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

Microsoft License Mobility is a Software Assurance benefit that plays a crucial role in allowing organizations to move eligible licenses between on-premises and cloud environments without incurring additional licensing costs. License Mobility simplifies the transition to cloud-based solutions and promotes flexibility in deploying Microsoft applications.

The key aspects of Microsoft License Mobility include:

1. Eligible Products: License Mobility applies to specific Microsoft server products, such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and certain System Center products, among others. It is essential to understand which products are eligible for License Mobility to take advantage of this feature effectively.
2. Cloud Environments: License Mobility allows organizations to move eligible licenses to approved cloud service providers, such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This flexibility enables businesses to choose the cloud provider that best suits their requirements while leveraging their existing Microsoft licenses.
3. License Reassignment: With License Mobility, organizations can reassign eligible licenses between on-premises and cloud environments as needed, typically within a 90-day period. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt their deployments to changing needs and minimize costs by avoiding the purchase of additional licenses.
4. License Verification: To take advantage of License Mobility, organizations must complete a License Mobility Verification Process through Microsoft or an approved cloud service provider. This process ensures that the licenses being moved to the cloud are eligible for License Mobility and helps maintain compliance.
5. Simplified License Management: License Mobility streamlines license management by allowing organizations to use a single set of licenses for both on-premises and cloud deployments. This simplification reduces the complexity of managing multiple licenses and can lead to cost savings.

TLDR

Microsoft License Mobility plays a vital role in providing organizations with the flexibility to move licenses between on-premises and cloud environments. By understanding and leveraging License Mobility, businesses can reduce licensing costs, simplify license management, and ease the transition to cloud-based solutions.

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