Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA): The comprehensive Guide

What is the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?

The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a licensing agreement that gives large businesses access to a wide range of Microsoft products and services. Under the Enterprise Agreement, organizations can purchase a specified number of licenses for Microsoft products for which fees are paid based on the number and type of licenses. These licenses can be used over the prescribed period of time.

The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a flexible option for companies that require a large number of licenses. It provides an easy way to manage and optimize the licensing and support of Microsoft products.

The program allows companies to purchase all the Microsoft products and services they need at a reduced price, and also provides centralized administration and simplification of license management.

Besides the Enterprise Agreement, there is the Enterprise Subscription Agreement, another Microsoft licensing program, which offers even better conditions and flexibility.

 

Microsoft EA

 

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement: Involved Parties

Microsoft Enterprise Agreements, like the Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS), are signed between Microsoft and an organization via a third party – a Microsoft Licensing Solution Partner (LSP). A Licensing Solution Partner (LSP) is a Microsoft Partner who is named as the Partner of record in Microsoft enterprise licensing deals, such as types of Enterprise Agreements. This Microsoft Licensing Solution Partner (LSP) acts as a Software Advisor, consults your organization concerning Microsoft licensing and negotiates with Microsoft to get you the best offer for your EAS.

While there are many registered Microsoft Partners, only few are registered LSPs (such as SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT).

 

Types of Enterprise Agreements

The EA program is divided into several options that address different business needs and requirements. These include

  • the Enterprise Enrollment,
  • the Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES), and
  • the Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE).

These range 3 years, 3+2 years or 5 years. Let’s look at them in detail.

 

Enterprise Enrollment

This is a commitment-based licensing agreement for organizations with 500 or more users or devices that want to buy cloud services and software licenses under one agreement.

Key benefits of the Enterprise Enrollment

  • You get the best value, discounts, and added benefits for server and cloud technologies.
  • You can access the latest versions of cloud and on-premises software and choose from Microsoft cloud services, on-premises software, or a mix of both.
  • You can streamline license management with a single organization-wide agreement and simplify purchasing with predictable payments.
  • You can move to a pure per user licensing model and simplify licensing with no more device counting.

 

 

Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES)

The Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) provides subscription licensing for primary/secondary and higher education institutions with over 1,000 users. EES offers the simplicity of licensing Education Platform Products organization-wide through an annual count of users (known as “Education Qualified Users”) instead of PCs/devices and the flexibility to order additional products in any quantity. EES provides assured coverage for Education Platform Products through one annual count of Education Qualified Users, the ability to add additional products as needed, free licensing options, and student use benefits for popular products.

There is a one-year and a three-year option. Whether you choose the one-year or three-year option, you can place orders with your reseller at any time during the year after your initial order.

The EES is acquired through a Licensing Solution Provider (LSP), such as SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT.

Key benefits with the Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES)

  • Broader access: Access the full suite of products and services that can help you expand your effectiveness in educating students and supporting faculty and staff.
  • Direct technology spending: By counting only the Education Qualified Users that need full access to the products, you accurately license faculty and staff for the full suite of Microsoft cloud services and products they need.
  • Free web access for non-Education Qualified Users: Users have free1 access to Office 365 A1, plus the ability to subscribe to Microsoft cloud services or on-premises products as needed.
  • Productivity tools and benefits: Push the boundaries of the classroom with tools that help students and faculty interact and innovate with each other and those beyond the classroom environment.
  • Easy compliance: Education Platform Products are licensed per user, making it easy to account for your Education Qualified Users and ensure they get the coverage they need.
  • Customized solutions: Easily add licenses for Additional Products organization-wide, department-wide, or for individual licenses at any time during your subscription term so you can deliver the right mix of technology and services to your faculty, staff, and students.
  • Student use benefit: When you license certain products organization-wide, you qualify for corresponding subscription licenses for your students at no additional cost. The student use benefits are explained in the Product Terms.
  • Low administration: Subscription and per user licensing eliminates the need to track licenses for the selected Education Platform Products on every device, which helps your IT staff to be more productive because they no longer need to track multiple licenses across the organization.

 

Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE)

The Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE) is an enrollment under the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement that allows committed customers to standardize broadly on one or more key Server and Cloud technologies from Microsoft.

In addition to SCE specific benefits, access unique Enterprise Agreement benefits including volume discounts and the most flexible and predictable terms available with any Microsoft Commercial Licensing program. SCE can be purchased at any time, although the expiration of an existing Enterprise Agreement or Software Assurance commitment is a great time to evaluate whether SCE is the right vehicle for your server and cloud needs.

SCE replaces the Enrollment for Application Platform (EAP), Enrollment for Core Infrastructure (ECI) and the Enrollment for Microsoft Azure (EWA).

Key benefits of the Server and Cloud Enrollment

  • 15% discount for new license and Software Assurance purchases
  • 5% discount on Software Assurance renewals
  • Management of Microsoft Azure resources with System Center is included for CIS commitments (some limitations apply)
  • Best terms, conditions, and predictability for SCE products
  • New subscription option
  • Full Software Assurance benefits for all deployed licenses including new version rights
  • Unlimited Problem Resolution Support for qualifying customers

Products in the Server and Cloud Enrollment

The Server and Cloud Enrollment offers four components:

  1. Core Infrastructure
  2. Application Platform
  3. Developer Platform
  4. Microsoft Azure

Choose any of these components individually or group them as needed. When choosing any of the first three components, Azure is also available.

 

Products in the different Microsoft Enterprise Agreement types and EAS

A Microsoft Enterprise Agreement allows licensing of a wide range of Microsoft products, but the availability differs between the different EA types and EAS:

Licensing Option Description Products
Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE) A licensing enrollment for organizations that want to buy one or more server and cloud technologies from Microsoft under the Enterprise Agreement Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server, BizTalk Server, SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and System Center, Visual Studio
Enterprise Enrollment The default enrollment for organizations that want to buy Microsoft end-user technologies on a per user, per device, or hybrid basis under the Enterprise Agreement Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise, Microsoft 365 E3/E5/F3, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Microsoft Dynamics 365
Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) A licensing enrollment for academic institutions that want to acquire Microsoft software and services under a single subscription agreement under the Enterprise Agreement Education Platform Products, such as Windows 11 Education E3/E5, Microsoft Office 365 A3/A5/ProPlus, Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security E3/E5, Minecraft: Education Edition, and additional products in any quantity
Enterprise Agreement Subscription (EAS) A licensing program for organizations that want to subscribe to the rights to use Microsoft products and services instead of owning them The same products as the Enterprise Enrollment, but with lower initial licensing costs and the option to increase or decrease subscription counts on an annual basis

The products are subject to change.

 

Software Assurance

Software Assurance is included with the Enterprise Agreement and provides a range of benefits to help you take full advantage of your investments in IT. A comprehensive program that includes a unique set of technologies, services, and rights to help deploy, manage, and use Microsoft products efficiently, Software Assurance keeps you up to date and ready to respond quickly to changes, new challenges, and opportunities.

Key advantages of Software Assurance include:

  • Rights to new software releases and cost-efficient upgrades to help reduce software and services costs.
  • Structured consulting engagements to plan for deployment of new on-premises and cloud-based IT initiatives.
  • Access to unique technologies and use rights(!) to help support improved operational efficiency.
  • Instructor-led technical training for IT pros and online learning for end-users to help boost productivity.
  • Ways to spread payments over time to help align budgets.

 

Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) vs. Enterprise Agreement (EA)

Unlike the traditional Enterprise Agreement (EA), the Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) offers even lower annual costs and the flexibility to increase or decrease the number of subscriptions on an annual basis, not only for Online Services, but also for on-premises products.

This ability to grow or downsize supports changes in workforce size and IT requirements. With an EAS you gain access to Microsoft online services and software for as long as you maintain your subscriptions.

Benefits of the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)

  • Best value: Maximize your investment in Microsoft technologies with best pricing and benefits.
    • Get the best savings by deploying a common IT platform across the organization.
    • Minimize upfront costs and budget more effectively by locking in pricing and spreading payments over three years.
  • Flexible: Respond to the changing technological landscape by accessing the latest versions of online services and on-premises software.
    • Meet the unique requirements of your organization based on its size and technology needs.
    • Choose from Microsoft online services, on-premises software, or a mix of both and migrate at your own pace.
    • Access the latest software and technologies with Software Assurance.
  • Manageable: Streamline license management with a single organization-wide agreement.
    • Simplify purchasing with predictable payments via a single agreement for online services and/or software.
    • Manage licenses centrally with online management tools.

Manage licensing throughout the life of your Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) with SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT as your Software Advisor and registered LSP at no additional cost:

SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT Software Licensing Experts for Microsoft, Adobe, Oracle & co     SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT is certified Microsoft Solutions Partner

  • get free best in class licensing consultancy
  • get free unlimited expert answers to your licensing questions
  • get free unlimited licensing simulations for your licensing scenarios

 

Conclusion

A Microsoft Enterprise Agreement provides a cost-effective and easy way for organizations to acquire and manage Microsoft software licenses. For enterprises, it is recommended to choose a “Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)”. An EAS offers the greatest benefits for organizations licensing 500+ users. Organizations can benefit from discounts and flexibility in licensing and better plan their IT costs.

We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need a Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS), please do not hesitate to contact us for free consultancy as your LSP.

 


 

FAQs

What are the benefits of the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)?

The Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) provides a cost-effective way for organizations to purchase and manage a large number of Microsoft licenses. It also provides flexibility and centralized management.

Can I purchase Microsoft software licenses under the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) for a small organization?

The EAS is designed for organizations with more than 500 licenses. If you have a small organization, you may be eligible for the Microsoft Open Value License program or buy from a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). To learn more, visit: https://www.schneider.im/software/microsoft/

How long does the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement run?

The Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) typically runs for three years.

How much can I save by purchasing Microsoft software licenses under the Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)?

The amount you can save by purchasing Microsoft software licenses under the EAS depends on the size of your organization and the number of licenses you purchase. However, the EAS offers volume discounts and predictable pricing, which can help companies save money on their software licenses.

Who can advise me on how to purchase the best Microsoft licensing program?

Microsoft does not advise companies on how to purchase types of Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. For this purpose, Microsoft has established Microsoft Licensing Solution Providers (LSP). Microsoft LSPs advise companies and optimize their licensing to keep costs down and ensure the optimal product selection in the right licensing program. The leading Microsoft partner in Enterprise Agreements is SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT, whose experts advise you free of charge with their many years of Microsoft licensing expertise, optimize your costs and negotiate the best offer from Microsoft for you.

Where can I find out more about other Microsoft licensing programs?

You can find an overview of all Microsoft licensing programs with their peculiarities, requirements and benefits at https://www.schneider.im/software/microsoft.

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