Understanding Open Licensing Programs

Open programs are used by organizations whose purchase volumes may not be large enough to qualify for volume licensing programs that offer greater discounts. These are the simplest programs to enter, and they are sold by many resellers on a regional basis. Larger companies sometimes buy licenses through Open agreements in addition to other volume licensing plans, because Open offers certain tactical advantages such as the ability to work with local resellers. For midsize companies barely large enough to qualify for other volume licensing plans, Open programs may in some cases be preferable in terms of simplicity, flexibility, or price.

What Are Open Programs?

Open volume license purchase programs are designed to accommodate small businesses. Compared to other Microsoft volume licensing programs that have purchase requirements well in excess of US$10,000, Open programs require a nominal initial purchase—as few as five licenses (of any type), which can cost less than US$200—and offer the largest choice of resellers (tens of thousands worldwide). Open contracts are the simplest to start among volume licensing programs.