microsoft select plus vs enterprise agreement: What You Need to Know Before Buying
The Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement are two of the most popular enterprise licensing programs available for businesses looking to simplify their software licensing and management. Whether you are a small business or a large organization, it is important to understand the differences between these two programs and the benefits they offer so you can make an educated choice that best fits your company’s needs. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between the Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement programs and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.
| Microsoft Select Plus | Microsoft Enterprise Agreement |
|---|---|
| Allows customers to purchase from an existing list of Microsoft products. | Provides customers with the flexibility to purchase, manage, and deploy licenses for a wide range of Microsoft products. |
| Requires customers to purchase individual licenses for each user. | Allows customers to purchase licenses in bulk for their entire organization. |
| Software Assurance is not required. | Software Assurance is required. |
| Customers can purchase a single version of the software. | Customers can purchase multiple versions of the software. |
| Contracts are typically one year in length. | Contracts can be up to three years in length. |
Chart Comparing: Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement
| Microsoft Select Plus vs Enterprise Agreement | Microsoft Select Plus | Enterprise Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Term | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Software Licensing | Per Server | Per User/Device |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go | Upfront |
| Volume Discounts | No | Yes |
| Eligible Licenses | Core Server | All Software |
| Software Assurance | Optional | Included |
| Support | No | Yes |
| Software Deployment Rights | No | Yes |
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Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement
Microsoft provides two different licensing options for organizations that need to purchase its software products in bulk: the Select Plus program and the Enterprise Agreement (EA). Both options allow for the purchase of multiple licenses at discounted prices, but they differ in terms of flexibility, cost, and the number of licenses required to qualify for the discounted rate. In this article, we’ll compare the two programs and explain how to determine which one is right for your organization.
Flexibility and Cost
The Select Plus program is the most flexible of the two options, allowing for the purchase of individual licenses for multiple products. This makes it ideal for organizations with varied software needs, since it allows them to choose the specific licenses they need without having to purchase an entire suite of products. The cost of the licenses is also slightly lower than the EA, making it a more economical choice for organizations that don’t need a large number of licenses.
Number of Licenses Required
The Enterprise Agreement requires a minimum purchase of 500 licenses in order to qualify for the discounted rate, while the Select Plus program has no minimum purchase requirement. This makes the Select Plus program a better option for organizations that don’t need a large number of licenses, as they can purchase the exact number they require without having to meet the minimum purchase requirement of the EA.
Software Assurance Benefits
The Enterprise Agreement includes Software Assurance benefits, which provide access to upgrades, support, and other services for an additional cost. The Select Plus program does not include Software Assurance benefits, so organizations that want access to these services will need to purchase them separately.
Product Availability
The Enterprise Agreement provides access to a wider range of products than the Select Plus program. While the Select Plus program includes a selection of popular products, the EA includes a larger selection of products, including some that are not available through the Select Plus program.
Which Option is Right for You?
When deciding which program is right for your organization, it’s important to consider the number of licenses you need, the types of products you require, and your budget. If you need a large number of licenses and want access to the widest range of products, the Enterprise Agreement is the best choice. However, if you don’t need a large number of licenses and don’t need access to a wide range of products, the Select Plus program is the more economical option.
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Microsoft Select Plus vs Enterprise Agreement
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Microsoft Select Plus:
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Pros:
- Enables customers to only pay for the products and services they need
- Provides flexible payment options
- Easy to manage licenses and control costs
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Cons:
- Cannot mix and match licenses across different Microsoft products
- Requires customers to purchase a minimum of five Microsoft licenses
- Customers must purchase the licenses upfront
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Pros:
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Microsoft Enterprise Agreement:
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Pros:
- Enables customers to purchase licenses for multiple products
- Offers a cost-effective way to purchase licenses
- Customers can purchase licenses on an annual basis
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Cons:
- Requires customers to purchase a minimum of 250 licenses
- Requires customers to purchase three-year licenses upfront
- Prices for licenses may be higher than other options
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Pros:
Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement: Which Is Better?
In conclusion, it is difficult to say definitively which option is best for businesses; Microsoft Select Plus or Enterprise Agreement. Both options offer a range of attractive benefits, such as cost savings, the flexibility to choose the products you need, and the ability to keep up with the latest technology. It all comes down to the company’s individual needs. Microsoft Select Plus is ideal for businesses that require only a few products or services and may not need regular upgrades. For those who need to keep up with the latest technology or require more than a few products and services, the Enterprise Agreement is a great option. It offers a comprehensive suite of products and services as well as discounts on volume purchases. Ultimately, both options have their benefits and drawbacks, and organizations should make their decision based on their own needs and budget.
Related Faq Of Microsoft Select Plus Vs Enterprise Agreement
What is Microsoft Select Plus?
Microsoft Select Plus is a licensing program designed for small and medium sized organizations that allows them to purchase a range of Microsoft products and services at discounted prices. The program is suitable for organizations that have a small number of users and a limited budget. It offers access to the latest versions of Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems, as well as other products and services such as Azure and Dynamics 365.
What is Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a volume licensing agreement designed for large organizations that need to purchase multiple Microsoft products and services for their users. It allows organizations to purchase a large number of licenses at discounted prices. The agreement also offers access to the latest versions of Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems, and other products and services such as Azure and Dynamics 365.
What are the benefits of Microsoft Select Plus?
Microsoft Select Plus has several benefits for small and medium sized organizations. It provides access to the latest versions of Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems at discounted prices. The license can be transferred to new users, making it easy to change the user base as needed. In addition, the program offers access to other products and services such as Azure and Dynamics 365.
What are the benefits of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement offers several benefits for large organizations. It allows organizations to purchase a large number of licenses at discounted prices. It also offers access to the latest versions of Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems, and other products and services such as Azure and Dynamics 365. In addition, the agreement includes unlimited technical support, which can be beneficial for organizations with complex IT infrastructures.
What are the differences between Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement?
The main difference between Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement is the size of the organization. Microsoft Select Plus is designed for small and medium sized organizations, while Enterprise Agreement is designed for larger organizations. In addition, Enterprise Agreement offers more features and benefits, such as unlimited technical support, transferability of licenses, and access to other products and services.
Which is better for an organization, Microsoft Select Plus or Enterprise Agreement?
The answer to this question depends on the size and needs of the organization. Microsoft Select Plus is better suited for small and medium sized organizations, while Enterprise Agreement is better suited for larger organizations. It is important to evaluate the specific needs of the organization and choose the agreement that best meets those needs.
In conclusion, the Microsoft Select Plus and Enterprise Agreement are both excellent options for businesses looking for cost-effective and comprehensive software solutions. The Select Plus option is more suitable for businesses that don’t need to purchase multiple licenses and are looking for flexibility in their subscription. The Enterprise Agreement provides more comprehensive options for businesses that need multiple licenses and want to spread out payments over several years. Both options provide great value for money and give businesses the ability to access the latest Microsoft software products. Ultimately, the best option for your business will depend upon your individual needs and budget.
