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Microsoft license and Software Assurance

This topic describes how to select a license when you deploy applications on a Volcano Engine ECS instance based on a Microsoft software environment.

warning

We solemnly remind you that you should reasonably select genuine software based on your own business needs and strictly comply with the terms of use and licensing terms of the relevant products. This topic is provided for reference only and does not constitute a legally binding opinion. Please do not rely solely on it. Genuine software released by Microsoft is known for its high performance, high stability, and high security. If you have any questions or doubts about the licensing and related rights of Microsoft genuine software, we recommend that you consult your legal team, professional law firms, official Microsoft channels, or relevant distributors in a timely manner to obtain accurate answers and guidance.

Terms

Term	Description
Microsoft license	A Microsoft license refers to a legal document issued by Microsoft to users. It specifies the terms and rights for users to use Microsoft software. For more information, see Microsoft Licensing.
Software Assurance	Software Assurance is a comprehensive program provided by Microsoft. It aims to offer users a range of unique technologies, services, and benefits to help them use Microsoft products effectively. For more information, see Software Assurance.

Use licenses officially provided by Volcano Engine

Volcano Engine has obtained the right to provide Microsoft licenses through Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA). Therefore, Windows Server public images and pre-installed SQL Server databases provided by VolcanoEngine all include compliant genuine licenses. ECS instances using Windows Server public images do not require separate purchase of Client Access Licenses (CAL). Each Windows instance comes with two remote connections by default, and these connections are used for administrative purposes only. If you need more than two remote connections, or if you want to use these remote connections for purposes other than administration, you need to acquire additional Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CAL).

When you purchase an instance or change the operating system, you can select a Windows Server public image to use the official license provided by Volcano Engine.

Use Bring Your Own License (BYOL)

If you already have a Microsoft license, you can import a custom image with the license into Volcano Engine, and then purchase an ECS instance using that image. This way, you can use the BYOL license on the ECS instance.

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When you import an image, set the "License type" parameter to "BYOL".

Check whether the Software Assurance service is purchased for your license. For more information, see Software Assurance.

Software Assurance service not purchased

If the Software Assurance service is not purchased for your BYOL license, use a custom image with the license to purchase an EBM instance or a Dedicated Host (DDH). An EBM instance and DDH are cloud hosts that provide you with dedicated physical resources. Therefore, even without software assurance, you can use your BYOL license on them.

As shown below, you can deploy all Microsoft licensed software covered by Microsoft Product Terms on EBM instances or DDHs. For more details about supported Microsoft products, see Licensing Use Rights.

Microsoft Windows Server

Microsoft Exchange Server

Microsoft SharePoint Server

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft Dynamics

MSDN

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (user CAL)

Software Assurance service purchased

If the Software Assurance service is purchased for your BYOL license, you can apply to Microsoft for Software Assurance License Mobility. For details, see Apply for License Mobility (Windows).

Once approved, you can deploy the products listed below on ECS instances without purchasing additional licenses. For more details about supported Microsoft products, see Licensing Use Rights.

Microsoft Exchange Server

Microsoft SharePoint Server

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft BizTalk Server

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (user CAL)

Microsoft Skype for Business Server

Last updated: 2026.06.18 17:49:52