Microsoft Select Agreement Purchasing Questions
How do I purchase under MS Select?
The current enrollment in place with Microsoft designates Dell Computer Corporation as the Large Account Reseller (LAR) for the MS Select Agreement. Departments can purchase Select software using the same Dell Premier Page already in place for hardware purchases.
For detailed information on using the Dell Premier Page, obtaining current pricing, and purchasing Select products through Dell, please see our LAR purchasing instructions.
Do I need to purchase client licenses (Client Access Licenses, per-processor licenses, etc.)?
When purchasing server licensing, Client Access Licenses (CALs) are often an important consideration. While the server license allows you to run the server software, the CAL is an additional license that allows a client (typically a device or user) to use the server.
Before buying CALs you should check to see if licensing is already covered under the Microsoft Campus Agreement. The Microsoft Campus Agreement provides site licensing of several common CALs for the entire UT System. Examples include Exchange Server, Windows Server, Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services, and SQL Server 2000.
If you do need to purchase client licensing, you have the following options:
- Device or User Client Access Licenses
For some products (e.g. SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Operations Manager, etc.) you can purchase individual Client Access Licenses. In addition, some programs allow you to specify whether each CAL will be assigned to a device (Device CAL) or to a named user (User CAL).
This option is useful when you have a relatively small client-server setup and you know who will be accessing your server.
- Processor Licensing
For certain products such as SQL Server 2005, Host Integration Server, Internet Security Accelerator (ISA) Server, etc., you can purchase per-processor licensing. Under this model you purchase one license for each processor that is running the software, allowing you to support an unlimited number of clients without the need to purchase any CALs.
Per-processor licensing is typically fairly expensive, but is a good option when a large number of people spread throughout the University will be accessing your server. For example, a SQL Server 1 Processor License costs approximately the same as a SQL Server standard license with 60 CALs.
- External Connector Licensing (formerly Internet Connector)
External Connector (EC) licenses are available for certain products such as Exchange Server and Windows Server. The EC license allows you to provide access to an unlimited number of users who are not affiliated to the University. For example, if you were to offer an Exchange server for alumni, contractors, or the general public, you would need to purchase an EC license in addition to the standard license for each copy of Exchange.
You can find additional information on External Connector licensing at Microsoft's Web sites for Windows Server and Exchange Server.
Do I have to purchase through the designated Large Account Reseller (LAR)?
No. The Select Agreement does not require that all purchases be made through the LAR. However, ITS recommends that you do so. Using Dell as a single source for Select purchases has several benefits.
- It allows ITS to reduce administrative overhead, as we are required to maintain a certain amount of information regarding purchases made under this program.
- It allows Dell to provide better customer service to individuals and to the UT System as a whole.
- Customers can purchase OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision systems from Dell without MS Office installation fees (previously a $24.99 charge).
- Departments will have the option of purchasing their Server systems with MS Select Licensing rather than full licenses (savings depends on version of Windows).
The Select product listing is confusing; how do I know which product I want to purchase?
Yes, the Select product list can be confusing. Dell is working to make the entire process easier, but in the meantime, the Select product listing requires a little "decoding". Below is a sample of the Select product catalog with some helpful descriptions and explanations.
Product listings on the Dell Premier Software and Peripherals catalog
Getting Started Doc Kit for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition Doc Kit, Book, For Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition
MS Select Dell Part #: A0100803 | Manufacturer Part #: P73-0000
| SKU | Product | Type | Mfg. Part# | Points | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0100803 | Windows Svr Std 2003 English DocKit Getting Started | Media | P73-00007 | 0 | 23.53 |
| A0101534 | Windows Svr Std 2003 English/MultiLang Disk Kit MVL CD | Media | P73-00155 | 0 | 23.53 |
| A0103082 | Windows Svr Std 2003 English/MultiLang MVL | Standard License | P73-00159 | 15 | 89.97 |
| A0101922 | Windows Svr Std All Languages Lic/SA Pack MVL 3 Years | Lic. & SW Assurance | P73-00203 | 38 | 133.17 |
| A0101688 | Windows Svr Std English/MultiLang Lic/SA Pack MVL 3 Years | Lic. & SW Assurance | P73-00204 | 38 | 157.36 |
SKU The product number (stock-keeping unit) that uniquely identifies the line item in the product list. This is the number that should be referenced on Purchase Orders and Invoices.
Product The text description of the product. This may contain some odd abbreviations that you may not be familiar with. Some of these are explained below:
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| Svr | Server - Refers to the product edition (e.g. Windows Professional vs. Windows Server) |
| Std, Ent , Pro | Standard, Enterprise, Professional, etc. - Refers to the type of product edition (e.g. Windows Server Standard Edition, Windows Server Enterprise Edition, etc.) |
| DocKit | Documentation Kit - Media (CD or DVD) that contains product documentation only. |
| Disk Kit | Disk Kit - Media (CD or DVD) that contains product installation software. |
| MVL | Microsoft Volume Licensing - Licensing for this product is handled through a volume licensing program. |
| English/MultiLang | English with Multiple Language extensions - The product's "native" language is English, but a variety of other language features can be added. |
| All Languages | Native support for all available languages - The product is available in various "native" languages. Supported languages depends on those that were made available for that specific product, and the availability of media. Please see Which language version do I want? for more details on foreign language support. |
Type The type of product. This information is usually contained within the Product field.
- Media - Product is physical media (e.g. CD or DVD) for installation of a software product. You must be licensed to use the software product contained on the media, and often need a product key to install the software.
- Standard License - A license that grants you the license to use the software product at the current version. There is no physical item that ships for license purchases.
- Lic. & SW Assurance - A license that grants you the license to use the software product PLUS upgrades to new versions for three years (Software Assurance). At the end of the third year, the license becomes a permanent license for the version at that time. There is no physical item that ships for license purchases.
- Mfg. Part # - Microsoft's part number for the item.
- Points - The Select program requires that we meet a certain number of points each contract year. Individual purchasers, departments, and institutions are not responsible for meeting any specific point count.
- Price - The price of the product at the time the product list was generated. Prices ARE subject to change. To guarantee a price, please contact your Dell representative to obtain a price quote. Software Assurance is priced and prorated by year only.
Which language version do I want?
Many products on the Select product list will be available in two forms: English/MultiLang and All Languages. Generally, the All Languages version will be less expensive and provide all necessary language features for customers within the United States. Below is a brief description of the differences between these two versions, but more detailed information can be found at Microsoft's Dr. International site.
All Languages - The product is available in "native" languages other than English. For example, Windows XP has been released with versions for 24 different languages including most popular European, South American, and East Asian languages. With this license, you can purchase either English media, or French media, etc.
English/MultiLang - The "native" language of the product is English. The product has additional multiple language support including dictionaries, Input Method Editors (IMEs), and user interface options that can be implemented. Targeted towards users who will be rolling out product distributions worldwide. With this license, you can purchase English media that includes the Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI).
I purchased a license for x, but I still haven't received anything in the mail. Why?
When you purchase a license and/or Software Assurance through the Select Agreement, you have not purchased shippable items. Only media (CDs) actually ship; license fees do not include media.
Where do I get Volume License Keys (VLKs) for products purchased under MS Select?
Departments can obtain VLKs by contacting SDS. Please include in your request the specific products for which you need keys as well as your proof of licensing.
Please note, not all volume media requires VLKs. Please see Microsoft Licensing for a list of products that require VLKs.
What qualifies as Proof of Licensing for licenses purchased under MS Select?
Departments should establish and maintain proof of licensing for all software purchased, including products purchased under the MS Select Agreement. Such proof may be required to obtain licenses and/or media, but may also be requested by University auditors and, under certain circumstances, third-party auditors.
Neither Microsoft nor its resellers provide any hard copy license certification or documentation for products purchased under this agreement. The following constitute proof of licensing:
- A University-issued Purchase Order (not just a requisition) that includes explicit line items for Microsoft Select products.
- An Invoice or Order statement (not just a quote) from Dell or another Microsoft Select reseller that includes explicit line items confirming the purchase of Microsoft Select products.
More information can also be found on our Microsoft Select page.
If asked by SDS to provide proof of licensing when obtaining Volume License Keys, volume installation media, or for other purposes, such proof should be faxed or e-mailed to SDS.
