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Partner Programs Microsoft

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

What is this 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 partners who provide software as part of a service, such as hosting, cloud platforms, or managed environments.

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

Who is this program for?

The Microsoft SPLA program is designed for partners who:

  • Provide hosting, cloud, or managed infrastructure services
  • Operate data centers or offer virtual machines to customers
  • Deliver software access as part of a service offering
  • Build SaaS or multi-tenant platforms on Microsoft technologies
  • Offer remote desktop, application hosting, or virtual desktop services
  • Need flexible, monthly licensing aligned with usage
  • Want to avoid upfront license purchases
  • Serve SMB, mid-market, or enterprise customers through hosted environments
  • Act as service providers, telcos, or infrastructure operators

Key Benefits

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

Monthly Usage-Based Licensing

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

No Upfront Commitment

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

Designed for Service Providers

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

Multi-Tenant Support

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

Simplified Compliance

Simplified compliance through monthly reporting with predictable cost structure.

Scalable Business Model

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

Products Available

Microsoft SPLA provides access to a wide range of server and infrastructure software.

Core Infrastructure & Operating Systems

Windows Server

Server operating system for hosting and infrastructure

Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Remote desktop and application delivery

Databases & Data Platforms

Microsoft SQL Server

Enterprise database platform for hosted applications

Management & System Tools

System Center

Infrastructure management and monitoring tools

Application & Collaboration Servers

Exchange Server

Email and messaging platform for hosted services

SharePoint Server

Collaboration and content management platform

These products are licensed monthly and reported based on actual usage.

How SPLA Ordering Works

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

1

Sign up for Microsoft SPLA

Register for the Microsoft SPLA program through BPS.

2

Deploy Microsoft software

Deploy Microsoft software in your hosted or managed environment.

3

Track monthly usage

Track monthly usage of licensed products in your environment.

4

Submit usage reports

Submit monthly usage reports through BPS.

5

Receive invoice

Receive a consolidated monthly invoice based on usage.

6

Scale as needed

Adjust usage at any time as your environment scales.

Margins & Incentives

A commercial model designed for service provider profitability and growth.

Competitive Pricing

Competitive SPLA pricing through BPS with optimized margins.

Usage-Based Margin

Monthly margin based on reported usage with no upfront capital expenditure.

Improved Cash Flow

Improved cash flow through usage-based billing aligned with revenue.

Recurring Revenue

Support for scalable, recurring revenue models for service providers.

Why Resellers Choose BPS

BPS simplifies SPLA management and removes operational friction, allowing you to focus on delivering services instead of managing licensing complexity.

Centralized Onboarding

Centralized SPLA onboarding and contract management simplified through BPS.

Compliance Guidance

Guidance on SPLA eligibility and compliance requirements.

Simplified Reporting

Simplified monthly reporting workflows and consolidated invoicing.

Dedicated Support

Dedicated partner account management and escalation support.

Audit Support

Support for audits and Microsoft reporting requirements.

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 Partner

Register as a partner on the BPS Marketplace.

2

Sign SPLA Agreement

Sign the SPLA agreement through BPS.

3

Complete Onboarding

Complete SPLA onboarding and compliance orientation.

4

Configure Reporting

Configure reporting and billing setup.

5

Start Deploying

Start deploying Microsoft software under SPLA.

6

Submit Reports

Submit monthly usage reports via BPS.

Tools & Resources

BPS provides the tools and guidance needed to operate SPLA confidently.

SPLA onboarding documentation
Monthly usage reporting templates
Product eligibility and licensing guides
Compliance and audit preparation support
Pricing and margin guidance
Architecture and deployment best practices
Dedicated partner support and escalation

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 partners 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.

Start with Microsoft SPLA Today

Join the BPS partner network and deliver Microsoft server software as part of your hosted services.