As one of the first corporate customers of Microsoft, PLDT has been a licensee for 10 years, ever since Microsoft established its business in the country.

PLDT has also been Microsoft’s enterprise partner with the highest software volume licensing.

Under the three-year licensing agreement, PLDT and Smart, the cellular arm, have utilized a synergized procurement approach of combining its requirements into one single volume licensing deal.

The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a software volume-licensing program designed for corporate customers with 250 or more desktops.

As Enterprise Agreement customers, PLDT and Smart are jointly able to utilize genuine Microsoft software and to customize the Microsoft enterprise products at discounted prices.

This agreement also enables PLDT to receive access to new versions of licensed software released during the term of the agreement.

Products covered by the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement include Microsoft Office Professional, Microsoft Windows Professional Desktop Operating System upgrade, and Core Client Access License.

With the combined volume of licenses from PLDT and Smart and the use of a common and standard desktop license configuration, PLDT and Smart are able to avail of significantly lower price levels compared to having separate license agreements.

At the same time, having a common Microsoft sales, marketing and support complement for both organizations ensures that the companies maximize the benefits from the Enterprise Agreement.

Ramoncito S. Fernandez, head of administration and materials management for PLDT and Smart, said: "This renewed licensing agreement enables both PLDT and Smart to employ more comprehensive and effective business solutions on the Windows platform, lowering the total cost of ownership and increasing our productivity."

"In its move to standardize on licensed software, PLDT and Smart are not only able to reap the benefits of using legalized software but also, as a responsible Filipino corporate citizen, take the lead in promoting a healthy, growing, and innovative ICT industry," said TJ Javier, managing director of Microsoft Philippines.

Javier stressed that advocating the use of genuine goods in general, not just software, is beneficial to the Philippine economy and the nation as a whole.