What does SPLA mean in GENERAL

A Services Provider License Agreement, or SPLA, is a licensing program developed by Microsoft to allow service providers to offer hosted services and cloud solutions to customers using Microsoft products. The SPLA authorizes service providers to pre-install Microsoft server software products on servers located at their own facilities for the purpose of providing hosted services to their customers.

Any organization that provides hosting services and/or cloud computing solutions can participate in the SPLA program. These include ISPs, hosting companies, managed service providers, telcos, web hosting companies and other similar organizations.

To become an SPLA partner, you need to register with Microsoft and sign a Participation Agreement signed annually which outlines the terms and conditions associated with using Microsoft software as part of your hosted services offering.

By participating in the SPLA program, service providers can gain access to world-class software products from Microsoft which they can use as part of their hosted services offering without any upfront costs. Additionally, by aligning with Microsoft's guidelines around usage monitoring and compliance requirements, organizations can ensure that they are always in line with the license terms and regulations for using these products.

Under the SPLA program, service providers pay a monthly fee based on how much of each product they have used over that month (the “Usage Fee”). Payment for each month’s Usage Fees must be paid within 30 days after being billed by Microsoft or its authorized resellers.

Yes – while using software products under an SPLA agreement there are several restrictions on how it can be used including limits on number of users allowed and what type of activities are permitted as per outlined in applicable license agreements. Service providers should carefully review all applicable Terms & Conditions before beginning any project so that all activities remain in compliance with these rules.

No – subscription licenses acquired through an existing provider cannot be transferred when switching providers unless both parties agree to terminate the existing agreement with respect to such licenses prior to entering into any new agreement between them. The same applies if you are canceling your subscription early - you will need to arrange for a transfer prior to doing so in order for it not affect your new agreement with another provider; otherwise you will have no rights over such licenses anymore.

Yes – however, this is subject to certain restrictions outlined within each particular software product’s end user license agreement (EULA) as well as relevant portions from the SLPA agreement itself; additional users may also require additional payment depending on the situation. It is best practice for service providers who expect significant growth over time ensure that they remain fully compliant with these guidelines at all times.

Yes– data regarding usage of licensed Software Products must be securely stored for audit purposes during normal business hours at least three years after effecting termination or expiration of the relevant term hereunder; this data must include information such as start date/time stamps detailing when specific products were activated as well as details about how long those products were used during regular business hours.

Yes– Service Providers should understand that certain Software Products may only be used internally within their organization while others may only be used externally; some Software Products may not be sublicensed or assigned without written permission from Microsoft first while others may require use specifically within customer premises; additionally some Software Products may only be offered directly by Service Providers while others may require use through Trainers appointed by Microsoft.-