Microsoft Enterprise Agreements (EA) are designed for companies looking to standardize and streamline their technology purchases. It is a licensing agreement that provides a range of benefits for businesses, including volume discounts, software upgrades, and access to premium Microsoft support services.
EA offers several different types of agreements, each with its own unique benefits and requirements. Here are some of the most common types of Microsoft Enterprise Agreements:
1. Enterprise Enrollment:
This is the most common type of EA and is designed for organizations with a minimum of 500 or more users or devices. The Enterprise Enrollment provides access to Microsoft’s latest software products, online services, and provides a flexible licensing approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of the organization.
2. Server and Cloud Enrollment:
The Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE) is designed for organizations that need to standardize and streamline their server and cloud licensing. This agreement includes Server, Azure, System Center, and other cloud services, providing the organization with a complete platform for their IT infrastructure.
3. Enrollment for Education Solutions:
This agreement is designed specifically for educational institutions, providing them with access to the latest Microsoft technologies and support services. The Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) provides a flexible licensing approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of the organization, including server and cloud services, managing devices, and providing access to Office 365.
4. Enrollment for Government Solutions:
The Enrollment for Government Solutions (EGS) provides federal, state, and local governments access to the latest Microsoft technologies, including Office 365, Windows 10, and server products. It also provides access to Microsoft support services and technical training to ensure the organization is utilizing the latest industry best practices.
5. Select Plus:
The Select Plus program is designed for organizations that have a minimum of 250 PCs and provides a simplified purchasing process for organizations to purchase licenses for their software and cloud services. Select Plus provides organizations with the flexibility to purchase licenses for specific products and services, without requiring them to commit to making a full enterprise agreement.
In conclusion, Microsoft Enterprise Agreements provide businesses with a flexible and cost-effective approach for managing their technology infrastructure. By choosing the right agreement type, businesses can standardize their licensing, streamline their purchasing process, and receive access to the latest Microsoft technologies and support services. It is important to work with a licensed Microsoft partner to ensure that the agreement is tailored to the specific needs of the organization and that all licensing requirements are met.