Microsoft Open Value License

Microsoft Open Value Licentie

Microsoft Open Value is a licensing program that helps businesses acquire Microsoft software in a flexible and affordable way. Microsoft Open Value is available in different forms. This article will describe what Open Value licenses are, what versions exist, and what the advantages and disadvantages are.

What is an Open Value license?

Microsoft Open Value is a licensing program that makes it easier for businesses to acquire Microsoft Software. It is a perpetual licensing program that is paid over three years, after which the license and everything it offers can be used permanently. The license is mainly intended for small to medium-sized companies with 5 or more devices. The program helps the user get the most out of the software, regardless of the phase of software management the company is in. An Open Value license can be paid at once, but the costs can also be spread over multiple periods.
Open Value License: Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • By spreading the costs over 3 years, predictable cost management is created.
  • Microsoft Open Value offers Software Assurance, which is Microsoft's extensive maintenance program.
  • Users gain access to training, implementation planning, product support, and software upgrades.
  • Microsoft Open Value offers product support and updates that can be carried out at any time. 

Disadvantage:

  • Software Assurance is included by default with Microsoft Open Value. This makes the license more expensive, which may feel like an unnecessary cost for companies that do not need Software Assurance.

Microsoft Open Value Company-Wide (OVW)

OVW is a volume licensing program through which licenses can be purchased in installments over 3 years. If a company decides to purchase this volume license, an Open Value contract is signed between the company and Microsoft, allowing the company to use the volume license for 3 years. The advantages of OVW compared to a license that is not 'Company-wide' are cost savings and simplified license and budget tracking. Standardizing the technology used throughout the company helps keep these costs lower and makes licensing easier. This license offers relevant products for companies such as operating systems, server products, development tools, and desktop applications.

OVW licenses offer companies perpetual rights to use both current and previous versions of products. These licenses also include a subscription to the Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) support program, allowing companies to upgrade to new versions of certain products.

Microsoft Open Value Subscription (OVS)

Microsoft Open Value can also be purchased as a subscription. The subscription form is more flexible because total costs can be reduced if the number of devices decreases after a certain period. OVS includes access to the latest versions of Microsoft products, and the latest Microsoft software can be used automatically. Additionally, companies with OVS can pay based on usage. This means that payment is only made for installed software and not for all the possibilities offered within OVS.

Another significant benefit for companies is the reduced risk that OVS brings. License management is a complex task, but when an OVS is entered, the customer is considered compliant for the next 3 years, meaning that applicable laws and regulations are strictly adhered to and assistance is provided to ensure compliance.

Microsoft Open Value vs Microsoft Open Value Subscription

Here is an overview of the differences between Microsoft Open Value and Microsoft Open Value Subscription:

  • Open Value is a perpetual license, Open Value Subscription is a subscription model.
  • Open Value Subscription offers more flexibility in adjusting the number of licenses after a certain period.
  • The initial costs are lower with an Open Value Subscription than with the Open Value license.