Microsoft Licensing

Microsoft licensing covers how SQL Server, Windows Server, System Center, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure are sold and counted: per core, per user, per device or by subscription. Articles here explain the metrics, the minimums and the agreement types, from the Enterprise Agreement and CSP to SPLA, along with Software Assurance, CALs, Azure Hybrid Benefit and the rules for virtual machines. They are written for SAM and licensing teams preparing a true-up, a renewal or a Microsoft audit.

SQL Server 2025 Licensing: Per Core, Server + CAL and VMs

By Alex Cojocaru | June 3, 2025

You opened a 2025 licensing URL. Keep it. SQL Server 2025 is what Microsoft lists…

Windows Server 2025 Licenses Cores. Standard Gets Two OSEs.

By Alex Cojocaru | June 2, 2025

You opened a 2025 licensing URL. Keep it. Windows Server 2025 is the current commercial…

System Center 2025 Licenses Cores. Standard Manages Two OSEs.

By Alex Cojocaru | June 1, 2025

You opened a 2025 licensing URL. Keep it. System Center 2025 is the current commercial…

Is Microsoft’s Licensing Model Fueling Security Risks?

By Alex Cojocaru | May 26, 2025

Microsoft’s recent security issue, aptly dubbed “BadSuccessor”, highlights deeper concerns within the software giant’s approach—not just…

Microsoft’s EU Antitrust Case Nears Resolution: EU Commission seeks feedback on remedy proposals

By Alex Cojocaru | May 23, 2025

The European Commission (EC) is currently evaluating public feedback on Microsoft’s proposed commitments to address…

Microsoft Faces Major UK Class Action Over Software Licensing Practices

By Alex Cojocaru | May 22, 2025

Microsoft is under legal scrutiny in the UK, facing one of the country’s largest class…

Uncovering Hidden Costs: How Poor Microsoft License Management Impacts Your IT Budget

By Alex Cojocaru | May 17, 2025

In today’s digital workplace, Microsoft licensing represents a significant investment for organizations of all sizes.…

Microsoft’s New European Cloud Commitments: A Turning Point for Licensing and Digital Sovereignty

By Alex Cojocaru | May 12, 2025

On April 30, 2025, Microsoft announced a set of updated commitments designed to address European…

Upcoming Price Increase and Changes to Microsoft On-Prem Server Licensing

By Alex Cojocaru | April 14, 2025

Microsoft has announced significant licensing and pricing changes for its on-premises server products, effective July…

From Microsoft to Open Source: How One German State is Rewriting the Rules of Public Sector IT

By Alex Cojocaru | April 11, 2025

In the north of Germany, nestled between the North Sea and the Baltic, something radical…

Navigating Data Sovereignty: How Microsoft’s EU Compliance Battle is Reshaping Licensing and SAM

By Alex Cojocaru | April 9, 2025

In March 2024, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) ruled that the European Commission’s use…

‘Microsoft License Management’ Certification by The ITAM Review!

By Alex Cojocaru | August 6, 2024

We’re excited to announce that Licenseware has officially earned the ‘Microsoft License Management’ Certification from…

Simplifying SQL Licensing with Maximum Virtualisation Analysis

By Alex Cojocaru | July 19, 2023

Understanding licensing can be a tricky affair for many. To make your life easier, let’s…

Microsoft Product Terms update for July 2023

By Alex Cojocaru | July 12, 2023

Microsoft has released an update to its Product Terms for July 2023. The update includes…

Microsoft Announces Consistent Global Pricing for the Microsoft Cloud

By Alex Cojocaru | July 5, 2023

Microsoft has announced that it is aligning the pricing of its Microsoft Cloud products globally.…

Microsoft Deployment Manager app updates: SQL Server report

By Alex Cojocaru | June 29, 2023

We’re thrilled to share the recent Microsoft Deployment Manager app updates. Specifically, we are discussing…

Understanding Microsoft Licensing: What You Need to Know

By Alex Cojocaru | March 23, 2023

In today’s business environment, technology plays a crucial role in helping businesses stay competitive. Microsoft…

What are the licensing implications of deploying Microsoft products in hybrid environments?

By Alex Cojocaru | March 16, 2023

Deploying Microsoft products in hybrid environments, where a combination of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure is…

Microsoft SPLA: benefits, drawbacks, and negotiation tips

By Alex Cojocaru | March 13, 2023

Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program that allows service providers to…

What is the role of Microsoft License Mobility in moving licenses between on-prem and cloud environments?

By Alex Cojocaru | March 9, 2023

Microsoft License Mobility is a Software Assurance benefit that plays a crucial role in allowing…