Transferring an Enterprise Agreement: What You Need to Know
An Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a licensing arrangement between Microsoft and an organization that allows them to use the company`s software products. EAs can be costly and time-consuming to set up, which is why many organizations prefer to transfer their agreements when changing ownership or merging with other companies.
However, transferring an EA is not a straightforward process. There are several key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transfer and avoid any legal or financial issues.
Here are some of the factors to consider when transferring an Enterprise Agreement:
1. License Ownership
The first step in transferring an EA is to determine who owns the licenses. Microsoft requires the original owner of the licenses to transfer ownership to the new owner before the transfer can take place. This means that if the original owner does not have the legal right to transfer licenses, the transfer will not be allowed.
2. License Transferability
Not all Microsoft licenses are transferable. Some licenses have specific restrictions that prevent them from being sold or transferred. It is crucial to review the licensing agreement to determine if the licenses are transferable. If the licenses are not transferable, the new owner will need to purchase new licenses.
3. License Quantity
The transfer of an EA can impact the number of licenses. The new owner should review the number of licenses included in the agreement to ensure it meets their needs. If the number of licenses is not sufficient, additional licenses may need to be purchased.
4. Pricing and Fees
Transferring an EA can come with additional fees. Microsoft charges a transfer fee for transferring an EA. The new owner might also need to pay annual software assurance fees to maintain the licenses. The cost of these fees should be factored into the overall cost of the transfer.
5. Timing
The timing of the transfer can impact the fees and licenses. If the transfer occurs mid-year, the new owner may need to pay the full year`s software assurance fee, even if they only use the licenses for a few months. The new owner should plan the transfer to minimize any additional costs.
6. Support and Maintenance
The new owner of an EA will need to ensure they have access to support and maintenance for the software products included in the agreement. This may require them to set up a new support agreement with Microsoft or work with the existing support provider to transfer the agreement.
In summary, transferring an Enterprise Agreement can be a complicated process that requires careful planning and consideration of the above factors. By reviewing the licensing agreement, ensuring license ownership and transferability, reviewing the license quantity, factoring in fees and timing, and ensuring adequate support and maintenance, organizations can ensure a successful transfer of their EA.