Novell Licensing Options
Novell makes it easy to purchase software by offering simple, customer-focused licensing agreements. Improved programs make it easier than ever to purchase what you need to successfully run your business. What's more, you access all of these benefits through simple program and contract offerings.
Here's just a few of the benefits you receive when purchasing through a licensing agreement:
- Discounted pricing for your entire organization, regardless of size or purchasing structure
- Access to the latest Novell technologies and Novell technical support
- Ability to maximize available budget with yearly or multi-year purchase options
- Freedom to select the counting methodology that works for your individual organization
- Immediate and convenient access to software downloads
VOLUME LICENSE AND MASTER LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Two basic options are available to all Novell customers: Volume License Agreement (VLA) and Master License Agreement (MLA). Both the VLA and MLA allow you to purchase perpetual licenses – or licenses you own, regardless of your contract status with Novell. Both the VLA and MLA include benefits such as Upgrade Protection, Maintenance, indemnification, training, evaluation software and technical support. The VLA or MLA can work for you whether you are a non-profit, government, healthcare or corporate customer. A simple comparison table highlights the benefits of each program and can help you identify which program is best suited to your needs. View the comparison table below:
| Volume License Agreement | Master License Agreement | |
| Target Customer | Ideal for customers of any size who want an easy, transaction-based process with the flexibility of purchasing licenses from a broad reseller channel | Great for medium, large and global organizations who expect greater benefits based on long-term volume purchasing commitments |
| Customer Benefits | Simple to use and understand; no purchase obligation or minimum- purchase requirements; no contract signature required | Rewards high volume commitment with greater discount levels; includes price protection and optional direct purchasing relationship; facilitates budgeting with annual renewal |
| Minimum Purchase Requirements | No minimum purchase requirement |
Any of the following*:
|
| Contract and Term | No signed contract; renew annual purchases as needed | Contract signed directly with Novell; contract runs in two-year terms |
| Counting Options | Count license use by user or device** | Count license use by user or device** |
| Upgrade Protection and Maintenance Offerings | Upgrade Protection and Maintenance optional; Novell Technical Support offerings included with Maintenance purchases | Maintenance required on all product licenses; includes Novell Technical Support |
| Sales Channel | Select any Novell reseller | Purchase directly from Novell or through qualified Novell reseller |
| Discount Levels | Discount may vary based on purchase; Maintenance purchases may be eligible for higher discounts*** | Discount based on contract; flexible financing options available |
** User or device option based on product end-user license agreement (EULA)
*** Reseller determines pricing for VLA orders
ACADEMIC CUSTOMERS
academic customers may choose to buy licenses through the VLA program or rent under either the Academic License Agreement (ALA) or School License Agreement (SLA). Both the ALA and SLA programs reduce costs associated with acquiring, upgrading, maintaining and managing software by offering software through a subscription model.
ADDING VALUE THROUGH NOVELL SERVICES
Customers of all types can make annual purchases of Upgrade Protection or Maintenance for access to the latest Novell technologies and product versions. Customers also have the option to purchase Novell services, including Technical Support, Training and Consulting services.
FINDING A CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
In addition to the VLA or MLA, customers who need special, customized options for large-dollar deals are able to negotiate contract terms with Novell. Some of the options may include special financing, product and/or service bundles, multi-year arrangements, vesting rights, subscription-based licensing and more. These special contract changes are generally managed with a contract addendum and can be initiated by the customer, partner or sales representative.