Software Assurance and Microsoft Volume Contracts

All Microsoft volume contracts provide both upgrade and downgrade rights through the Microsoft comprehensive volume rights program Software Assurance.

As long as the volume contract is in force, you can run an earlier or later version of the software purchased.

With other volume agreements, you can either include Software Assurance for all purchases under the contract, or add Software Assurance with any single purchase (line item).When creating a contract for a Select agreement, for example, the contract definition form provides a check box where you can make this election. If you choose not to purchase Software Assurance with the entire contract, you can still purchase it with any particular line item associated with the contract.

Volume Purchase Agreements, Software Maintenance, and Software Upgrades

Volume purchase agreements and Software Assurance completely replace maintenance and upgrade transactions for Microsoft software. License Analytics will use the knowledge of what you have purchased and the license terms for the purchases to determine entitlements to various upgraded or downgraded software versions. License Analytics compares those entitlements with software inventory information to generate a report on possible compliance issues.

Microsoft SQL Server Licensing

If you use License Analytics to analyze SQL Server purchases, see SQL Server Licensing for details on how License Analytics helps you manage compliance with those agreements.

Microsoft Windows Server Licensing

If you use License Analytics to analyze Windows Server purchases, see Windows Server Licensing for details on changes Microsoft made to Windows Server 2016 licensing agreements, and how License Analytics helps you manage compliance with those agreements.