Microsoft SPLA program

Flexible licensing for hosted and service-based environments.
Deliver Microsoft server software to your customers as part of hosted, managed, or SaaS solutions.

The Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) enables service providers to license Microsoft infrastructure on a monthly, usage-based model without upfront licenses or long-term commitments powered by BPS.

 

What is the SPLA Program?

The Microsoft SPLA program allows service providers to license Microsoft server software on a monthly, pay-as-you-go basis, specifically for hosting and service delivery scenarios. Unlike traditional perpetual or subscription licensing, SPLA is designed for resellers who provide software as part of a service, such as hosting, cloud platforms, or managed environments.

Through BPS, resellers can access SPLA licensing, reporting, and compliance support in a simplified and scalable way. This enables you to focus on delivering services while BPS handles the licensing complexity.

SPLA is the licensing foundation for service provider infrastructure and hosted solutions.

Who is the SPLA Program For?

The Microsoft SPLA program is designed for resellers who:

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Provide hosting, cloud, or managed infrastructure services.
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Deliver software access as part of a service offering.

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Offer remote desktop, application hosting, or virtual desktop services.

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Want to avoid upfront license purchases.

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Act as service providers, telcos, or infrastructure operators.

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Operate data centers or offer virtual machines to customers.

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Build SaaS or multi-tenant platforms on Microsoft technologies.

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Need flexible, monthly licensing aligned with usage.

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Serve SMB, mid-market, or enterprise customers through hosted environments.

Key Benefits of the Program

The Microsoft SPLA program provides service providers with flexible, scalable licensing aligned with business growth.

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Monthly Usage-Based Licensing

Pay only for what you use with flexible monthly licensing aligned with actual consumption.

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No Upfront Commitment

No upfront license purchase or long-term commitment required to get started.

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Designed for Service Providers

Purpose-built for hosting, cloud platforms, and managed service delivery scenarios.

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Multi-Tenant Support

Support both multi-tenant and dedicated environments for maximum flexibility.

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Simplified Compliance

Simplified compliance through monthly reporting with predictable cost structure.

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Scalable Business Model

Ideal foundation for IaaS, VDI, and SaaS offerings with a scalable cloud business model.

How SPLA Ordering Works

A flexible model that ensures full compliance while keeping licensing aligned with real consumption.

  1. Register for the Microsoft SPLA program through BPS.
  2. Deploy Microsoft software in your hosted or managed environment.
  3. Track monthly usage of licensed products in your environment.
  1. Submit monthly usage reports through BPS.
  2. Receive a consolidated monthly invoice based on usage.
  3. Adjust usage at any time as your environment scales.

Why Resellers Choose BPS for SPLA

BPS simplifies SPLA management and removes operational friction, allowing you to focus on delivering services.

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Centralized Onboarding

Centralized SPLA onboarding and contract management simplified through BPS.
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Compliance Guidance

Guidance on SPLA eligibility and compliance requirements.
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Simplified Reporting

Simplified monthly reporting workflows and consolidated invoicing.
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Dedicated Support

Dedicated reseller account management and escalation support.
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Audit Support

Support for SPLA and Microsoft reporting requirements.
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Licensing Expertise

Deep expertise in service provider licensing models and best practices.

How to Join and Start Selling

Getting started with Microsoft SPLA through BPS is straightforward.
  1. Register as a reseller on the BPS Marketplace.  
  2. Sign the SPLA agreement through BPS.  
  3. Complete SPLA onboarding and compliance orientation. 
  1. Configure reporting and billing setup.  
  2. Start deploying Microsoft software under SPLA.  
  3. Submit monthly usage reports via BPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of customers can I serve using SPLA?

SPLA is designed for customers accessing software as part of a hosted or managed service, not for on-premises customer-owned licensing.

Can I use SPLA for SaaS applications I build?

Yes. SPLA is commonly used by ISVs and service providers building SaaS platforms on Microsoft technologies.

Is SPLA billed monthly?

Yes. Usage is reported monthly and billed based on actual consumption.

Can I mix SPLA with CSP?

Yes. Many resellers use SPLA for infrastructure hosting and CSP for cloud subscriptions and user-based services.

Does SPLA require minimum commitments?

No long-term commitments are required, but accurate monthly reporting is mandatory. 

Benefits

Microsoft SPLA partners have the following benefits to offer to their customers
  • Deliver a customized service.
  • Flexibility to deliver tailored IT services to your customers through a dedicated or shared hosting environment. Increase the value of your services by managing software use rights for your customers.
  • Pay as you go with no up-front costs.
  • Pay only for the products that you made available to your customers to use the previous month.
  • No start-up costs, monthly sales requirements, or long-term commitments.
  • Access the most current product versions: give your customers the most current and capable Microsoft platform.
  • Download your products through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) instead of ordering physical media.
  • Prior version rights to support a seamless transition for developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to move to the SPLA and have a hosted business model.
  • Outsource data center services.
  • Install Microsoft products on servers under the day-to-day management and control of an outsourcing company. That company can then perform data center administration, testing, and maintenance support services on your behalf.
  • Offer demonstrations and evaluations: you can have up to 50 active user IDs for service/product demos and give your customers a free 60-day trial period.
  • Include your affiliates under a single agreement.
  • Install at customer facilities. Install Microsoft products on devices you own or lease and that are located on your customer’s premises.
  • Expand your reach to academic institutions via amendment. Expand your business with specific price offerings available to your academic customers through the SPLA.
  • License Mobility capability: capability for your customers to move their licenses from on premise licenses to hosted in your datacenter via amendment (based on the terms and conditions of the vendor)
  • Expand your offering to Microsoft Dynamics ERP Products via SPLA Addendum
  • Desktop/Tablet/ Laptop with Software Rental capability via amendment

Notes:

  • Microsoft terms and conditions are based on the latest agreement version
  • For more details and to review the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Please request to review Microsoft agreement by emailing sales@bpsme.com

Requirements

This section describes the requirements your organization must meet for the SPLA
  • Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network. You must be a member of the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN).
  • Sign a Microsoft Business and Services Agreement:
      1. Service providers that have an existing MBSA through another Volume Licensing Agreement (Enterprise Agreement, Enterprise Subscription Agreement [EAS], Select Plus, or ISV Royalty Licensing) should work with their Microsoft account manager and/or reseller to provide their MBSA number and link the MBSA to their SPLA.
      2. Service providers without an existing MBSA are required to sign one the next time they sign an SPLA.
  • Comply with the Services Provider Use Rights (SPUR). The SPUR specifies use rights and conditions that apply to a customer’s use of the products licensed under the SPLA. Microsoft can revise the SPUR at any time.
  • Provide monthly reporting on software licenses. Submit a monthly use report of at least US$100 to your SPLA reseller. You must also report on all licenses that you made available to your customers for your affiliates and software services resellers.
  • Submit a monthly invoice payment. The SPLA reseller invoices you monthly based on the number of licenses reported in your monthly use report. You are responsible for submitting your payment to the SPLA reseller by the agreed date.
  • Abide by copyright guidelines, the use of trademarks, and antipiracy obligations. Service providers who sign the SPLA must abide by the requirements for preventing the piracy of Microsoft licensed products and must comply with trademark and logo use requirements and pass-through copyright and similar notices. You must include Microsoft’s copyright notice on any documentation, including online, for your products and services that include Microsoft Products. Affiliates must also follow these requirements.
  • Provide technical support. You are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft Products you deliver to your customers.
  • Agree to participate in Microsoft SPLA audits. Microsoft and/or its designees can review your records and facilities (including the data centers) to verify compliance and conduct on-location audits if needed.
  • Comply with the export requirements. You need to comply with all applicable export laws, and it is recommended that you obtain legal advice regarding the export laws applicable to your business.
  • Fill in a Business Plan stating the planned cloud offering for the coming year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pricing work for SPLA?
Licensing for SPLA remains the same month-to-month. Any price changes for SPLA will occur in January except for changes due to foreign exchange rates.
What is the difference between SPLA and other Microsoft Volume Licensing programs?
Microsoft Volume Licensing programs offer several licensing options for end-customers to acquire Microsoft software licenses for internal use. Hosting service providers who want to offer software services to their customers (or managed services) and who will include software licenses as part of their service offering should use SPLA. Microsoft SPLA is the only Microsoft Volume Licensing program that allows Microsoft products to be used for commercial hosting.
Do I need a Distributor to sign up for SPLA?
SPLA Reseller/Distributor (currently called CSR) facilitate SPLA Agreements, monthly reporting, and many other operational functions, and help you in your go to market. Your cloud distributor BPS is at your disposal 🙂 in all the middle east and north Africa to onboard you in this must-have service provider program https://bpsme.com/partners/ .
How do I know I am eligible for SPLA?
To be eligible for SPLA, you should be enrolled in the Microsoft Partner Network.