When is Software Assurance worth paying for?

Software Assurance (SA) adds roughly 25–29% per year on top of a perpetual Volume License. It is worth it when you actually use the benefits:

• Version upgrades — the biggest benefit. Without SA, every major upgrade is a fresh purchase.
• License Mobility — needed to run server workloads (SQL Server, SharePoint) on Azure or AWS using your existing license.
• Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server and SQL — saves roughly 40% on Azure VM and SQL DB pricing.
• Training vouchers, planning services, 24/7 problem-resolution support.

SA is rarely worth it for desktop apps you do not plan to upgrade. It almost always pays for itself on Windows Server, SQL Server and Exchange Server in 3 years.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.