Under the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA), licensing is based on a monthly reporting model. Because Tilaa respects your privacy and does not monitor the internal activity of your server, the responsibility for accurate reporting lies with you.
Who is responsible for what?
- Tilaa's Responsibility (OS): We ensure the Windows Server Operating System is correctly licensed based on the physical hardware allocation (Core licensing). You do not need to worry about this.
- Your Responsibility (Add-ons): You are responsible for ensuring you have purchased enough Subscriber Access Licenses (SALs) for software running inside the OS (e.g., Remote Desktop Services, Exchange, Office, SQL Server).
Audit Liability:
In the event of an official audit by Microsoft or the BSA (Business Software Alliance), you (the customer) are liable for any discrepancies between the number of active users on your server and the number of licenses you have subscribed to via Tilaa.
In the event of an official audit by Microsoft or the BSA (Business Software Alliance), you (the customer) are liable for any discrepancies between the number of active users on your server and the number of licenses you have subscribed to via Tilaa.
How to ensure compliance
To stay compliant and avoid penalties, regularly check your user counts against your active subscriptions.
1. Check Remote Desktop (RDS)
Don't just count concurrent connections. You must have a license for every unique named user or device that is authorized to access the server via RDP (excluding the 2 admin accounts).
2. Check SQL Server
Ensure you have licensed all virtual cores assigned to the VM (with a minimum of 4 cores per instance).
3. Adjusting Quantities
If your user base grows or shrinks, you must manually update your license subscription.
- Need more? Order additional licenses immediately.
- Need less? Cancel unused licenses before the end of the month.