What is the difference between a service provider who provides application services and a service provider that acts as an outsourcer?
The key difference is that, under an outsourcing scenario, the Select License, Enterprise Agreement [EA] or Open License customer is the licensee of the software. In the outsourcing scenario, the service provider is NOT a licensee and does not have the right to use the software for any purpose except to host the software for the Select License, EA or Open License customer with whom it has an agreement. By contrast, where a service provider is acting under the SPLA, the service provider is the licensee of the software, and may provide access to and use of the software to one or more customers for a monthly fee.
I am an ISV providing application to customers as a service. Can I use embedded OEM or ISV licenses for my service?
Generally, Microsoft's OEM and ISV embedded licenses, or other Retail and Volume Licensing programs do not allow for hosting or provide any commercial use rights. ISV's who wish to provide services using Microsoft software should sign up for the SPLA. For further information, see Comparing Licensing Programs
Can the prices in the Services Provider License Program change?
Microsoft reserves the right to increase prices every year on January 1 proportional to any increase in the product's Open price in the previous calendar year.
How are licenses ordered and paid for in this program?
By the 15th of each month, the service provider is required to submit an order to Microsoft for each product license it made available to an end customer during the immediately preceding calendar month. The service provider will then be invoiced for the licenses reported.
Are there any ‘upfront’ fees required to sign the Services Provider License Agreement?
No, there are no upfront program fees associated with signing the SPLA. However, Microsoft Certified Partner Membership is a requirement of the program. Service providers who are not a Microsoft Certified Partner should contact one of Microsoft's SPLA sales specialists for assistance in signing up to the program.
Does this program have a minimum license requirement each month?
There is no minimum monthly license requirement. However, SPLA licensees must submit a ‘zero license usage report’ in order to comply with the requirements of this program. Microsoft reserves the right to terminate an agreement with a service provider after six (6) consequent months of zero license usage reports.
Where can I find the SPLA price list?
Microsoft Certified Partners can find sign up information and a price list posted to their secured members-only site. Service providers who are not yet enrolled as Microsoft Certified Partner Program members can contact a Microsoft SPLA reseller or one of the Microsoft regional SPLA sales specialists for pricing information. See How to Acquire the SPLA for more information.
Where do Service Providers participating in SPLA obtain their media?
Service providers can order media through Worldwide Fulfilment (WWF), subject to the terms of the SPLA. The welcome package that is sent to each service provider after the agreement has been processed will contain instructions on how to order media from WWF.