If you’re an IT manager or business owner considering a software deal with Microsoft, you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your business: Microsoft Select Plus or Microsoft Enterprise Agreement? Both of these programs offer a number of advantages, but each is also tailored to meet different needs. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Microsoft Select Plus and Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and compare the benefits of each. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right program for your business.
| Microsoft Select Plus | Enterprise Agreement |
|---|---|
| Flexible purchasing | Predefined agreements |
| Customizable to fit user needs | Fixed pricing and terms |
| No volume commitments | Requires volume commitments |
| No long-term commitment | Long-term commitment of 3 years |
| Pricing discounts based on product and quantity | Upfront discounts on all products |
Google Feature Snippet Answer:
Microsoft Select Plus is a flexible purchasing option with customizable terms to fit user needs, no volume commitments and no long-term commitment. Pricing discounts are based on product and quantity. Enterprise Agreement offers predefined agreements with fixed pricing and terms, requires volume commitments and has a long-term commitment of 3 years with upfront discounts on all products.
Chart Comparing: Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement
| Microsoft Select Plus vs Enterprise Agreement | Microsoft Select Plus | Enterprise Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Length | 12 months | 3 years |
| Pricing Model | Pay as you go | Upfront payment |
| Discounts | Up to 45% discounts | Up to 72% discounts |
| Product Availability | All available products | Core products and Services |
| Number of Licenses | Minimum of 5 licenses | Minimum of 500 licenses |
| Software Assurance | Available | Included |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible | Less flexible |
| Ability to Upgrade or Downgrade | Ability to Upgrade or Downgrade licenses | Ability to Upgrade licenses |
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Microsoft Select Plus vs Enterprise Agreement
Overview of Microsoft Select Plus
Microsoft Select Plus is a software licensing program offered by Microsoft to its customers. It is designed to meet the needs of organizations that need to purchase multiple licenses of Microsoft software products. Microsoft Select Plus allows customers to purchase a minimum of five licenses of any Microsoft software product. It offers customers the flexibility to buy licenses in any combination of products that suit their specific needs. The program also enables customers to save money on their software purchases by taking advantage of volume discounts.
Select Plus customers can purchase either open or select licenses, depending on their software needs. Open licenses are perpetual licenses, which means that the customer has the right to use the software as long as they want. Select licenses are subscription-based, meaning that the customer has to renew the license every year.
Benefits of Microsoft Select Plus
Microsoft Select Plus offers customers cost savings on their software purchases. Customers can purchase multiple licenses of any Microsoft software product and receive volume discounts. Select Plus also provides customers with the flexibility to choose the licenses that best suit their needs. Customers can choose between open and select licenses, depending on their software requirements.
In addition, customers can purchase additional licenses at any time without having to go through a new purchase process. This saves customers time and money, as they can easily add additional licenses when needed.
Limitations of Microsoft Select Plus
One of the main limitations of Microsoft Select Plus is that customers must purchase a minimum of five licenses. This may be a limitation for smaller businesses that only need a few licenses. In addition, customers must renew their select licenses annually, which may be inconvenient for customers who wish to keep their software licenses for longer.
Another limitation of Microsoft Select Plus is that customers cannot use the licenses on multiple devices. Customers must purchase a separate license for each device they wish to use the software on.
Overview of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a software licensing program offered by Microsoft to large organizations. It is designed to meet the needs of organizations that need to purchase multiple licenses of Microsoft software products. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement allows customers to purchase a minimum of 250 licenses of any Microsoft software product. It offers customers the flexibility to buy licenses in any combination of products that suit their specific needs. The program also enables customers to save money on their software purchases by taking advantage of volume discounts.
Enterprise Agreement customers can purchase either open or enterprise licenses, depending on their software needs. Open licenses are perpetual licenses, which means that the customer has the right to use the software as long as they want. Enterprise licenses are subscription-based, meaning that the customer has to renew the license every year.
Benefits of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement offers customers cost savings on their software purchases. Customers can purchase multiple licenses of any Microsoft software product and receive volume discounts. Enterprise Agreement also provides customers with the flexibility to choose the licenses that best suit their needs. Customers can choose between open and enterprise licenses, depending on their software requirements.
In addition, customers can purchase additional licenses at any time without having to go through a new purchase process. This saves customers time and money, as they can easily add additional licenses when needed.
Limitations of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
One of the main limitations of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is that customers must purchase a minimum of 250 licenses. This may be a limitation for smaller businesses that only need a few licenses. In addition, customers must renew their enterprise licenses annually, which may be inconvenient for customers who wish to keep their software licenses for longer.
Another limitation of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is that customers cannot use the licenses on multiple devices. Customers must purchase a separate license for each device they wish to use the software on.
Microsoft Select Plus vs. Enterprise Agreement
Pros
- Microsoft Select Plus offers more flexibility in purchasing.
- Microsoft Select Plus allows you to purchase the specific products you need.
- Microsoft Select Plus offers a lower upfront cost than Enterprise Agreement.
Cons
- Microsoft Select Plus does not include Software Assurance.
- Microsoft Select Plus does not offer the same volume discounts as Enterprise Agreement.
- Microsoft Select Plus does not have the same support options as Enterprise Agreement.
Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement: Which Is Better?
In conclusion, both Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement have their pros and cons. Select Plus offers more flexibility, as it allows businesses to purchase only the applications they need and scale up as needed. However, Enterprise Agreement requires a larger upfront cost, but it offers more cost savings in the long run, as businesses can enjoy discounts on software licenses and enterprise-level support. Ultimately, the choice of which option is best for a business depends on its specific needs and budget.
Top Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Select Plus?
Microsoft Select Plus is a Microsoft volume licensing program designed for small and medium-sized organizations. It provides a simple, cost-effective way for customers to acquire the latest Microsoft technology with no upfront costs and flexible payment options. It also offers special savings on select products. With Select Plus, customers can choose from a variety of Microsoft products, including Windows and Office, as well as the latest versions of server and cloud services.
What is Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a Microsoft volume licensing program designed for organizations with 250 or more computers. It offers the most comprehensive and flexible licensing program available, allowing customers to acquire the latest Microsoft products and services with no upfront costs and flexible payment options. With Enterprise Agreement, customers can choose from a variety of Microsoft products, including Windows and Office, as well as the latest versions of server and cloud services.
What are the benefits of Microsoft Select Plus vs. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft Select Plus offers a simplified licensing structure and cost savings on select products. It is designed for small and medium-sized organizations, providing an easy and cost-effective way to acquire the latest Microsoft technology. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement offers the most comprehensive and flexible licensing program available, and is designed for organizations of 250 or more computers. It also provides cost savings on select products.
What are the differences between Microsoft Select Plus and Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
The primary difference between Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement is the size of the organization. Select Plus is designed for small and medium-sized organizations, while Enterprise Agreement is designed for larger organizations of 250 or more computers. Additionally, Enterprise Agreement offers the most comprehensive and flexible licensing program available, whereas Select Plus offers a simplified licensing structure.
How do I choose between Microsoft Select Plus and Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
The decision between Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement depends on the size of the organization and the type of licensing requirements. Select Plus is designed for small and medium-sized organizations, while Enterprise Agreement is designed for larger organizations of 250 or more computers. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of products and services needed, as well as the cost savings available.
What happens if I choose Microsoft Select Plus but later need to upgrade to Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
If an organization chooses Microsoft Select Plus but later finds that they need the more comprehensive and flexible licensing program offered by Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, they can upgrade their existing license. The upgrade process is simple and straightforward and can be done online. The organization will need to provide proof that they now meet the minimum requirements for an Enterprise Agreement, such as having 250 or more computers. Once the requirements are met, the organization can upgrade their license and start taking advantage of the additional benefits offered by Enterprise Agreement.
Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreements are the two primary ways to purchase software licenses from Microsoft. They both offer businesses the means to save money, but the Enterprise Agreement is more comprehensive and offers more customization options for larger businesses. Select Plus is best for smaller businesses who need a limited set of licenses and are looking for a lower cost option. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the size and needs of the business. With either option, businesses can rest assured that they are making a cost-effective decision and getting the most out of their Microsoft software purchase.