage for two licenses in the set of four complimentary SMSD licenses granted under this offering. If they do so, they will be deemed to have renewed coverage for the four SMSD licenses within the same set. Under this option, the requirement to assign the set of four licenses to a single device will continue to apply upon renewal. In the subsequent Software Assurance renewal, customers may renew coverage for the SMSD licenses they need within each set of four complimentary SMSD licenses. At that time, different from the first renewal, any SMSD license for which coverage is not renewed will not continue to have Software Assurance coverage. The requirement to assign a set of four complimentary SMSD licenses to a single device is waived upon this subsequent renewal only if the coverage for all four SMSD licenses is renewed.

Removing the limitation that each set of granted SMSD licenses must be assigned to a single device

Any time prior to the first Software Assurance renewal after this grant, customers may remove the requirement that each set of granted SMSD licenses be assigned to a single device.

They can do so by purchasing Software Assurance coverage for two SMSD licenses within a given set of four complimentary SMSD licenses.

Customers’ right to use the software under the complimentary SMSD licenses is evidenced by this product condition note and evidence of their corresponding qualifying licenses. A customer’s use of the software under this offer will be subject to the terms and conditions of its license agreement and the product use rights for the software. The right to use the software under the complimentary licenses expires when the right to use software under the qualifying licenses expires. Customers may not transfer the licenses granted under this offer separately from the corresponding qualifying licenses.

*SMSE licensing changes are effective for System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 and for new releases of the other products included in the System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise (e.g. System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2).

System Center Server Management Suite Datacenter

Customers purchasing System Center Server Management Suite Datacenter (SMSD) licenses to cover the management of servers with a minimum of four physical processors are eligible for the following offer. With each SMSD license purchased between July 1, 2009 and February 28th, 2010, a Volume Licensing Agreement customer will be deemed to have:

• 1 complimentary SMSD license with Software Assurance coverage

For example, a customer with a four-processor server may be fully licensed for SMSD for that server by purchasing two SMSD licenses and receiving two complimentary SMSD licenses through this offering.

Use of software under this offer will be governed by the terms and conditions of the customer’s license agreement and the product use rights for System Center Operations Manager, System Center Configuration Manager, System Center Data Protection Manager, and System Center Virtual Machine Manager.

The customer’s right to use software under this offer is evidenced by their license agreement, evidence of their qualifying SMSD licenses, and this product condition note. The complimentary licenses granted under this offer expire upon expiration or termination of the qualifying SMSD licenses.

Upon expiration of Software Assurance coverage for the qualifying licenses customer has the option to renew Software Assurance for complimentary licenses granted under this offering.

Additional Offer

Customers renewing their Software Assurance coverage before July 1st, 2011 are eligible for the following additional offer. Upon renewal of Software Assurance coverage for the qualifying SMSD licenses, customers will be deemed to have renewed Software Assurance coverage for the corresponding complimentary SMSD licenses. Coverage for the complimentary SMSD licenses will expire when the renewed coverage on the qualifying licenses expires. At that time, customers will have the option to renew coverage for both the qualifying licenses and the complimentary licenses. In that subsequent Software Assurance renewal, different than in the first renewal, coverage will lapse for any SMSD license (qualifying or complimentary) for which coverage is not renewed.

Missed my session on the 19th………………..see it below

Get the session on demand HERE

Choose “Menu” then  “IT Manager Auditorium” – then click on my session “ Virtualisation – Server licensing changes in a Virtual World”

“Still on the Windows 7 Beta,? You need to move to the RC and fast. Starting July 1^st, the Beta will start to reboot every 2 hrs and expire Aug 1^st.

Want to download the RC? . The RC download program closes August 15th. After that, you won’t be able to get the download, but you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one. (To get a key, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.)

If you’re using the Windows 7 Release Candidate, we hope you like what you see. Let us know -- go to http://input.microsoft.com and tell us what you think. You’ll be able to give feedback on various aspects of the operating system.”

From the Windows Team Post at http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/springboard/default.aspx

With Windows 7 launch just round the corner, I am getting more and more requests for licensing info, so lets look at the hot topic of downgrades and upgrades

Windows 7 Ultimate and Professional customers will have even more options to access prior versions of Windows than they do today:

• The current downgrade policy allows for OEM-licensed Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate users to downgrade to Windows XP Professional
• For Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate, the OEM license will also enable downgrades to Windows Vista for an unlimited period of time.    
• In addition, Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate customers will have the option to downgrade to Windows XP Professional from PCs that ship within 18 months following the general availability of Windows 7 or until the release of a Windows 7 service pack, whichever is sooner and if a service pack is developed.

PCs covered by a Windows Volume License, so a Volume Licensing Win Upgrade License, will continue to have downgrade rights to any prior version of Windows 7. Software Assurance is recommended for customers that require full flexibility to upgrade or downgrade their PCs to older or new versions of Windows or require multi-language interface <MUI>

Q & A:

Q:  How will this work for businesses who buy at retail (SMBs in particular)?

A: The downgrades are included in the OEM end user license agreement that is included with the PC, regardless if the PC is purchased at retail or direct from an OEM.

Q: What is Software Assurance?

A: Software Assurance a comprehensive maintenance offering that provides a broad range of benefits through the agreement terms. It provides customers with access to the latest technology and productivity benefits such as training, support and services. Software Assurance helps customers get the most value from their IT investments through 18 benefits including:

• Step-up licenses —provide SA customers with more choices to upgrade to enterprise products. We have heard from our customers that they need the ability to go from a standard to enterprise edition without having to re-purchase a new license, so we have made it a permanent offering for our SA customers.
• New, unique versions of Microsoft® Windows® tailored to the needs of the enterprise
• Predictable budgeting for software and support, including new access to 24x7 phone support and unlimited Web support
• Improved productivity for knowledge workers and IT staff
• Quicker, simpler deployments, support and management with advanced, powerful, useful tools and on-site consulting
• Significant savings in training costs
• Introduction of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack- a set of advanced desktop management technologies that helps customers build a dynamic Windows IT infrastructure to deliver applications as services. 

Q: How does SA help my business become more efficient?
A: Software Assurance combines a broad range of benefits into one program to help customers deploy, manage, and migrate software. Collectively, these benefits help manage costs and improve employee and organizational productivity.

• Boost Productivity: Customers can access a complete set of productivity benefits, including training and technologies to help you improve collaboration, streamline communications and content, and enhance business intelligence throughout the organization.
• Empower Workers: Organizations can get more out of Microsoft’s flexible, scalable application platform by giving Developers, IT Professionals, and end-users the tools, training, and support they need to help deliver more business value.
• Secure the Infrastructure: Software Assurance can help secure core infrastructure through integrated management and security solutions that help increase organizational agility, reduce system complexity, improve services, and control costs.

Windows 7 Professional also includes Windows XP Mode, to help small business run older applications that require Windows XP – More on this to follow!

Components of Server Management Suite Enterprise

Enterprise server management licences<Server MLs> for

• · System Center Operations Manager 2007,
• · System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2,
• · System Center Data Protection Manager 2007
• · System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008
• · And System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 Management Server License

Current licensing Rules: Rights to manage an unlimited number of operating system environments (OSEs) on a single physical server

Upcoming System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise Licensing Changes

Two System Center Server Management Suite licensing changes will become effective 1 July, 2009, with the release of Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2*:

• · System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise <SMSE>will be switched from an unlimited operating system environment to a four operating system environment, limited licence with a corresponding 20 per cent price decrease.
• · A new suite offering, Microsoft System Center Server Management Suite Datacenter <SMSD> will be introduced and will include the same products as System Center Server Management Suite Enterprise, but, it will be licensed per processor and will provide for the management of an unlimited number of operating system environments.

*Licensing changes become effective when customers adopt System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 and subsequent releases of the other products included in the System Center Server Management Suite family.

See http://ladylicensing.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!87F95F1B5B21B01E!1814.entry for the full transistion path from SMSE to SMSD

Firstly I want to make 2 points clear, External Connectors are not available for all products, only the ones listed below and secondly, the choice between an EC or CALs is purely financial, whichever is the most cost effective option is the correct one to choose

What is an external User?

“External users” means users that are not either (i) your or your affiliates’ employees, or (ii) your or your affiliates’ onsite contractors or agents or someone to whom you provided any type of Hosted Service.

What products have an External Connector <EC> option?

Server Operating System

Server Applications

Notes:

An External Connector (EC) license is an alternative to CALs for each server that external users will access. Each physical server that external users access requires only one EC license regardless of the number of instances running.

The right to run instances of the server software is licensed separately; the EC, like the CAL, simply permits access.

EC licenses, like CALs, are version and functionality specific.

They must be the same version or later than the server software being accessed.

The decision on whether to acquire CALs or an EC for external users is primarily a financial one.

Some Examples of BreakPoints

Windows Server approx 69 external users or above = Windows Server EC in place of Windows CALs

And for Office Project Server approx 220 External Users or above = Office Project EC in place of Project CALs

All the above relates to "corporate", so what about Education customers?

External Connector Grant

Campus Agreement or School Agreement customers who meet the criteria below may provide server access to external users with no-cost External Connector licenses. This license can be used to provide server access to the following prospective students, alumni (student and faculty/staff), and students and faculty/staff of collaborating academic institutions or government institutions. Customers are still required to purchase External Connector licenses or CALs for use by any other communities.

Criteria:

·         Acquire CALs for a product(s) for which External Connector Licenses are available (such as Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Windows Server, and Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server); and

·         The CALs cover all of the faculty/staff in the participating institution, department (for departmental Campus Agreements), or school district (for district-wide School Agreements); and

·         Acquire CALs via the Student Option for the same product(s) for all of the students in the same institution, department, or school district.

Or

Further information about these grants is available at www.microsoft.com/education/serveraccess.mspx.

And what about SQL???

SQL is licensed in either Server and CAL Mode OR Per Proc mode, which is an anomaly, but this fact also negates the need for a SQL EC, as the Per Proc covers Internal AND external users/devices, unlike traditional ECs which cover only external users

When should you choose SQL Per Proc over SQL Server + CALs, see below the table showing SQL Std/Ent and the breakpoints between SQL CALs and Proc

Note: For any web based offering, we would recommend you to choose SQL per proc from a compliancy perspective

*All pricing stated is a guide and should be taken as illustrative, always speak to your partner on pricing

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the very first TechNet Virtual Conference taking place on 19 June 2009.
We understand that time and budget pressures make attending events difficult – so to help both you and the environment we decided to take the TechNet Conference virtual. Now you can keep up to date with all the latest Microsoft insights and product developments from the comfort of your own desk.

And that’s not the only difference this year. Where previous events have mainly been technical in nature, the TechNet Virtual Conference now has a dedicated IT Management Auditorium, making this the perfect conference for both you and your team.
The IT Management sessions will include:

• Virtualisation - Server licensing changes in a virtual world, presented by Me!
• How IT will change over the next 10 years and why you should care - an exclusive session delivered at TechEd EMEA
• Growing the Business and Managing Costs at Microsoft – An Insider’s View, presented by Asif Jinnah, IT Manager, Microsoft UK

We are also really pleased to announce an exclusive Keynote featuring Mark Russinovich, Microsoft Technical Fellow specialising in the Windows platform.
As well as the IT Management auditorium, we will also have a separate track focused on giving you and your team a flavour of some key Microsoft technologies as chosen by the readers of the UK TechNet Flash.
The Technology sessions will focus on key products including:

• Windows Server 2008 R2 – 10 things to make life easier for IT Pros
• Windows 7 – Deployment and Management

Be sure to get the most out of your day by getting involved and asking me and the other speakers questions via live chat.

If you can’t make it on the day, all the content will be available after June 19th for you to watch on demand.

What is it?

A new interactive table that shows clearly which Software Assurance benefits you get with different licensing agreements.

Why should I take a look?

Your can easily compare up to three agreement types in the table.

It goes into more detail than the pdf charts you may have seen before, showing the entitlement broken down by product pool.

The table also explains exactly what each benefit is, so it’s handy for customers that aren’t familiar with the full suite of SA benefits.

Where can I find it?

There are two versions (<250 PCs and >250 PCs) reflecting the way our customer licensing sites are split.

Less than 250 PCs

More than 250 PCs

Most of the questions I get through as escalations are in relation to SQL and how to license, as virtualisation has taken a hold on the market place, I am getting more and more requests for info on how to correctly license SQL, so, this is the 1st post as its the “hottest” at the moment, more to follow on all the unique aspects of SQL

In this post we will cover off SQL 2008 licensed in Per Proc mode only, mainly because Server/CAL mode is very straightforward,

Lets start with the easy option

SQL 2008 ENTERPRISE edition gives you the opportunity to license all the physical processors in the server and this in turn permits unlimited SQL virtualisation rights – You DO NOT need to count the virtual processors when you purchase SQL 2008 Enterprise edition

Lets look at an example

Even though there are 4 Physical Procs and 5 Virtual Procs, when you purchase SQL EE Per Proc, you license only the Physical Procs, so, in this example, you need 4 SQL 2008 EE Per Proc licenses, when you buy those 4 Proc licenses, you get unlimited instances of SQL on this box – Don't forget your Windows Server Licenses!!

So, that was the easy side of SQL Per Proc Licensing  :-)  now lets look at the rules for Standard, Web and Workgroup edition

SQL 2008 Standard, Web and Workgroup edition in a virtual environment require a little more info and the use of a calculation

Info you need to know, the number of virtual processors supporting the virtual machine AND the number of cores per physical processor

Once you have the info above, you can plug it into the calculation below and this will give you your proc count

1. Gather data points A-C

2. Calculate Processor licenses required

Lets look at a real example:

Below, if you license this example with Std, Web or WG edition then you require 5 Proc licenses, if you license with EE, then its 2 Proc licenses

Note: For each fraction of a proc you need to round up to the nearest whole number

Guide on definitions used

When?

May 12th 2009

Where?

Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, RG6 1WG, Room: Chicago 1 and 2

Why should you attend?

1. The conference agenda is designed to help customers understand the dynamically changing business environment impacting the UK and driving the need for Software Asset Management, as more and more of the IT budget is being spent on software. The event will also showcase the results of the IDC run survey to illustrate the UK’s attitudes towards SAM adoption, the current state of Sam adoption and what businesses need to do make SAM a business and IT priority.

2. The day will split into two streams, commercial and technical and will include customer case studies, keynotes, advice from leading vendors such as Microsoft and Oracle. Attendees will also be given a free copy of an impact analysis tool to help organisations quantify the benefits of a SAM programme. Microsoft aims to be presenting in 3 areas 1) customer case study 2)Keynote 3) in the commercial stream on leveraging the efficiency of ongoing SAM

3. Research has proven that companies that implement a SAM strategy can save up to 30% in IT costs in the first 12 months and between 5-10% each year thereafter. In a recent KPMG study, organisations with greater maturity in their SAM practices saved up to 50% in IT labour costs

4. The event is being hosted by Microsoft, at Microsoft’s UK headquarters, Thames Valley Park, Reading – this is a great opportunity for you to meet with Microsoft Software Asset Management and Licensing experts

5. Effective Software Asset Management gives you visibility and control of your software assets, across your organisation. It helps you to reduce the legal, operational and financial risk due to poor management practices. It also prevents over and under-licensing of software and puts you in a very powerful negotiating position with your software vendor when it comes to renewal of your licence agreements.

Who should attend?

CIOs, IT Directors, IT Managers, Compliance Officers, Internal Audit Leaders, CFOs, Financial Directors, CPOs, Purchasing Specialists, Procurement Directors and Managers, Strategists and Technicians who are responsible for software asset management, corporate compliance, governance and risk.

Register TODAY

How the rental rights work for Windows OS and Office

Windows

Office

How to Buy Rental SKUs

1. Count the number of PCs that will be rented
2. Purchase one Rental Rights for Windows Vista Business license for each PC
3. Purchase one Rental Rights for Office Standard 2007 license for each PC that will include Office Standard 2007
4. Purchase one Rental Rights for Office Professional Plus 2007 license for each PC that will include Office Professional Plus 2007
5. Purchase one Rental Rights for Publisher 2007 license for each PC that will include Publisher 2007

Qualifying Software

Situation

Tens of millions of PCs are currently being rented to end users under various business models, ranging from short-term rentals (such as internet cafés and airport kiosks) to complex multi-year leases by outsourcers and holding companies renting to enterprise customers. 

Currently the only way these companies may legally rent PCs to customers is through the Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA).

Windows, Office, Publisher licenses acquired through other channels—including Microsoft Volume Licensing, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)—do not permit renting, leasing, or loaning the software to a third party.

Further, the business and pricing model of SPLA does not offer an optimal solution for many of these companies, because SPLA:

• Is a specialized subscription program designed for large scale service providers
• Is based on a monthly reporting and payment schedule

For rental business owners who currently rent/lease Windows and Office software loaded on rented PCs to end customers, the Rental Rights SKUs provide a simple, one-time licensing solution that is affordable so they can run their businesses in compliance with Microsoft Volume Licensing rules. When a company acquires Rental Rights licenses for a PC that will be rented to an end user on a long- or short-term basis, the end user of that PC is permitted to use Windows Vista Business or Windows XP. The rental company can also choose to license Office Standard 2007, Office Professional Plus 2007, and/or Publisher 2007 on those PCs for use by the end user.

Change in Volume Licensing Policy from April 2009

To provide an away for businesses that rent PCs to end users to properly license Windows Vista® Business desktop operating system, Microsoft Office Standard 2007, and Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 on rented PCs, we are introducing new license SKUs to Volume Licensing:

• Rental Rights for Windows Vista Business
• Rental Rights for Office Standard 2007
• Rental Rights for Office Professional Plus 2007
• Rental Rights for Publisher 2007

Note: These license SKUs will be available through the commercial Open License, Select License, and Select Plus programs, under limited availability, see below

April 2009: Limited availability in countries listed below

Brazil, Russia, India, China, Thailand, Japan, Korea

Note: These new licenses do not replace customers’ underlying Windows®, Office or Publisher licenses (which grant them the right to use the software, but prohibit renting, leasing, or loaning the software.) They are additional SKUs which are License-only (L) that serve to modify the license terms for the qualifying Windows, Office, and Publisher licenses by waiving the prohibition against renting, leasing, or loaning.

We are continually tweaking the benefits in SA to improve the overall offering, Check out the new order websites for the Employee Purchase Program and Home Use Program released in Feb 2009, to help improve your experience with these two SA Benefits.

The Employee Purchase Program order website and the Home Use Program order website enable you to access the products faster and easier—and includes product images, clear product descriptions, better search capabilities, and payment processing with order history.

2 New Packaged Services Offerings

As of November 1, 2008, two new Packaged Services offerings are available. These offerings are designed to help you develop plans that can facilitate implementation and maximize use of Microsoft software:

• Exchange Deployment Planning Services. The Exchange Deployment Planning Services (EDPS) engagement helps guide customers through the deployment planning stages of a Microsoft Exchange Server implementation. Structured engagements are conducted by prequalified Exchange Deployment Planning Services partners who share best practices, analyze organizational requirements, and help create comprehensive deployment and implementation plans.

• Business Value Planning Services. The Business Value Planning Services (BVPS) engagement helps customers identify, unlock, and capture the business value of the Microsoft Office system. Through structured engagements, a prequalified Business Value Planning Services partner works with customers to identify and design improvements to an existing business process using Office system technology.

Note: Both engagements are available in 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15-day service levels. Visit the Deployment Partner Services Portal to learn how you can become certified to offer these new services while increasing your revenue potential and building customer relationships.

Enhanced Benefits Features

• The Training Vouchers entitlement has changed for Microsoft Open Value and Microsoft Open Value Subscription program customers. The maximum number of training days has increased from 10 to 20 for Microsoft Office system licenses covered by Software Assurance and from 5 to 10 for Windows desktop operating system licenses covered by Software Assurance. This is the same entitlement as Microsoft Enterprise Agreement program customers with 250 to 2,399 licenses. For a complete list of eligible training days, sorted by Volume Licensing program, see the Training Vouchers section of the most recent Microsoft Product List for Volume Licensing

• Customers who meet eligibility requirements for the Windows Vista Enterprise and Windows Vista Ultimate operating systems will receive the software in DVD format. The CD option will no longer be available.

• Volume Licensing customers who are eligible for the media kit receive the Microsoft Office Multi-Language Pack 2007 as part of that distribution. As of October 2008, customers with Software Assurance for products in the application pool can download or order physical media for the Office Multi-Language Pack 2007 through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Physical media is available in DVD format only. Download the most recent Microsoft Product List for Volume Licensing to see products in the application pool.

Discontinued Benefits

The following benefits are no longer available through Software Assurance.

• Information Work Solution Services. As of May 2008, Information Work Solution Services (IWSS) consulting engagements are no longer available. Instead, Open Value and Open Value Subscription program customers with consulting engagements through the Packaged Services Software Assurance benefit, including Desktop Deployment Planning Services (DDPS),  SharePoint Deployment Planning Services (SDPS), Exchange Deployment Planning Services (EDPS), and Business Value Planning Services (BVPS).

• Windows Preinstallation Environment. Updated for the Windows Vista operating system, this benefit is now called Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK), and is available to all customers—at no charge—as a download.

• Microsoft Virtual PC Express. Replaced Virtual PC Express with Microsoft Virtual PC 2007—available at no charge to all customers as a download.

• Microsoft Exchange Server Applications Subscription. Also known as Exchange Intelligent Message Filter,  this server-side tool helps detect and block spam e-mail messages from being sent to users. It is available to all customers as part of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

• Corporate Error Reporting. Retired and granted to all customers who were receiving CER perpetual rights to use this benefit even after their Software Assurance coverage expires. Additionally, Desktop Error Monitoring (DEM) is available to all customers who had an active Software Assurance agreement between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007. DEM is a component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) for Software Assurance, which is available as an add-on subscription. The DEM component may be used only on desktop PCs and servers covered by Software Assurance. Customers using this component are subject to the Product Use Rights (PUR) for MDOP and the terms and conditions of their agreements.

Check out the new Software Assurance Benefit  video’s below

Organisations with less than 250 PCs

Organisations with more than 250 PCs

With the international launch of BPOS, see below the current promotions for the BPO Suite and BPOS Components

Details of the two promotions which run until 30th June 2009

Promo #1: BPOS Step-up promo – Available via MOSP only

Customer via MOSP (=>5 seats) who purchases either BPOS (full suite) or a BPOS components (e.g. Exchange Online) will be eligible to receive the Step-Up User Subscription License pricing whether they own the respective Client Access Licenses with Software Assurance or not. 

Promo #2: BPOS 10% promo  - Available to MOSP and Enterprise Agreement customers

Customers who purchase the BPO Suite will receive a 10% discount on their subscription

Additional conditions for both promotions:

• Customers must sign up to the promotions by 30 June 2009
• The discounted prices will apply for the whole of the first year of a customer’s subscription
• Normal subscription prices will apply when the year’s subscription ends
• For Partners – The promo prices do not impact the partner of record referral fees

From April 2009 Office SharePoint Designer will be available free of charge, check out this site and HERE for the download

If you have already made an investment in Office SharePoint Designer and SA see below for the migration plan from the April Product List

Software Assurance Migration Path for SharePoint Designer 2007

Customers with active Software Assurance coverage for SharePoint Designer 2007 as of April 1^st, 2009 may use Expression Web 2 (or any later version that is made available during the term of that  coverage) as follows. 

For each qualifying license it holds, a customer may permit one user to use Expression Web.  That use is subject to the terms and conditions of the customer’s agreement and the product use rights for Expression Web.  The right to use Expression Web under this offering expires when the right to use SharePoint Designer 2007 under the corresponding qualifying licenses expire.  Upon expiration of Software Assurance coverage for SharePoint Designer, the customer may acquire Software Assurance for Expression Web without the need to separately acquire a new license.

Another couple of changes for April will be the retirement of Office SharePoint Forms Server and Performance Point Server, see migration and exceptional license grants below

Migration path for PerformancePoint Server 2007 and Forms Server 2007

Volume Licensing customers who meet the criteria below are eligible to upgrade the qualifying licenses to Office SharePoint Server 2007 licenses as described below:

Please note: This offer is also valid for customers whose PerformancePoint Server 2007 licenses were obtained as the result of a migration from another product, as long as the customer has active SA for those licenses as of April 1, 2009.

You may run and access any later version of SharePoint Server 2007 made available during the term of their qualifying Software Assurance coverage for PerformancePoint Server 2007 software and/or CALs and Forms Server 2007 software and/or CALs, respectively.

Your right to use and access SharePoint Server 2007 software (or any later version) is evidenced by this product condition note and evidence of their corresponding qualifying licenses and Software Assurance (or equivalent coverage) for the qualifying licenses. 

The right to use and access SharePoint Server 2007 (or any later version) under this offer is in place of the right to use and access software under the qualifying license. 

Your right to use SharePoint Server 2007 software (or any later version) under this grant is subject to the terms and conditions of its volume licensing agreement and the product use rights for that software.  That right expires upon the expiration or termination of the right to use software under the qualifying licenses.

If you currently have MOSS 2007 with active Software Assurance as of April1st 2009, you also get an additional right to use PerformancePoint Server 2007

Customers with active Software Assurance coverage for their Office SharePoint Server 2007, Office SharePoint Server 2007 Standard CAL, and Office SharePoint Server 2007 Enterprise CAL licenses as of or after April 1, 2009 are granted the additional right to use Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 software.

For each set of qualifying SharePoint Server 2007 licenses, the customer may run an instance of PerformancePoint Server 2007 on the SharePoint Server 2007 licensed server.

You may run either or both SharePoint Server 2007 and PerformancePoint Server 2007 under this grant.

If you wish to run SharePoint Server 2007 and Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 on separate devices, you will need to acquire an additional SharePoint Server 2007 license.

You need Office SharePoint Server 2007 Standard and Enterprise CALs with active Software Assurance for each user or device that accesses the PerformancePoint Server 2007 running instance. Your use of the software is subject to the product use rights for Office SharePoint Server 2007.  This right expires upon expiration of the set of qualifying Office SharePoint Server 2007 licenses (or any one of them).

Some common scenarios:

What if you have MOSS 2007 but you actually need to deploy and use PerformancePoint Server 2007?

Customers with qualifying SharePoint Server 2007 licenses are also eligible to use software under the Exceptional Downgrade Right for Office PerformancePoint Server 2007

What if you have PerformancePoint Server 2007 and require Business Scorecard Manager or ProClarity Analytics Server?

Customers licensing Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server (PPS) 2007 may use Office Business Scorecard Manager (BSM) 2005 and ProClarity Analytics Server (PAS) 6.3 in addition to licensed copies of PPS 2007 on a limited basis as follows.  For each PPS 2007 software, CAL or External Connector (EC) license acquired, customers may use the corresponding software, CAL or EC for both BSM 2005 and PAS 6.3 for the same device/user that the PPS license is assigned to. Exceptional downgrade rights for BSM CAL and PAS CAL are only valid for the user or device to which the original CAL was assigned.   BSM and PAS server software may be deployed on separate physical or virtual servers.   

In place of those versions, customers may use an earlier Microsoft version of PAS 6.3 or BSM 2005.  For any version prior to Microsoft PAS 6.3, media may not be available through volume licensing. 

Your right to use PAS and BSM is evidenced by this product condition note and evidence of their corresponding PPS 2007 licenses.  A customer’s right to use BSM and PAS expires upon the expiration or termination of their right to use PPS 2007 under their qualifying PPS 2007 licenses.  Use of BSM and PAS is subject to the terms and conditions of a customer’s license agreement and the product use rights for BSM 2005 and PAS 6.3.

What if I have MOSS 2007 and require Forms Server 2007?

• You may use either SharePoint Server 2007 or Forms Server 2007 under a SharePoint Server 2007 license.
• You may use a set of SharePoint Server 2007 Standard and Enterprise CALs to access both SharePoint Server 2007 and Forms Server 2007.
• Your right to use and access Forms Server 2007 expires upon the expiration or termination of their right to use and access Office SharePoint Server 2007 under their qualifying Office SharePoint Server 2007 licenses. Use of Forms Server 2007 is subject to the terms and conditions of a customer’s license agreement and the product use rights for Office SharePoint Server 2007.

I get quite a number of queries come through asking how to license Server Applications in Per Proc mode, well, there are 2 things to keep in mind

1. Is it Enterprise Edition
2. Will I be utilising virtualisation or license movement

After this, its pretty straightforward

Rules for Enterprise editions of per proc server applications

If you buy SQL 2008 EE, or BizTalk 2006 EE or Commerce Server 2007 EE or ISA Server EE you have a choice on how to license

Determining the Number of Licenses Required.

The number of licenses required is based on either the total number of physical processors on the server (as described in option (i) below) or the number of virtual and physical processors used (as described in option (ii) below).

For Enterprise Editions of the software, you may follow either option 1 or 2

Option 1: Unlimited Virtualization. Under this option, the number of software licenses required for a server equals the total number of physical processors on that server. 

Counting and assigning licenses based on this option permits you to run the server software in one physical and any number of virtual operating system environments without regard to the number of physical and virtual processors used. This option is available to you only for enterprise editions of the software.

Option 2: Licensing based on Processors Used. Under this option, the total number of software licenses required for a server equals the sum of the software licenses required under (A) and (B) below.

(A) To run instances of the server software in the physical operating system environment on a server, you need a software license for each physical processor that the physical operating system environment uses.

(B) To run instances of the server software in virtual operating system environments on a server, you need a software license for each virtual processor that each of those virtual operating system environments uses. If a virtual operating system environment uses a fraction of a virtual processor, the fraction counts as a full virtual processor.

After you determine the number of licenses you require, using either method above, you must assign those licenses to your server, that server then becomes the licensed server

After you determine the number of software licenses you need for a server, you must assign that number of software licenses to that server.

That server is the licensed server for all of those licenses. You may not assign the same license to more than one server. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a separate server.

You may reassign a software license, but not on a short-term basis (i.e., not within 90 days of the last assignment).

You may reassign a software license sooner if you retire the licensed server due to permanent hardware failure. If you reassign a license, the server to which you reassign the license becomes the new licensed server for that license*** See below for new rules around Server Farm***

Running Instances of the Server Software. Your right to run the software depends on the option used to determine the number of licenses required.

Option 1: Unlimited Virtualization. If you assign to a server licenses equal to the total number of physical processors on the server:

(A) You may run, at any one time, any number of instances of the server software in one physical and any number of virtual operating system environments on that server.

(B) You do not need to license virtual processors.

Option 2: Licensing based on Processors Used. You may run, at any one time, any number of instances of the server software in physical and virtual operating system environments on the licensed server. However, the total number of physical and virtual processors used by those operating system environments cannot exceed the number of software licenses assigned to that server.

So what if you have purchased the Standard edition of the per proc product, Rules are slightly different

Determining the number of licenses required

Licensing based on Processors Used. Under this option, the total number of software licenses required for a server equals the sum of the software licenses required under (A) and (B) below.

(C) To run instances of the server software in the physical operating system environment on a server, you need a software license for each physical processor that the physical operating system environment uses.

(D) To run instances of the server software in virtual operating system environments on a server, you need a software license for each virtual processor that each of those virtual operating system environments uses. If a virtual operating system environment uses a fraction of a virtual processor, the fraction counts as a full virtual processor.

After you determine the number of licenses you require, using either method above, you must assign those licenses to your server, that server then becomes the licensed server

After you determine the number of software licenses you need for a server, you must assign that number of software licenses to that server.

That server is the licensed server for all of those licenses. You may not assign the same license to more than one server. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a separate server.

You may reassign a software license, but not on a short-term basis (i.e., not within 90 days of the last assignment).

You may reassign a software license sooner if you retire the licensed server due to permanent hardware failure. If you reassign a license, the server to which you reassign the license becomes the new licensed server for that license*** See below for new rules around Server Farm***

Running Instances of the Server Software. Your right to run the software depends on the option used to determine the number of licenses required.

Licensing based on Processors Used. You may run, at any one time, any number of instances of the server software in physical and virtual operating system environments on the licensed server. However, the total number of physical and virtual processors used by those operating system environments cannot exceed the number of software licenses assigned to that server.

***Assigning Licenses and Using Software within a Server Farm.

You may determine the number of licenses you need, assign those licenses, and use the server software as provided in the General License Terms.

Alternatively, you may apply the use rights below.

Server farm.

A server farm consists of up to two data centers each physically located:

· in a time zone that is within four hours of the local time zone of the other (Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and not DST), and/or

· within the European Union (EU) and/or European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Each data center may be part of only one server farm. You may reassign a data center from one server farm to another, but not on a short-term basis (i.e., not within 90 days of the last assignment).

License reassignment.

· License reassignment within a server farm. You may reassign software licenses to any of your servers located within the same server farm as often as needed. The prohibition against short-term reassignment does not apply to licenses assigned to servers located within the same server farm.

· License reassignment across server farms. You may reassign software licenses to any of your servers located in different server farms, but not on a short-term basis (i.e., not within 90 days of the last assignment).

Determining the Number of Licenses Required.

Despite anything to the contrary in General License Terms about how to count virtual and physical processors, you need a number of licenses equal to or greater than the number of physical processors on licensed servers within a server farm at any one time supporting or used by operating system environments in which instances of the software are running.

Running instances of the server software in a server farm.

Because you are permitted to reassign licenses as needed, as long as you meet the following requirement, you may run the software in any number of operating system environments within a server farm. The number of physical processors supporting or used by operating system environments at any one time may not exceed the number of licenses assigned to servers within the farm.

Alternative method of counting. Instead of counting the number of physical processors supporting virtual operating system environments, you may count the number of virtual processors being used by virtual operating system environments in which instances are running. For purposes of this method of counting, disregard the statement in the Universal License Terms that a virtual processor is considered to have the same number of threads and cores as each of the underlying physical processors. You must assign a number of licenses equal to the sum of the greatest number of:

· virtual processors at any one time used by virtual operating system environments in which instances of software are running and

· physical processors at any one time used by physical operating system environments in which instances of software are running.

There is still a lot of noise around BPOS and “cloud offerings” so below is the pricing, billing and cancellation rules for any services taken via the MOSP, services taken under an EA will follow the rules of the Enterprise Agreement…….

Pricing

All prices are listed at https://mocp.microsoftonline.com. Your price is the same regardless of whether the purchase is made with or without the assistance of a Microsoft Online Services Channel Partner.

Note: Price discounts are available for volume orders and are determined for each individual service subscription (not an aggregate of all service subscriptions).

Note: To benefit from aggregate volume price discounts, you must ensure that your orders are placed under the “Managed Subscription” tab using the same Live ID. You will not receive a volume discount if your company has multiple Live ID users placing orders for the same service.

Price Levels are based on the following quantities listed for each individual subscription. For actual prices, please see https://mocp.microsoftonline.com.

Price Promotions

A price promotion is only available during the stated promotion period. If a promotion has expired, additional purchases do not receive a price promotion discount.

At the time of purchase, you need to acknowledge that promotion prices are only valid for the initial subscription term

Payment Options

Electronic invoices or credit card payments are available to all customers.

If you select electronic invoices, then you can choose to pay by credit card, check, or wire transfer. An automated clearing house is available, based on Microsoft approval, for customers that receive electronic invoices. For these payment methods, a credit check may be necessary and may take up to five business days.

Billing

Monthly billing is the only option for the 12-month subscription term under the MOSP

Electronic Invoice: You can choose to receive an electronic invoice (option in MOCP during order entry) if the total of your subscription is more than $500 per month. If you select this option, you will receive a monthly electronic invoice by e-mail for each order placed. Note: Each order can have multiple service subscriptions.

Electronic Statement: An electronic statement (eStatement) is produced when an invoice is sent or after a credit card is charged. You can only view the eStatement on MOCP; it is not available by e-mail or hardcopy postal service mail. eStatements are consolidated at the order level; one eStatement is available per order, per month.

Purchase Order Number: You can enter your own purchase order (PO) number in MOCP for reference on all Invoices and eStatements. You are free to modify this PO number as needed through MOCP at any time.

Renewal

All subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each subscription term for another 12-month term. No action is necessary on your part to auto-renew. The renewed subscription maintains the same number of users, term length, billing, and payment options. You can change the PO number at renewal (or at anytime) as needed. Note: Renewal prices are determined at the time of auto-renewal.

You can opt in or opt out of auto-renewals using MOCP at https://mocp.microsoftonline.com for each individual service. Auto renew is the default option for all subscriptions. You will receive notifications about renewals prior to the renewal date. You are responsible to opt out prior to the auto-renewal subscription term regardless of the receipt of any notifications.

If you have chosen not to auto-renew or not to manually renew your subscription, your service will be terminated, you will have up to 30days to access and remove your data after service termination

Cancellation

Cancellation Policy during the First Subscription Term

You have 30 days to cancel your subscription after placing your order during the initial subscription term, but you will not be refunded for the first month of your subscription. If you choose to terminate your subscription after the 30-day cancellation window during the initial subscription term, you are not entitled to a credit or refund for that subscription term.

Activation

Your purchase of Online Services must be activated through MOCP at https://mocp.microsoftonline.com before you can provision and use the services. Renewals of existing service subscriptions do not require re-activation (unless you opt out of the automatic renewal).

Activation and provisioning notifications are sent to you and your Microsoft Channel Partner (if applicable).

Cancellation Policy for Subsequent Subscription Terms

After the renewal of the first subscription term, you can cancel at any time with a minimum of one-month advance notice. After giving notice you will be charged for a final one-month subscription fee.

Example: Your subscription renewed on July 10. You then notify Microsoft on September 20 that you want to terminate that subscription. In this situation, the subscription will terminate on November 9. You must pay a final one-month fee (October 10-November 9) due for the subscription until the subscription termination is effective. 

Note: BPOS suite purchased under an EA will follow the terms and conditions set out in the Enterprise Agreement for “additional products”, BPOS service runs and is pro-rated until the end of the EA if taken after EA signing.