Open License and Open Value question....

twoheadedboy · 22 Jun 2010

I am sure this is a simple answer, but it is not stated clearly in any of the MS documents regarding Open programs:

If I purchase 10 licenses for Windows 7 with software assurance through the Open License or Open Value program, do those Windows 7 licenses expire at the end of the 2 or 3 year agreement? I understand that Software Assurance ends with the end of the term agreement. But, are the PC's still properly licensed at the end of the agreement, or is it required to renew the agreement as long as the PC's are in use?

Thanks

richc46 · 22 Jun 2010

I am certain that once you buy the software, it is yours to use as everyone else can.

It will not expire.

pparks1 · 22 Jun 2010

Software assurance simply provides you with the ability to upgrade that software to the latest version during that timeframe in which software assurance is active. After that, you are entitled to keep using that copy of Windows 7 as long as you want to. It's just that if you wanted to upgrade them to Windows 8 and software assurance had expired you would have to pay more.

twoheadedboy · 22 Jun 2010

Thanks for the quick responses. It confirms what I had suspected: that you are entitled to the license forever once you purchase it, regardless of Open program or agreement term length. I DO understand that software assurance runs out at the end of the term agreement.

Thanks again.

richc46 · 22 Jun 2010

Very welcome

Glad to help

Bare Foot Kid · 22 Jun 2010

Hello twoheadedboy, welcome to Seven Forums!

It may be a better deal to get a TechNet subscription instead, have a look at the link below.

Microsoft TechNet Subscription Benefits Overview

pparks1 · 22 Jun 2010

Bare Foot Kid said:

Hello twoheadedboy, welcome to Seven Forums!

It may be a better deal to get a TechNet subscription instead, have a look at the link below.

Microsoft TechNet Subscription Benefits Overview

I am going under the assumption that these licenses are going to be used in a business environment and will need to be production....thus Technet would not be a suitable program. Technet is great for home use and testing in a lab at work...but on employee workstations and servers and such, it's a no-no.

Bare Foot Kid · 22 Jun 2010

pparks1 said:

Bare Foot Kid said:

Hello twoheadedboy, welcome to Seven Forums!

It may be a better deal to get a TechNet subscription instead, have a look at the link below.

Microsoft TechNet Subscription Benefits Overview

I am going under the assumption that these licenses are going to be used in a business environment and will need to be production....thus Technet would not be a suitable program. Technet is great for home use and testing in a lab at work...but on employee workstations and servers and such, it's a no-no.

My mistake, I just re-read the OP and you are correct.