Microsoft OV & OVS Licensing

Open Value (OV) and its subscription alternative, Open Value Subscription (OVS), are among the most cost-effective licensing platforms for both perpetual and subscription-based solutions. With the discontinuation of the Open License Platform (OLP) in 2022, OV and OVS are now the only volume licensing channels available for direct purchase through Microsoft. 

OV and OVS offer administrative capabilities through Microsoft Center and Software Assurance (SA). Both programs require a minimum of 5 seats and have a 3-year agreement term, providing a solid foundation for organisations. However, while OV and OVS share common characteristics, the key distinctions outlined below set them apart and cater to specific customer needs.

Open Value (OV)

Open Value Licensing is suited for commercial, educational, government and non-profit organisations. The 3-year OV contract includes Software Assurance (SA), which can be paid upfront or annually during the agreement period. At the end of the 3-year term, the products remain the client’s property, but SA needs to be renewed for another term. Should the client choose not to extend the SA, the products would remain the same but without the SA benefits, such as support and software upgrades.

Open Value Subscription (OVS)

Open Value Subscription Licensing is also aimed at commercial, educational, government and non-profit organisations but with lower initial capital commitment. The 3-year OVS contract also includes SA, which can be paid in advance or annually. At the end of the 3-year term, the products must be renewed or uninstalled from all machines. It is possible to request a buy-out offer, which will result in product acquisition, but certain conditions must be met. Furthermore, the buyout cost will likely exceed OV's price over the 3-year term.

This is why it is important to correctly assess your organisation’s demands and the overall goals of the software acquisition project before selecting the appropriate licensing program.

OV & OVS Comparison Table

Open Value (OV) Open Value Subscription (OVS)

Upfront Cost

 Standard upfront costs Lowest upfront costs

Software Usage Rights

 Perpetual rights (can use software even after agreement ends) Rights to use software only during the term of the agreement

Flexibility

 No flexibility in licensing costs based on PC count Can reduce total licensing costs in years when the desktop PC count declines

Software assurance

 Included (access to training, deployment planning, software upgrades, and product support) Included (access to training, deployment planning, software upgrades, and product support)

* Please note that while it is possible to terminate an OVS contract during the subscription,  certain requirements must be met before terminating payments. These include physical software audits, declarations and other types of documentation.

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What do we offer

If you think volume licensing is a good choice for your organisation but don’t know how to proceed, we can lend a hand. DCD-IT can perform an audit to help you optimise your software use and determine the most suitable volume solution for your existing infrastructure. We can also provide the deployment of all solutions in our portfolio, saving you time and simplifying the process. If you need further assistance, count on us to take over all the tedious support and licence management tasks on your behalf.

Are you looking for an easy-to-manage, cost-effective, and flexible option for your organisation?

Contact us and we will provide the volume licensing solution that works for you.

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