Every product, explained the same way.
What it is, who it's for, how the editions differ, and how the licensing actually works. No fluff, no pricing pages — just the structural information you need before talking to a reseller.
Windows
Office & Microsoft 365
Servers & infrastructure
Databases
Collaboration
Developer tools
Cloud & business apps
Five shapes every Microsoft license takes
Before you compare editions, recognise which licensing mechanic applies — the available model depends on the exact product and SKU.
Microsoft 365, Visio Plan, Project Plan, most Dynamics 365 SKUs. Cost scales with named users, not hardware. Best for hybrid and BYOD environments.
Eligible Windows Retail, perpetual Office and RDS Device CALs. Device licensing can suit shared devices; OEM is pre-installed only by hardware manufacturers, not sold separately.
Windows Server, SQL Server, BizTalk. Minimum 8 cores per processor and 16 cores per server — even a 4-core VM is licensed for 8.
Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, RDS, System Center. Every user or device that touches the server needs a CAL — User or Device, never both.
Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, CSP SKUs. Usage rights end with the term — no perpetual fallback. Includes upgrades during the term.
Microsoft's commercial site mixes all five models on the same product card. The official Product Terms PDF is the only document that binds.
Open the glossary →Which channel fits your purchase?
Three legitimate routes exist. Anything else (OEM keys sold standalone, 'lifetime' marketplace listings, grey-import volume keys) is not licensing — it's a future audit letter.
Boxed or ESD product keys sold by authorised resellers. Transferable, no Software Assurance, no downgrade rights. Right for very small shops and home offices.
Open Value, Open Value Subscription, MPSA, EA. Comes with VLSC console, KMS/MAK activation, downgrade rights and optional Software Assurance.
Cloud Solution Provider — monthly or annual subscriptions billed through a Microsoft partner. Best for Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure consumption.
Each product page documents every edition, the CAL or per-core mechanics, downgrade paths, and the channel a real-world buyer should be looking at.
This is a licensing reference, not a storefront. Pricing depends on channel, region, agreement and SA — always confirmed by your reseller.