What is SPLA key?
Sarah Cherry
Updated on March 09, 2026
SPLA stands for Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA). The key difference between a SPLA license and a license that comes with a boxed product (similar to something you would buy at a retail store) is the person who uses the software. SPLA is a month-month licensing program.
Accordingly, what is an SPLA?
The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is a licensing program that provides a hosting offer to service providers and ISVs to lease or rent licenses of Microsoft products on a monthly basis, and to provide hosting services and applications to the end customer.
One may also ask, what is Microsoft SPLA license? The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is for service providers and independent software vendors (ISVs) who want to license the latest eligible Microsoft software products to provide software services and hosted applications to end customers.
Furthermore, how do I get a SPLA license key?
To obtain SPLA Volume License Product Keys, you can either access them through the VLSC or contact the Microsoft Activation Center for your region at You will need to provide your SPLA agreement number, which is located in your welcome letter.
Do I need SPLA?
If you host any third-party applications on Microsoft infrastructure, you need a SPLA. Examples include hosted CRM, hosted messaging and hosted backup and disaster recovery (BDR). In other words, if Company A provides a software application for Company B to use, Company A requires a SPLA.
Related Question Answers
How is SPLA calculated?
A simple formula: (Number of cores in the CPU (minimum of 8) * Number of CPUs in the server * Number of VMs on host) / 2 = Number of license two-packs you need.Can I use SPLA in Azure?
Yes. Some of the SPLA (Service Provider License Agreement) Subscriber Access Licenses (SAL) can be used in Azure. This includes SQL Server Standard, SharePoint Server, Team foundation, Project Server, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics GP, Remote Desktop Services SALs.Does SPLA include support?
No. As a part of service provider's value added services, you are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products you deliver to your customers.What is SPLA reporting?
SPLA, as with most Microsoft licensing, is a predominantly trust based system and Service Providers (LSP) simply report back their software usage to their LAR (Large Account Reseller) on a monthly basis.How do I license a SQL Server SPLA?
Yes, you can license SQL via SPLA using the SAL (Subscriber Access License) model, which is where you pay for each user who connects to the SQL Server. However, you cannot use SPLA to license a per-core SQL model, which is by far the most common way to license SQL Server.What does perpetual license mean?
A perpetual license allows end users to use the software for as long as the end user complies with all terms of the license agreement. At the end of the license term, the end user must stop using the software, extend the license term, or purchase new licenses through an agreement with Dell EMC.What is RDS Sal?
Microsoft SAL (RDS SAL) is a service that provides a Microsoft Remote Desktop Service Subscriber Access License (called an “RDS SAL” below) on Virtual Machines created in Compute Resource. This makes it possible for three or more users to connect to a remote desktop (Remote desktop session host server.Are RDS user CALS perpetual?
When you deploy RDS, Microsoft requires either a RDS Client Access License (CAL) or a RDS Subscriber Access License (SAL) for each user that has access to use the RDS deployment. The CAL is a perpetual license that must be acquired in advance.What is the difference between KMS and MAK license key?
Either or both key types may be used by customers to activate systems in their organization: Key Management Service (KMS) allows organizations to activate systems within their own network. Multiple Activation Key (MAK) activates systems on a one-time basis, using Microsoft's hosted activation services.What is the name of the licensing model that applies to companies that offer hosting?
On-premises: On-premises – sometimes abbreviated to on-prem – refers to a license and usage model for server-based software or computer programs, which the customer or licensee installs in their own IT environment.How do I become a Microsoft LSP?
To qualify for LSP status, the partner must have at least four sales employees who have passed the Microsoft® Certified Professional (MCP) exam for License Delivery.How do I add a license to my VLSC portal?
Adding Open Licenses- Sign into the VLSC.
- Choose Administration > Add Open License. The Add Open License page appears.
- Complete the page and click Submit.
- Unless the owner objects, you can log in to the VLSC again in 24 hours to accept the terms and conditions of the Open License Agreement and begin managing the account.
What is Sal license Microsoft?
A Subscriber Access License (SAL) is required for each unique individual user or device (for eligible products) that is provisioned to access or otherwise use the licensed products. Examples of products licensed with a SAL are Microsoft Office, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Lync Server etc.What are the types of Microsoft licenses?
While these programs may differ in various parts of the world, generally they include those discussed below.- Open Licensing.
- Select Plus Licensing.
- Services Provider Licensing.
- Enterprise Agreement Licensing.
