Microsoft offers a wide range of server products, including Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, System Center, and Project, which help businesses manage their data, communication, and collaboration. When transitioning to online services from on-premises software products, it is important to consider the license requirements and available discounts. Microsoft provides a discount called “From SA” for customers who previously had Software Assurance (SA) for corresponding software products. This discount can reach up to 20% and is applicable to many online services. As long as From SA is continuously renewed, the discount percentage remains in effect.
From SA is only available in the Enterprise Agreement (EA) and Enterprise Agreement Subscription (EAS).
Conditions for From SA licenses:
You can purchase Subscriber Licenses (SLs) From SA instead of SA for fully paid perpetual licenses, subject to the following conditions:
- You have active SA for the qualifying licenses.
- You purchase no more than one SL From SA for each qualifying license, unless otherwise specified in the conditions.
- SLs From SA can only be purchased on the anniversary or at the renewal of the agreement.
Customers with an Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) with uninterrupted subscription coverage for qualifying licenses of at least three years are eligible to purchase corresponding SLs From SA. When renewing an agreement, customers can renew SLs From SA up to the number of corresponding SLs From SA that expire.
As a one-time exception, when transitioning from device-based licenses to user-based licenses From SA, you may purchase a larger number of user SLs From SA if you purchase a user SL From SA for all users of the qualifying devices.
Available From SA licenses:
The tables below provide information on the available From SA licenses, along with the qualifying licenses (excluding Microsoft Dynamics).
CAL Suites
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Core/Enterprise CAL Suite Bridge for Office 365 From SA (User-SL) | SA for the corresponding CAL suite |
| Core/Enterprise CAL Bridge for Enterprise Mobility + Security From SA (User-SL) | SA for the corresponding CAL suite |
Windows Desktop Operating System
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 From SA (SL) | SA for the Windows Desktop Operating System |
Microsoft 365:
To purchase a User SL From SA for Microsoft 365, you must meet the qualification and license assignment requirements for each component of Microsoft 365. User SLs From SA for Microsoft 365 provide the same SA benefits as the corresponding Microsoft 365 From SA components. The components of Microsoft 365 E3/E5 include Office 365 E3/E5, Enterprise Mobility + Security E3/E5, and Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 per user.
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Microsoft 365 E3/E5 From SA (User SL) | SA for
Windows Desktop Operating System, and Core/Enterprise CAL-suite, and Office Professional Plus |
Enterprise Mobility + Security:
User SLs for Enterprise Mobility + Security From SA entitle the customer to SA benefits based on the qualifying licenses.
User SLs From SA require the corresponding CAL Suite Bridges or USLs, as listed below:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) | Required CAL Suite Bridge or USL |
| Enterprise Mobility + Security From SA
|
Core CAL Suite | Core CAL Bridge for Enterprise Mobility + Security of Office 365 E1, E3, E5 |
| Enterprise CAL Suite | Enterprise CAL Bridge for Enterprise Mobility + Security or Office 365 E3, E5 |
Microsoft 365 applications:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Microsoft 365-apps for Enterprise From SA | Office Professional Plus |
Office 365-suites:
User SLs for Office 365 (E1, E3, E4) From SA provide the same SA benefits as the qualifying licenses. User SLs From SA require the corresponding CAL Suite Bridges or USLs, as listed below:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) | Required CAL Suite Bridge or USL |
| Office 365 E1 From SA | Core CAL Suite | Enterprise CAL Bridge for Office 365 or
Enterprise Mobility + Security |
| Office 365 (E3, E4, E5) From SA | Office Professional Plus and Core CAL Suite | |
| Office 365 (E3, E4, E5) From SA | Office Professional Plus and Enterprise CAL Suite | Enterprise CAL Bridge for Office 365 or
Enterprise Mobility + Security |
Phone System:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Phone System From SA
|
CAL for Skype for Business Server Plus (Device and User) |
| CAL voor Skype for Business Plus (User SL) |
Project:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Project Plan 1 From SA
|
Project Standard |
| Project Server CAL | |
| Project Plan 3 From SA
|
Project Professional |
| Project Server CAL | |
| Project Plan 5 From SA
|
Project Professional |
| Project Server CAL |
Visio:
| User SL From SA | Qualifying License(s) |
| Visio Online Plan 1 and 2 From SA | Visio Professional |
| Visio Online Plan 1 From SA | Visio Standard |
At BeSharp Experts, we provide independent advice on Microsoft licenses, including server products. Our experienced consultants are ready to assist you with any licensing questions and guide you through understanding and complying with the complex license requirements. Whether you need advice on license optimization, understanding license bundles, or managing your licenses in accordance with regulations, we offer tailored solutions that perfectly align with your specific needs and budget.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how BeSharp Experts can support you in effectively managing and optimizing your Microsoft server licenses. We are here to ensure that your licensing strategy aligns with your business objectives.