When setting out to acquire new software solutions for your business, it can be tempting to save money by opting for used software. You could purchase a fresh licence directly from Microsoft, or you could purchase a second-hand licence from a reseller – perhaps even from eBay! There are advantages and disadvantages to each option, so it is important to be aware of all the facts before making a decision about which way to go. Here we compare the option of buying new against buying second hand – which is right for you?
Mint Condition
Unsurprisingly, when you purchase a fresh new software licence for any Microsoft product, you get something that is shiny and new. But the same is true of a second-hand software product – unlike physical products, Microsoft software licences don’t get worn out over time. There will be no difference in the quality of the product when you buy second-hand as opposed to brand new. With a fully legal used software licence, you will be able to install and use your software just as you would with a new software licence from a conventional software licence reseller. It will work just the same and you will be able to download all the necessary updates without any worries, so your software will be in mint condition.
A Question Of Security
One of the key reasons that people are apprehensive about buying used Microsoft software licences is legal and security. Many businesses still do not realise that buying used software is as legal as buying/selling a house or a car within Europe. Ratified by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in 2012, so long as the reseller follows the criteria set out by the ECJ, the European Software Directive 2009 permits the resale of intangible software such as Microsoft Volume software licences – it is wrong to assume that buying used software is akin to pirating it. Visit our LEGAL web page to find out more.
Secondly, there is the issue of getting a genuine product. When you purchase a fresh new Microsoft licence directly from a registered / certified reseller, you know that you will be receiving a genuine, legitimate product. You may feel less certain about that with the second-hand option due to the stigma attached to secondary markets. If you buy from a suspicious reseller (companies only reselling licence installation keys only or hiding behind Notary Attestations), you have reason to be concerned. But with a reliable reseller like Discount-Licensing, you are warranted to receive a trustworthy, genuine licence every single time and every transaction is insured – we do not purchase used software for resale without completing thorough background checks that are made in accordance with the 2021 ECJ ruling and Software Directive 2009.
A Question Of Cost
The greatest advantage of buying second-hand is the money you save as pre-owned/used software is normally 50%+ cheaper than a fresh new software licence, and the total cost is more transparent and straightforward than the pricing models of rental / cloud options. You can minimise your software and administration costs by going second-hand and keep everything simple.
In a nutshell, as long as you choose a trustworthy reseller like Discount-Licensing, business stand to benefit more by purchasing used software as opposed to new. You get the same product in mint condition, completely legal with comprehensive proof of ownership; and you get it at a greatly reduced price as well as full access to the ongoing support/updates that a fresh new software licence provides. Pre-owned/used software is a no-brainer for European businesses.
Choose Discount Licensing for help with buying second-hand software today.
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