I looked around the web and noticed some blogs out there were misinformed about some recently announced SPLA changes.
When Microsoft makes a licensing change, it only affects the new SPLA agreements signed after the announcement. For example, when SQL moved to core, only those service providers that signed a new SPLA or renewed an old one were affected/forced to license by core. All others could continue to license by processor (unless they deployed SQL 2012) up until their agreement expires.
Here’s a snapshot of what was announced:
• Data Center Providers. SPLA allows Service Providers to deliver software services with infrastructure software provided by a separate Service Provider. Azure could be a datacenter provider (DCP) to Service Providers. Azure is not available in SPLA, but Service Providers may obtain Azure services for hosting applications under a separate agreement. I will write a blog about this and Azure in the next few days. SPLA’s can always partner with someone to provide a solution. Azure brings a new element to the game that could benefit smaller providers.
• Early Termination. Microsoft can terminate SPLA if the Service Provider submits a zero use report more than 6 consecutive months. Nothing new here. Report zero usage for several months, you will be terminated.
• End User Facility Installations. SPLA allows Service Provider’s to provide software services on servers located at the end user’s facility. Service Providers may use servers owned by the end user if the server is under the day to day manage and control of the Service Provider. Microsoft did good with this one. It makes sense, the service would still be under the service providers control.
• Verifying Compliance. Service Providers must provide access to all servers used to provide software services including dedicated outsourcing services.
• Unlicensed Use. Microsoft increases the charge for unlicensed software to 125% from 115%. Ouch! That’s why it’s important to understand the SPUR.
• End Hosting Community Qualification. Effective August 19, 2013 membership in the Hosting Community is not required to be eligible for SPLA. We removed the hosting community field from the SPLA 2013 form. – Good call. Not sure how many service provider’s use the Hosting Community resources anyways.
Writing just a news update usually provides more questions than answers. I will follow up with this update with a specific post and thoughts. Just thought I would relay what I know.
Thanks,
SPLA Man
SPLA Licensing 