Volume Licensing
Volume Licensing and Software Licensing
Volume licensing is a widely used software licensing method that allows organizations to use one license to authorize software across multiple computers or users within an organization. This approach is typically adopted by large enterprises and educational institutions to simplify the management and deployment of software.
Overview of Volume Licensing
Volume licensing is particularly advantageous for large organizations as it reduces the complexity and cost associated with assigning individual licenses. By purchasing software licenses in bulk, companies can achieve significant cost savings and streamline software deployment across their entire network. This method is often associated with specific software agreements such as Enterprise Agreements offered by major vendors like Microsoft.
Microsoft Volume Licensing
Microsoft, being a pioneer in software distribution, offers several volume licensing options for its products such as Windows, Office, and Windows Server. Through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center, organizations can acquire different editions of Windows like Enterprise and Education. Products such as Microsoft Office 2019 and Office 2016 have specific versions for volume licensing, which are tailored to meet the needs of large organizations.
Types of Software Licenses
Software licenses govern how software is used, redistributed, and modified. They can vary greatly in terms of restrictions and permissions. Besides volume licenses, here are some of the common types of software licenses:
- Free Software Licenses: Grants users extensive rights to modify and redistribute the software.
- Permissive Software Licenses: Such as the MIT License, allow for more freedom, often with fewer restrictions on redistribution.
- Open-source Licenses: Facilitate the development and sharing of free and open-source software (FOSS).
- Proprietary Software: Often involves strict licensing terms, typically accompanied by an End-user License Agreement.
Volume Licensing and Software Assurance
Volume licensing is frequently paired with Software Assurance (SA), which is a program that provides additional benefits such as support, training, and product upgrades. It enhances the value of the volume licensing agreement by ensuring that organizations have access to the latest features and support services.
Related Topics
- Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
- Free and Open-source Software Licenses
- Software Copyright
- Discount-Licensing
Volume licensing remains a crucial aspect of software distribution for large organizations, offering a streamlined approach to acquiring and managing licenses while integrating comprehensive support and upgrade paths through programs like Software Assurance.