So, Microsoft is knocking some dollars off its software licensing costs for small and mid-sized businesses with subscription-based licensing for small businesses. The plan is called Open Value Subscription program and it costs about 1/3 of the expense of software licensing. Basically, Microsoft offers discounts when the software is initially purchased through the subscription program. The benefit: SMBs has an option of decreasing or increasing licensing over a 3-year period if their business needs change.
So, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for Microsoft software licensing falls by an estimated 66%.