Choose the cooperation model that suits you

Microsoft solutions and services are sold by various companies, in different licensing models. The SPLA license agreement is recommended for companies which:

• provide hosting services (also to internet operators)
• provide applications via the Internet (Application Service Provider) or in hosting
• provide cooperation and communication services
• they offer platform infrastructure or streaming media
• they sell software licenses in IT outsourcing or business process outsourcing
• they offer consulting services related to software

The Service Provider is the licensee and not the end customer, therefore the Service Provider bears full responsibility for properly used licenses.

SPLA licenses are just one of the components of the full service, which means that the cost of these licenses is only a small part of the invoice.

A service such as Platform as a Service (PaaS), i.e. Infrastructure Platform, includes, among others:

• server cost,
• cost of software, i.e. license
• cost of the “floor”
• implementation cost
• cost of living

The cost of a license leased under the SPLA does not have to be translated 1:1 on the invoice to the end customer. The greater the number of end clients on a shared physical server, the lower the cost of a server license for the Service Provider (in the case of solutions licensed per core or per processor.

Solutions licensed per user, despite the increased number of customers, will not be able to optimize the costs of the license itself.

What should be done to provide services in the SPLA model?

You must register in the Microsoft Partner Program at the Registered Partner level and then contact us by phone or using the contact form.

Companies that do not have a signed MBSA framework agreement should sign it at the same time as the SPLA.

After deciding to start providing services using Microsoft solutions, and therefore also the license, you are obliged to sign 3 documents:

• SPLA Agreement
• Service Provider Use Rights (SPUR): this is a document describing the licensing rules and licenses available in the SPLA. By signing the valid version of SPUR for the entire duration of the SPLA, you get the opportunity to use the products that are listed as available in this SPUR, in accordance with the applicable licensing.
• Note: the use of the product is possible even if Microsoft withdraws the product, changes the licensing rules or introduces a new product during the SPLA period.

Each Service Provider that signs the SPLA must license Windows Server per core. Of course, using the previous version of Windows Server, i.e. 2012, is possible thanks to the Software Assurance (SPLA) included in the licenses.

• MBSA (Microsoft Business and Services Agreement)

SPLA requirements:

• It is necessary to comply with the licensing rules described in the Service Provider Use Rights (SPUR) document discussed above. The SPUR document is available on the Microsoft product licensing website or from SPLAlar, e.g. Promise Group.
• Submitting monthly reports worth a minimum of €100 (for the first 6 months, these reports may be of a lower value, but to keep the SPLA active after 6 months from its activation, the value of €100 must be exceeded).
• The Service Provider is obliged to report SPLA licenses that it provides through branches or external companies such as Software Service Reseller.
• Providing technical support for services provided on Microsoft products is the responsibility of the Service Provider
• Microsoft or its designated representative may inspect records and facilities (including data centers) to verify compliance with the agreement and conduct an on-site audit as necessary.

• MBSA Master Agreement
• SPLA Agreement
• End User License Terms
• SPUR – Product Use Rights