Microsoft Server and Other Licensing News
Using software products under the Flexible Virtualisation Benefit
This guide explains options to move workloads to the cloud under the Flexible Virtualisation Benefit—an expansion of the outsourcing software management right for customers with subscription licenses or licenses with active Software Assurance1. Previously, customers deploying licenses under outsourcing software management rights were limited to Authorised Outsourcers’ servers dedicated to a single customer’s use. Now, customers also have the option to deploy eligible licenses on Authorised Outsourcers’ shared servers. While the sections of this guide focus on use of a few products (SQL Server (per core), Windows Server, Microsoft 365 Apps and Windows 10/11), the Flexible Virtualisation Benefit applies broadly to all software products. This includes desktop applications, developer tools and other server applications and license models not otherwise referenced in this guide. Provided the customer has subscription licenses or licenses with Software Assurance, the same terms that govern use on-premises apply to customers’ use under licenses deployed under the Flexible Virtualisation Benefit. Customers should refer to the Product Terms to determine when Flexible Virtualisation benefit applies and how to exercise those rights.