Microsoft Office 365 Business License Agreement: What You Need to Know
If your business is considering Microsoft Office 365, it`s important to understand the license agreement before making a purchase. The license agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for using the software and services. Here`s what you need to know.
License Types
There are two primary types of licenses for Microsoft Office 365 Business: Business Premium and Business Essentials. Business Premium includes all the Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), as well as email and calendar services, online meetings, file storage and sharing, and other features. Business Essentials includes email and calendar services, online meetings, file storage and sharing, and other features, but does not include the Office applications.
Per User Licensing
Both license types are sold on a per-user basis, meaning that each individual user needs their own license. This can be a more cost-effective option for businesses with multiple users, as they only need to purchase licenses for the number of employees who will use Office 365.
Subscription-Based
Office 365 is a subscription-based service, meaning that businesses pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the software and services. This is in contrast to the traditional model of purchasing a perpetual license for a one-time fee. The subscription model can be more affordable for businesses, as it allows them to pay for the software and services on a monthly or annual basis, rather than making a large upfront investment.
Usage Restrictions
The license agreement outlines certain usage restrictions for Office 365. For example, businesses are not allowed to share their login credentials with others, or use Office 365 to host public-facing websites. There are also restrictions on the types of content that can be stored in OneDrive for Business, such as copyrighted material or illegal content.
Intellectual Property Rights
The license agreement also outlines the intellectual property rights for Office 365. Microsoft retains ownership of the software and services, and businesses are only granted a limited license to use them. Businesses are not allowed to make copies of the software, or reverse engineer or decompile the software. Additionally, any intellectual property created using Office 365 belongs to the business, rather than Microsoft.
Termination and Renewal
The license agreement also outlines the terms for termination and renewal of the subscription. Businesses can cancel their subscription at any time, but may be subject to fees or penalties for early termination. Renewal is automatic, unless the business chooses to cancel or change their subscription.
Conclusion
Understanding the Microsoft Office 365 Business License Agreement is an important step in making an informed decision about whether to purchase the software and services. By knowing the license types, usage restrictions, intellectual property rights, and renewal terms, businesses can make a more informed decision about whether Office 365 is the right choice for their needs.