What is the SPLA Program
At its core, the SPLA Program is designed to help software providers and businesses offer Microsoft product-based software services to third parties. It's structured with flexibility in mind, ensuring that service providers can seamlessly scale their offerings based on demands.
Key Features of the SPLA Program
Term and Linkage
The SPLA agreement lasts for three years and is linked to the Microsoft Business and Services Agreement (MBSA).
Purpose and Use
The main objective is to grant software use rights, allowing providers to offer “Software Services” to third parties.
Flexible Pricing and Commitment
It’s not volume-specific, which means there’s no upfront commitment.
A minimum reporting requirement is set at 100€ after the first six months.
Monthly Reporting
Organizations are mandated to report their software usage every month.
Latest Software Versions
One of the biggest draws is the ability to always offer the most recent versions of the software to end-users.
License Models
The SPLA program offers the following licensing models:
- SAL (Subscriber Access License)
- Core License
- Host/Guest License Model
Pricing and Availability
The program ensures price protection, and there's even academic pricing available for qualified educational end-users.
Product Downloads
Products can be easily downloaded through the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), and e-agreements streamline the process further.
Benefits:
- Internal Use: It allows internal usage of the software, but with a stipulation. If internal usage exceeds 50% of the total usage by all end-users, it has to be reported and paid for.
- Customer Demonstrations: Providers can use up to 50 active user IDs to showcase Software Services to potential customers, and this usage doesn't need to be reported.
- Customer Evaluations: End-customers can try out the software products free of charge for up to 60 days.
- Evaluation and Testing: Internally, software can be tested and evaluated for up to 90 days from the day it’s downloaded, at no cost.
- Server Administrators: Up to 20 administrators per datacenter can be employed at a given time.
