Microsoft Licensing Solutions explained
The way software licensing is explained is confusing to say the least, If you read through the sections provided by NCI we hope you will gain a better understanding of the options open to you.
A software license gives a person (or an institution) the right to use a software product in a particular way. The terms of the license agreement describe the permitted uses of the software. Copyright law also limits how a person may use the software. A person needs a license for each software program he or she installs on a computer.
You may have heard of EULA, it stands for End User License Agreement and is a legal contract between the manufacturer and/or the author and the end user of an application. The EULA details how the software can and cannot be used and any restrictions that the manufacturer imposes (e.g. most EULA’s of proprietary software prohibit the user from sharing the software with anyone else).
Not every EULA is the same. Some contracts stipulate acceptance of the agreement simply by opening the shrink-wrapped package; some require the user to mail back to the manufacturer a signed agreement or acceptance card; some require the user to accept the agreement after the application is installed by clicking on an acceptance form that appears on the user’s monitor. This last method is typical of applications that can be downloaded from the Internet. In all instances, the user has the option of not accepting the EULA, subsequently surrendering the rights and ability to use the software.
As in typical legal contracts, the EULA protects both parties from liability if the software is used in a way not intended by the manufacturer or author.
The EULA also is often referred to as the software license or user license.
Exploring the options available to you with licensing is not an easy task. Being heavily criticised for the complex structure has prompted Microsoft to change the way some of it's licensing models work.
In an attempt to provide you with the latest information, NCI have written their own pages outlining the various licensing models available to today's businesses with recommendations on the licensing model your business should follow dependant on your size and needs.
Please click on the relevant links to your left to see the options open to you today and to gain an insight into how they have given you a choice in how you purchase their software.
If you have a query about Microsoft licensing and would like to speak with one of our qualified licensing experts please call us on 01326 379497 we look forward to hearing from you.
