Just discovered OLP is only valid for 2 years

[fs483]

I was suprised to learn that OLP offered by Microsoft is only valid for 2 years. Afterwhich, it's illegal to use the software... I wonder what if the OLP/OEM licenses that we purchase from Dell (with the servers) have the same time limits... In this case, it's probably better to buy full packages, pay once and be done with (other then having a bunch of CDs and licenses number to track) but at least you don't have to renew/repay every 2 years...

 

[fs483]

Ok got it sorted out. The 2 years expiry date is the possibility to add more licenses to the same account. Initial purchase to open an account is 5 OLP license. Then you maybe add 1 or more license for a period of 2 years. After 2 years, a new account must be opened meaning a purchase of a minimum of 5 license. Any license purchased is valid as long as it is used and can be transfered onto other devices (OLP only). There's also something about Software Assurance...

 

[NickFerrar]

Yeah basically MOLP allows you to buy a bunch of licences up front then get the benefit of the volume discount for subsequent orders even if you just buy 1 or 2 at a time. Licences remain valid after the MOLP contract ends.

You can no longer buy upgrade version for Microsoft software, Software Assurance provides, in theory, a cheaper way of getting the latest software rather than having to buy new licences all the time. However you only really get benefit from SA if you upgrade every version change.

Where I work we use a combination of Select level D (bigger version of MOLP really although you also commit to buying a certain amount of licences per year) and an Enterprise Subscription Agreement (we've signed for 6 years and basically just tell MS how many client PCs we have and we can install any version of Windows or Office Pro on them during those 6 years). These agreements are only really available/suitable for large businesses though.