The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a Enterprise-Wide commitment to the Microsoft Platform [1].
On this basis, Microsoft has included a definition on the qualification of the devices that are licensed under that Agreement and contribute towards the qualified device count that determines both minimum quantity requirements and the discount the customer receives for purchases within that Pool.
Up until the Microsoft 2011 Agreement update, the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement was based on a “Qualified Desktop” count. This was defined as devices capable of running a application such as Office Professional Plus.
This includes both traditional desktop PCs and Apple Macs. This excluded, Servers and other devices with an Embedded OS that do not access a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or dedicated line-of-business systems. This could include PoS Terminals and specific FX trading stations.
However, in 2011 Microsoft extended the definition to “Qualified Device” and this now includes new generation devices like the Apple iPad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tablet (Android) or indeed, Smart-Phones that are brought onto the organisations premises and used to access the organisations’ VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). It is important to understand the IT policy for Consumer devices in the Software Asset Management (SAM) policy to confirm compliance with your organisations Microsoft contract terms. It does not matter to Microsoft whether VDI is accessed by an employee or corporate owned device.
I have covered this popular topic before in another article Applications and OS Licensing: Remote Access and Roaming Use that may be a useful reference. Broadly, the slate device would not be included if all the following criteria were applicable (1) The device is not owned by the organisation or ‘controlled’ by the organisation. (2) The device is used to access VDI off-premise and the end-user never accesses on-premise. (3) The user of the slate device would be the Primary User of another device as covered under the Enterprise Agreement (EA) or Enterprise Agreement Subscription (EAS). The Primary User of the main PC with active Software Assurance (SA) assigned to the Windows Upgrade license.
For reference purposes, ““Qualified Device” means any personal desktop computer, portable computer, workstation or similar device that is used by or for the benefit of the Enrolled Affiliate’s Enterprise. It does not include (1) any computer that is designated as a server and not used as a personal computer, (2) any Industry Device, (3) any device running an embedded operating system (e.g. Windows Phone 7) that does not access a virtual desktop infrastructure, or (4) any device that is not managed and/or controlled either directly or indirectly by Enrolled Affiliate’s Enterprise. Enrolled Affiliate may include as a Qualified Device any device which would be excluded above (e.g. Industry Device)”
[EA 2011 Enrolment, Direct, EU-EFTA, English, July 2011]
For reference purposes,
[EA 2011 Enrolment, Direct, EU-EFTA, English, July 2011]
[1] Please be aware specific concessions are subject to approval by Microsoft.
Please be aware that I now work at a Microsoft Partner – BT Engage IT and will now be providing my licensing expertise through our new Licensing Services . So please do get in contact with me directly if you would like to have a bespoke review for your organisation (available to organisations with UK operations).
– Tony Mackelworth
