Glossary · 22 terms
Every acronym, defined with the procurement implication.
CAL, SA, VLSC, KMS, MAK, CSP, OSE, NCE, ADBA — Microsoft licensing has its own alphabet. Each term gets a one-paragraph definition and a note on what it means at purchase time.
Why this matters
A misread acronym on an order form is the most common way money gets wasted on Microsoft software.
Defined terms
22
From CAL math to ADBA — every acronym worth knowing.
Letters covered
13
A through Z, browsable index below.
Channels
3
Retail · Volume Licensing · CSP — every definition cross-references these.
Plain English
100%
No marketing language. No vendor pitch. Just the definition.
Jump
Browse A → Z
D2 terms
M4 terms
Context
The three buying channels every glossary entry maps back to
Retail / FPPIndividuals & small teams
Boxed or ESD keys, transferable, registered to a Microsoft account.
Volume LicensingMid-market & enterprise
MAK / KMS activation, centralized VLSC, optional Software Assurance.
CSP / Microsoft 365Subscription, per user
Monthly / annual seats, managed through partner or admin center.
OEM is not a buying channel for end users. OEM keys are supplied pre-installed by hardware manufacturers and are not sold standalone — choose Retail, Volume or CSP instead.