This article takes you into the world of Microsoft Software Assurance (SA), a program that offers additional rights and benefits to organizations using Microsoft software. We explore the various benefits and options and provide you with a better understanding of what SA has to offer.
What is Microsoft Software Assurance?
Microsoft Software Assurance, often abbreviated as SA, is a customer benefit program offered by Microsoft. This program aims to provide organizations with additional benefits and options when using Microsoft software. Here is an overview of all the benefits of SA:
Enterprise Source Licensing Program (ESLP):
ESLP provides qualified enterprise customers access to the source code of both Windows client and Windows Server. This allows organizations to customize the software to their specific needs and enhance flexibility. It’s a powerful tool to maximize the value of Windows software and tailor it to your organization’s unique requirements.
Exchange Online voicemail:
This feature is available to organizations with Software Assurance and Exchange Online licenses. It offers benefits such as easy voicemail integration.
Fail-over rights:
Fail-over Rights enable organizations to run a passive fail-over instance in anticipation of a primary server failure or outage, creating a non-production “warm” instance. These rights ensure uninterrupted access to critical software applications, even in unforeseen events, which is essential for business continuity.
Flexible Virtualization:
With Flexible Virtualization, you can transfer your Software Assurance licenses to Authorized Outsourcer servers, both shared and dedicated.
License Mobility:
License Mobility offers customers with a Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement the flexibility to deploy certain server applications with active Software Assurance both on-premises and in the cloud, without the need to purchase additional licenses.
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP):
MDOP includes various tools and technologies for desktop management. Some key components of MDOP are Application Virtualization (App-V), User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM), Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM), and Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT).
Microsoft Dynamics CustomerSource:
This online portal provides comprehensive product and service support for Dynamics customers with Software Assurance coverage.
Microsoft Workplace Discount Program:
Microsoft Dynamics customers with active Software Assurance or an Online Subscription have access to this program.
New Version Rights:
Organizations have the right to use the latest version of their Microsoft software as long as their Software Assurance is active.
Office Online Server:
This allows you to deliver browser-based versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote from your own data center with the same functionality as Office Online.
Office Roaming Use Rights:
Users can remotely access Office, Project, or Visio on their virtual desktops from third-party devices.
Servers – Disaster Recovery Rights:
Disaster Recovery Rights allow organizations to use licenses for secondary servers deployed for business continuity and emergency recovery, ensuring critical software applications remain available even in unforeseen emergencies.
Servers – Self-Hosted Applications:
With this Software Assurance benefit, customers can offer their own software as a hosted service using a combination of Microsoft software and their own software, subject to the terms outlined in the Microsoft Product Terms.
Spread Payments:
Payment for licenses and Software Assurance can be spread over three equal annual amounts.
Step-up License Availability:
Organizations have the option to upgrade to more advanced versions of Microsoft software.
Windows 10 Enterprise per User Add-on Availability:
This benefit allows you to add the Windows 10 Enterprise per User Add-on for a primary user with active Windows 10 Enterprise coverage or an active Windows VDA subscription.
Windows To Go Use Rights:
IT administrators can provide users with a bootable Corporate Windows image with line-of-business applications, settings, and corporate data on a compatible USB storage device.
Windows Virtual Desktop Access Rights (VDA):
Users have access to virtual instances of Windows in various user scenarios.
Microsoft Software Assurance offers benefits and options that help organizations maximize the value of their Microsoft software investments. However, it’s important to carefully consider the costs and necessity.
If you are planning to purchase new licenses and are unsure if Software Assurance is needed, we, as independent licensing specialists, are here to guide you in making the right decision. We assist you in understanding the available licensing options and advise whether Software Assurance makes sense in your specific situation.
Contact us today so we can work together to ensure an optimal return on investment in Microsoft software that aligns perfectly with your needs.
Useful Microsoft websites on this topic: