Comparing EAs with Open Value

Enterprise Agreements (EAs) and Open Value Company-Wide (OVCW) agreements are roughly similar in their approach to licensing desktop software, providing desktop software and Client Access License “platforms” for desktop and laptop PCs across an entire company. Their key differences are the following:

• EAs require a minimum of 250 computers, while OVCW requires only five
• A single EA can cover a global organization, while OVCW covers only a specific Microsoft region
• EAs must be purchased through a Large Account Reseller (LAR, a relatively small group of resellers), while OVCW can be purchased through any Microsoft licensing reseller, including a LAR
• EA discounts are generally better, although OVCW customers who purchase licenses for 250 to 750 computers may be able to get discounts similar to those they would get in an EA
• EAs require more legal documentation, such as a Master Business and Services Agreement, a volume agreement, and an enrollment for each affiliate, while OVCW