The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program from Microsoft that allows service providers to offer Microsoft software as a service to their customers. This program was designed specifically for service providers who want to offer Microsoft products and services as part of their own service offerings. In this article, we will explore the basics of the SPLA and what it means for service providers.
What is the SPLA?
The SPLA is a licensing program from Microsoft that allows service providers to offer Microsoft software to their customers. This program is designed for service providers who offer software services to their customers and need access to Microsoft software to do so. The SPLA program provides licensing for a variety of Microsoft products, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SharePoint Server.
Benefits of the SPLA
The SPLA program is beneficial for service providers because it allows them to offer Microsoft software services to their customers without having to purchase the software outright. This means that service providers can reduce their capital expenses and operational costs by using the SPLA program. Additionally, the SPLA program enables service providers to offer a wider range of services to their customers, which can help them differentiate themselves from competitors.
SPLA Licensing Models
The SPLA program offers two licensing models to service providers: the Subscriber Access License (SAL) and the Processor License. The SAL model is a user-based licensing model, where service providers pay for licenses based on the number of users that will access the Microsoft software. The Processor License model is a server-based licensing model, where service providers pay for licenses based on the number of processors that will run the Microsoft software.
SPLA Requirements
Service providers who want to participate in the SPLA program must meet a set of requirements. These requirements include:
– Registering with Microsoft as a service provider
– Signing the SPLA agreement with Microsoft
– Meeting the minimum license requirements
– Submitting quarterly usage reports to Microsoft
– Paying for licenses based on actual usage
Conclusion
The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program designed for service providers who want to offer Microsoft software services to their customers. The SPLA program provides licensing for a variety of Microsoft products, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SharePoint Server. The program is beneficial for service providers because it reduces their capital expenses and operational costs, and enables them to offer a wider range of services to their customers. Service providers who want to participate in the SPLA program must meet a set of requirements, including registering with Microsoft, signing the SPLA agreement, and submitting quarterly usage reports.