OLP/Volume licenses

What is an OLP/Volume license?

Open License Program (OLP) is a program suitable for small to medium enterprises. The Open License Program offers software called OLP licenses. These are also called open licenses or volume licenses. The Open License Program can accommodate up to 750 devices. A big advantage of OLP licenses is their flexibility in cases the licenses, devices or users fluctuate. This makes OLP licenses a popular and adequate choice for companies of every size, as any future growth or shrinking would not cause a licensing problem. Additionally, with OLP licenses there is no minimum purchase obligation as long as at least five OLP licenses are used within the organization. As mentioned in the beginning, OLP licenses are also known as Volume Licenses. This is due to the installation principle, according to which one activation key contains multiple activations. This allows the mass installation of one software on multiple devices. The easy software installation of OLP licenses is another advantage for companies of any size.

What is included in OLP/Volume licenses?

OLP/Volume licenses include a few features besides the software. Different than OEM licenses, OLP/Volume licenses provide transfer rights and downgrade rights. Companies can order the license documentation, if needed, in addition to the license. The OLP/Volume licenses are perpetual, meaning they will never expire, therefore, they can be used forever. Software Assurance from Microsoft is also included, which is purely aimed at helping businesses with their software-related problems and questions. Lastly, you have unlimited installations. For example, with Retail licenses, you have 1 installation per key. With OLP/Volume licenses, you have unlimited.

Types of activation

There are two different types of activation available for the OLP/Volume licenses. These are Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK). With KMS, organizations can activate systems within their network. MAK uses Microsoft’s hosted activation services, to activate systems on a one-time basis. KMS requires a minimum number of virtual or physical computers within a network environment. These so-called thresholds are made up in a way that Enterprise customers will easily meet them.

Rules

Logically, some rules apply here for when you want to acquire/use OLP licenses. Firstly, this is only possible as a business. OLP licenses cannot be used as an individual or for private purposes. Secondly, OLP licenses are meant to be sold to businesses who want to purchase volume licenses. Usually, this applies to small and medium-sized businesses. Other than that, educational institutions, government organizations, and non-profit and multinational organizations are also fine for this. Lastly, you need to buy “legit” licenses and have proof of this. This means that you have to be audit-proof, in case Microsoft wants to check your business.

Note: the rules can differ between individual licenses. One license can have different regulations than another one.

Examples of OLP/Volume licenses:

1. Microsoft Exchange Server 2019
2. Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019
3. Microsoft Office 2021
4. Microsoft SQL Server 2022
5. Windows 11
6. Remote Desktop Service 2022 User/Device CALs