Microsoft Volume Licensing blog post on the two key changes in licensing SQL Server 2014: licensing a passive failover server is now an SA benefit, and the multiplexing rules are relaxed for batch processing with the BI edition. This is a good overview and includes some useful FAQs: http://bit.ly/1pc19PY.
Microsoft Licensing Guides
We all love a good Microsoft licensing guide but finding them when you want them can be a challenge. No more – we’ve put them all in one place for you, with an easy to remember link: http://bit.ly/MSlicensingguides.
Licensing Microsoft Visio
I know – Visio isn’t the trickiest product in the Microsoft stable to license. However, it IS nice to have the licensing for all the different flavours in one place: this Microsoft page includes Visio Standard and Professional, as well as Visio Pro for Office 365, and Visio Services. http://bit.ly/1gIjsgi.
AX 2012 R3 Licensing Quick Reference Guide
This May 2014 Dynamics AX 2012 R3 Licensing Quick Reference Guide is a single sheet covering the fundamentals of licensing this product. Sections include: the Server/CAL model, types of CALs available, licensing external users, multiplexing requirements, and what additional software may need to be licensed.
Find it here: http://bit.ly/1pruxCT.
Office 365 through Open: Test and Handout
Want to give your brain a workout and check that you know everything you should on acquiring Office 365 through the Open programs? Take our short test (10 questions) or settle down with a cup of coffee for the full version (30 questions). If you need a helping hand you can download the handout as you start either test.
Short version: http://bit.ly/S89HMR
Full version: http://bit.ly/1pr3Hds.
Microsoft Blog Post: MPSA
This Microsoft blog post on the new MPSA Volume Licensing agreement highlights two case studies where customers and partners have benefitted from the MPSA. The customer one is worth a read if you’re in the same position as Winnebago Industries with multiple Select agreements and no clear view of what licences you’ve got. http://bit.ly/1qbhm8S.
Visual Studio Online Resources
Not sure about the new Visual Studio Online plans? This page is a good resource showing you the differences between the plans, the pricing, and some useful FAQs: http://bit.ly/1mIkEQU.
CRM Online Spring Wave Licensing Presentation
There have been changes to the CRM Online line-up for April and May 2014 and this presentation gives you the low-down on the big changes: Microsoft Social Listening, Dynamics Marketing, and CRM Online Enterprise.
Get it here: http://bit.ly/1hV8KOe.
March 2014 Enrolment for Education Solutions Resources
Do you need resources on the Enrolment for Education Solutions? Use this link to find an overview, an FAQ document and the Licensing Guide. All dated March 2014: http://bit.ly/1knXzh9.
MCP 70-671 and 70-672 Exams Retire on 31 January 2015
Microsoft confirm that the MCP 70-671 and 70-672 Volume Licensing exams are finally scheduled to retire on 31 January 2015. It will be interesting to see what replaces them. Watch this space!
Full details of all retired exams here: http://bit.ly/1oNOP9v.