Microsoft offers two similarly named services for small to medium-sized organizations, both of which require a minimum commitment of five licenses.
So, how does a decision-maker for these entities decide which is the right one to choose for their needs?
What is the same in both the Microsoft Open Value and Microsoft Open Value Subscription programs?
Both of these offerings are available to the following organization types:
- Commercial
- Educational
- Government
- Non-profit
What does an organization require to qualify for this:
- Minimum 5 computers
What does the program offer:
- Software updates over the term of the contract
- Support
- Licensing per client
- Training
- Online services
Microsoft Open Value
What is specific to this offering:
- A three-year agreement which split costs into three equal parts
Microsoft Open Value Subscription
What is specific to this offering:
- One-year agreement for government customers
- Annual billing with no upfront costs
- License flexibility - If user totals change, the cost only varies for that specific year.
- License flexibility - Short-term additional usage incurs no extra cost.
Microsoft Open Value or Microsoft Open Value Subscription
Below is a visual comparison of the Microsoft Open Value and Open Value Subscription.
Image credit: Microsoft
Conclusion
To decide between either the Microsoft Open Value or Microsoft Open Value Subscription programs can be summed up with a few simple questions:
Does the organization want fixed billing over a set time?
In this case, the Microsoft Open Value is the program to choose.
Does the organization want flexibility in license numbers?
In this case, the Microsoft Open Value Subscription is the program to choose.