What are the Microsoft Open programs?
Microsoft Open programs, Open Value and Open License, are a simple, cost-effective way for small and midsize organizations to acquire the latest Microsoft technology.
Overview
Simplicity and manageability
With a customizable platform and price advantages for volume purchasing, the Open programs—Open Value, Open Value Subscription, and Open License—provide a simple, cost-effective way to acquire the latest Microsoft technology.
Microsoft Open programs offer the ability to add online services subscriptions to your agreement, so you can transition to the cloud at your own pace through your existing agreement.
Open Value
Open Value is the recommended program if you have a small to midsize organization with five or more desktop PCs and want to simplify license management, manage software costs, and get better control over your investment. It also includes Software Assurance, providing access to valuable benefits such as training, deployment planning, software upgrades, and product support help you boost the productivity of your entire organization.
Open Value is available to commercial and government organizations. In July 2021, eligible education and nonprofit organizations will also be able to purchase through the Open Value program.
Open Value Subscription
Open Value Subscription provides the lowest up-front costs of the Open program options with the flexibility to reduce the total licensing costs in years when the desktop PC count declines. This option gives your organization the rights to run the software throughout your organization only during the term of the agreement with Microsoft. You also have the ability to add the single platform option to an Open Value Subscription agreement. Open Value Subscription is available for commercial, government, and education organizations.
Open License
Open License is for purchasing as-needed software licenses and online services. Software Assurance is an optional purchase. For many of our online service subscriptions, the five-license minimum initial purchase is waived.
Important: The Open License program is being discontinued. Starting in January 2022, Microsoft won’t accept orders or renewals through the Open License program. If you’re buying through Open License now, your options are outlined in this Licensing News article.
Eligibility
With an initial purchase of five or more licenses, you can acquire software licenses and online services subscriptions as you need them over the term of your agreement.
In addition to options for commercial businesses, Microsoft also offers options through Open programs for the following industries:
- Government organizations
- Educational institutions
- Qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Multinational organizations
Learn more about Licensing options for industries.
Watch the Open programs comparison video (WMV 3:30 minutes)