Updated: July 12, 2020 (March 22, 2010)

Windows Client OS Software Assurance Rights

Rob Horwitz analyzes and writes about Microsoft licensing programs and product licensing rules. He also trains organizations on best Microsoft... more

A Software Assurance (SA) subscription attached to a Windows client OS license will soon convey a much broader set of usage rights, many of them pertaining to desktop virtualization. Starting July 1, 2010, the 11 rights listed below will be included in SA.

The first six rights are already included with SA. The next four (middle section) are currently offered through a Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop (VECD) for SA license, which is being discontinued. The last row describes new roaming rights that are not currently available through any licensing program.

Usage Right Conferred by SA	Origin
Upgrade licensed PC at any time to new OS versions released during the term of coverage	Rights currently included as part of Software Assurance (SA) on Windows client OSs
Run Windows 7 Enterprise Edition
Run up to four instances of business-oriented editions of Window 7, Vista and Windows XP in virtual machines (VMs) on the licensed device
Purchase a Microsoft Desktop

Atlas Members have full access

Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.

Membership Options

Already have an account? Login Now