Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Pools: What You Need to Know

If you`re a business owner or IT administrator, you`ve likely heard of Microsoft Enterprise Agreements (EAs) and the benefits they offer for software licensing. However, a lesser-known aspect of EAs is the concept of “pools.” In this article, we`ll break down what Microsoft EA pools are and how they can benefit your organization.

What are Microsoft EA Pools?

In short, EA pools are a way for organizations to group licenses together and allocate them to different departments or individuals as needed. For example, let`s say your organization has an EA for Microsoft Office which allows for 500 licenses. You could create pools of 100 licenses and assign them to different departments, such as finance, marketing, and customer service. This way, each department can use Office without requiring the full 500 licenses to be assigned to each individual employee.

Why Use Microsoft EA Pools?

There are several benefits to using EA pools:

1. Cost savings: By allocating licenses more efficiently, you can avoid overbuying and wasting licenses.

2. Flexibility: EA pools allow you to adjust license allocation as needed, which can be especially useful for businesses with fluctuating employee numbers or seasonal demands.

3. Better license management: EA pools provide you with a clear picture of which licenses are being used and by whom, making it easier to manage your licensing and compliance needs.

How to Use Microsoft EA Pools

To create EA pools, you`ll need to work with a Microsoft reseller or licensing specialist. They can help you determine which licenses are eligible for pooling and assist with the technical setup. Once the pools are created, you can assign licenses to specific departments or individuals within your organization. You can also set up rules to automatically allocate licenses based on specific criteria, such as job function or location.

It`s important to note that EA pools are only available for certain licenses, and there may be restrictions on how they can be used. For example, some licenses may require a minimum number of licenses to be purchased before pools can be created.

In conclusion, Microsoft EA pools offer a flexible and cost-effective way to manage software licenses within your organization. By grouping licenses together and allocating them as needed, you can optimize license usage and save money. Work with a Microsoft licensing specialist to determine which licenses are eligible for pooling and get started on streamlining your license management today.