Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015: How to Save Big on Software License Costs
Microsoft Spla Pricing 2015 has been a topic of discussion in the IT industry for quite some time now. The pricing model introduced by Microsoft back in 2006 has undergone several changes over the years, and the latest update in 2015 has been receiving mixed reactions from businesses worldwide.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, SPLA (Service Provider License Agreement) is a program that enables service providers to offer Microsoft software as a service to their customers. It allows them to license products on a monthly basis rather than committing to long-term contracts.
One of the biggest changes in the 2015 update was the introduction of per-core licensing for Windows Server. This means that service providers now have to pay for each core in a processor rather than paying for the entire processor. While this move was aimed at aligning Microsoft's licensing policies with the industry standard, it has caused concerns among businesses that rely on virtualization technology.
Another change that came with the 2015 update was the introduction of a minimum commitment level for certain products. This means that service providers have to commit to a minimum number of licenses for some Microsoft products, failing which they may face penalties. This move has been seen as an attempt by Microsoft to encourage service providers to sell more licenses and increase their revenue.
On the positive side, Microsoft introduced some new products to the SPLA program in 2015, such as Office 365 ProPlus and Azure Backup. This has given service providers more options to offer to their customers and has made it easier for businesses to access these products without having to purchase them outright.
However, the introduction of these new products also came with some changes in pricing, which has been a cause of concern for many businesses. For instance, the price of Office 365 ProPlus increased by 10% in the 2015 update, which has led some businesses to consider alternative solutions.
Overall, the 2015 update to Microsoft Spla Pricing has had a significant impact on how service providers offer Microsoft products to their customers. While some of the changes have been welcomed, others have caused concerns and raised questions about the future of the program. It remains to be seen how Microsoft will continue to evolve the SPLA program to keep up with the changing needs of businesses worldwide.
Introduction
Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program that enables service providers to offer Microsoft products and services to their customers. Service providers can either rent or lease these products and services to their clients. This licensing model helps service providers to reduce the upfront investment costs and also helps them to manage their cash flow effectively. The SPLA pricing model has undergone some changes in 2015. This article provides an overview of the changes in SPLA pricing for 2015.
Changes in SPLA Pricing
Microsoft has made some changes to the SPLA pricing model in 2015. The changes are aimed at simplifying the licensing process and making it easier for service providers to understand the pricing structure. The changes include:
1. License Mobility
The license mobility option has been added to the SPLA pricing model. This option allows service providers to transfer their customer's licenses from on-premises deployments to cloud-based deployments without any additional cost. This option is available for certain Microsoft products such as SQL Server, Windows Server, and SharePoint Server.
2. Processor Licensing
The processor licensing model has been simplified in 2015. Service providers can now license processors in increments of one. Previously, service providers had to license processors in increments of two. This change makes it easier for service providers to license processors based on their customer's needs.
3. License Reassignment
Microsoft has changed the rules for license reassignment in 2015. Service providers can now reassign licenses from one server to another within the same data center, without any time restrictions. Previously, licenses could only be reassigned once every 90 days. This change gives service providers more flexibility in managing their licenses.
4. Azure Services
Microsoft has added Azure services to the SPLA pricing model in 2015. Service providers can now offer their customers Azure services such as virtual machines, storage, and networking as part of their SPLA agreement. The pricing for Azure services is based on usage and is billed monthly.
Benefits of SPLA Pricing Model
The SPLA pricing model offers several benefits to service providers. These benefits include:
1. Reduced Upfront Investment Costs
The SPLA pricing model allows service providers to rent or lease Microsoft products and services instead of purchasing them outright. This reduces the upfront investment costs for service providers and helps them to manage their cash flow more effectively.
2. Flexible Licensing Options
The SPLA pricing model offers flexible licensing options that allow service providers to license Microsoft products and services based on their customer's needs. This flexibility makes it easier for service providers to offer customized solutions to their customers.
3. License Mobility
The license mobility option allows service providers to transfer their customer's licenses from on-premises deployments to cloud-based deployments without any additional cost. This option makes it easier for service providers to migrate their customers to the cloud.
4. Simplified Licensing Process
The changes to the SPLA pricing model in 2015 have simplified the licensing process and made it easier for service providers to understand the pricing structure. This simplification makes it easier for service providers to manage their licenses and offer customized solutions to their customers.
Conclusion
The changes to the SPLA pricing model in 2015 have made it easier for service providers to offer Microsoft products and services to their customers. The changes have simplified the licensing process and made it easier for service providers to understand the pricing structure. The SPLA pricing model offers several benefits to service providers, including reduced upfront investment costs, flexible licensing options, license mobility, and a simplified licensing process. Service providers should consider the SPLA pricing model as a viable option when offering Microsoft products and services to their customers.
Introduction to Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015
The world of Microsoft services offers a variety of licensing models for service providers. One of the most popular licensing models is the Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA), which enables service providers to offer Microsoft hosted software solutions to their customers. Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015 is the latest pricing structure for SPLA licensing agreements that was announced in 2015. This pricing model provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for service providers looking to offer Microsoft software solutions to their customers.Understanding SPLA Licensing
Before delving into the specifics of Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015, it's important to understand the basics of SPLA licensing. This licensing model is designed for companies that offer hosted software solutions to their customers. It allows them to use Microsoft software on a monthly basis, without having to purchase licenses outright. This makes it a cost-effective solution for service providers who need to offer Microsoft software solutions to their customers.Types of SPLA Licenses
Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015 offers several types of licenses depending on the software being offered. These include licenses for Windows Server, SQL Server, System Center, Remote Desktop Services, and various other Microsoft applications. The pricing for each SPLA license varies depending on the software being licensed, along with the number of licenses obtained. Per-user pricing is also available for certain licenses.License Pricing
Pricing for SPLA licenses is typically based on a monthly usage fee, which varies depending on the specific software being licensed. There are also discounts available for larger service providers who require a large number of licenses. Per-user pricing is available for certain licenses, which can be a cost-effective solution for companies with a smaller user base.Minimum Requirements
To enroll in a SPLA licensing agreement, service providers must meet certain minimum requirements. These include having a valid reseller agreement with Microsoft, meeting certain technical and financial criteria, and agreeing to comply with Microsoft's licensing terms and conditions.Volume Discounts
Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015 offers volume discounts for certain licenses, which can be a cost-effective solution for larger service providers. These discounts are based on the number of licenses obtained and can vary depending on the specific software being licensed.Cloud Solution Provider Program
The Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program is another licensing model offered by Microsoft. Under this program, service providers can resell Microsoft cloud services such as Office 365 and Azure while billing their customers directly. This makes it a popular choice for service providers who offer cloud-based solutions.Comparing SPLA and CSP Pricing
When considering Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015 vs. the Cloud Solution Provider program, it's important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the service provider. SPLA may be a better choice for companies that offer on-premises software solutions, while CSP may be a better fit for those offering cloud-based solutions. It's important to compare pricing and licensing requirements to determine which model is the best fit for your business.Partnering with a Microsoft Reseller
For companies looking to enroll in a SPLA licensing agreement, partnering with a Microsoft reseller can be a helpful solution. These resellers can help navigate the complex licensing requirements and provide support throughout the process. They can also provide guidance on which licensing model is the best fit for your business.Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015 offers a flexible licensing model for service providers looking to offer Microsoft software solutions to their customers. With various licensing options and pricing structures available, service providers can find a solution that meets their specific needs and requirements. It's important to consider the specific needs of your business and work with a Microsoft reseller to determine which licensing model is the best fit for your business.The Story of Microsoft Spla Pricing 2015
Introduction
Microsoft Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) is a program that allows service providers and independent software vendors to license Microsoft products on a monthly basis. In 2015, Microsoft introduced new pricing for SPLA, which caused a stir in the industry.The Changes
The changes to SPLA pricing were significant. Microsoft introduced a new pricing model based on the number of virtual machines (VMs) running on a server. This meant that service providers would have to pay more for each VM they hosted. Additionally, Microsoft increased the price of some products, such as SQL Server and Windows Server.The Impact
The new pricing had a big impact on service providers. Many were unhappy with the changes and felt that Microsoft was trying to squeeze more money out of them. Some smaller providers had to increase their prices to stay in business, while others had to cut back on the number of VMs they offered.Microsoft's Point of View
Microsoft defended the new pricing, saying that it was necessary to reflect the changing nature of the industry. They argued that more and more businesses were moving to the cloud, and that the old pricing model was no longer sustainable.Conclusion
The new pricing for SPLA caused a lot of controversy in 2015. While Microsoft argued that it was necessary to adapt to a changing market, many service providers felt that they were being unfairly targeted. Ultimately, the changes had a big impact on the industry, and it took some time for things to settle down.Table Information
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Closing Message for Blog Visitors about Microsoft Spla Pricing 2015
Thank you for taking the time to read our article about Microsoft SPLA Pricing for 2015. We hope that we were able to provide you with valuable insights into this topic and help you understand the changes that have been made to the pricing structure.
As you are aware, Microsoft SPLA is a licensing program designed for service providers who want to offer Microsoft products and services to their end customers. This program has been around for many years and has undergone several changes over time. The latest changes that have been introduced in 2015 have been aimed at making the program more flexible and affordable for service providers.
One of the most significant changes that have been made to the pricing structure is the introduction of per-core licensing for Windows Server 2016. This change has been made to align the licensing model with the evolving hardware trends and make it more cost-effective for service providers. With per-core licensing, service providers will only need to pay for the number of cores they use, rather than paying for the entire server.
Another change that has been introduced is the reduction in the minimum commitment requirement for service providers who want to participate in the program. This change has been made to make the program more accessible to smaller service providers who may not have the resources to meet the previous minimum commitment requirement.
It is important to note that the changes to the pricing structure may vary depending on your region and the products and services you offer. Therefore, we encourage you to consult with your Microsoft representative or visit the Microsoft website to get more information about the pricing changes that apply to you.
We understand that keeping up with licensing changes can be challenging, especially for service providers who have to manage multiple licenses across different products and services. Therefore, we recommend that service providers take advantage of the various resources that Microsoft provides to help them understand and manage their licenses.
Some of the resources that you can use include the Microsoft Partner Network, which provides access to training, support, and other resources that can help you manage your licenses effectively. You can also use the Microsoft License Advisor, which is an online tool that can help you determine the licensing requirements for your specific scenario.
In conclusion, we believe that the changes that have been made to the Microsoft SPLA Pricing for 2015 are a step in the right direction. These changes have been designed to make the program more affordable and flexible for service providers and align it with the evolving hardware trends. We encourage you to take advantage of the various resources that Microsoft provides to help you manage your licenses effectively and stay up to date with any future changes to the program.
Thank you once again for reading our article, and we hope that it has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.
People Also Ask About Microsoft SPLA Pricing 2015
What is Microsoft SPLA?
Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program that enables service providers and independent software vendors to license Microsoft products on a monthly basis to provide software services and hosted applications to end customers.
How does SPLA pricing work?
SPLA pricing is based on a monthly subscription model that allows service providers to pay for licenses on a month-to-month basis. The cost of the licenses is determined by the product type, usage, and the number of users that the service provider supports. The more licenses a service provider uses, the lower the per-license cost.
What products are available through SPLA?
A wide range of Microsoft products are available through SPLA, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Office. Additional products may be added to the SPLA program as they become available.
What are the benefits of using SPLA pricing?
- Flexible licensing options
- Low upfront costs
- Scalable licensing model
- No minimum purchase requirements
- Access to the latest Microsoft technology
- Ability to offer hosted solutions to customers without investing in expensive infrastructure
How can I become an SPLA partner?
To become an SPLA partner, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a valid reseller agreement with Microsoft and meeting certain financial stability requirements. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to become an SPLA partner through the Microsoft Partner Network website.
Is SPLA pricing still available in 2021?
Yes, SPLA pricing is still available in 2021. However, Microsoft has announced that it will be retiring the SPLA program and replacing it with the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The retirement of SPLA is expected to take place in January 2022.
How does CSP differ from SPLA?
CSP is a modern licensing program that allows partners to sell Microsoft cloud services, such as Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365, to end customers. Unlike SPLA, which is focused on licensing software for on-premises deployment, CSP is designed for cloud-based solutions. CSP also offers more flexibility in terms of pricing and billing options.
In Conclusion
Microsoft SPLA Pricing is a flexible licensing program that allows service providers to license Microsoft products on a monthly basis to provide software services and hosted applications to end customers. While SPLA is still available in 2021, Microsoft is retiring the program in January 2022 and replacing it with the Cloud Solution Provider program. CSP is designed to offer more flexibility and options for partners looking to sell cloud-based solutions to their customers.