As mentioned in a previous post, VMware now provides licenses for select Microsoft software. As of this writing, VMware offer Windows Server and SQL Server on VMware Cloud on AWS product line. We do so in the spirit of Microsoft’s change to its Product Terms and our eligibility as a Microsoft Data Center Provider.
Let’s take a look at why this brings added reassurance for managed service providers (MSPs) and partners who rely on VMware Cloud on AWS.
What is a Microsoft Data Center Provider?
Microsoft defines a Data Center Provider as a Service Provider that provides software services, usually infrastructure-as-a-service, to another service provider using products licensed from Microsoft through its own Service Provider License Agreement, commonly known as an SPLA.
Confidence where it counts
Our MSPs and other channel partners rely on VMware Cloud on AWS to provide the infrastructure to support the solutions, including Microsoft licenses, which they provide to end customers. As per Microsoft’s terms, the data center must be eligible to host the licenses. Our partners can enjoy the reassurance of working with an eligible Data Center Provider for Microsoft.
Why is VMware a Microsoft data center provider?
Typically, Microsoft would consider the Data Center Provider to be the entity that controls the underlying hardware. VMware Cloud on AWS is an integrated infrastructure solution that allows VMware Cloud to control the hardware.
For MSPs, VMware qualifies as a Data Center Provider because we manage the hardware and provide the infrastructure licenses for Windows Server and SQL Server through our SPLA. Furthermore, most MSPs and other channel resellers who have an SPLA have the right to use a Data Center Provider under their agreement terms.
If you have a question about how Microsoft’s licensing changes affect you, please email us at [email protected].
