Updated: June 21, 2024 (November 20, 2023)

  Analyst Report

Transitioning Windows Server Under an EA to an MCA

My Atlas / Analyst Reports

1,888 wordsTime to read: 10 min
by
Anne-Marie Connelly

Anne-Marie Connelly is a former Directions on Microsoft Analyst who wrote about Microsoft licensing and purchasing programs. Before joining Directions on... more

  • Enterprise Agreement customers transitioning to Microsoft Customer Agreements will have to reassess how they license Windows Server.
  • The inability to purchase or renew Software Assurance for Windows Server perpetual licenses causes the greatest disruption.
  • A workaround, through the Open Value program, can help with SA renewals, preserving investments.
  • Customers forced into an MCA should plan for Windows Server subscriptions or using two purchasing programs.

Many Enterprise Agreement (EA) customers with 500 to 2,400 users are being directed by Microsoft to switch to a Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) when their current EA expires. Differences between the programs, such as the inability to purchase or renew Software Assurance (SA) for Windows Server perpetual licenses, may require customers to move some workloads to MCA server subscriptions (at a higher cost) or use the Open Value (OV) program, which provides the option to renew SA on perpetual licenses but does result in managing purchases through two programs. Ultimately, customers should choose a partner who understands both programs to help control cost or request the right to remain in the EA program.

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