Passive DR Rights for Windows CSP Subscriptions: Equivalent to Software Assurance?

Question

Passive DR Rights for Windows CSP Subscriptions: Equivalent to Software Assurance?

Pedro Sá 0

We currently understand that when Windows licenses are acquired with Software Assurance, we can benefit from Disaster Recovery (DR) rights, allowing a passive DR environment to be used under specific conditions without fully licensing the DR infrastructure.

If we acquire Windows subscriptions through the CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) program:

Is there an equivalent benefit for a passive Disaster Recovery environment?
Can the same Windows subscription/license be used for both the production environment and the passive DR environment?
Or is it necessary to fully license both the production and DR infrastructures?
What is the recommended CSP-based licensing option or alternative to obtain DR rights similar to those provided through Software Assurance?

We would appreciate clarification on the licensing requirements and best practices for DR scenarios under the CSP model.

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Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for your question. Disaster Recovery rights and Software Assurance benefits are governed by Microsoft’s licensing terms, and the entitlement may differ depending on the licensing program (for example, Volume Licensing with Software Assurance versus CSP subscriptions). As such, there is no general statement that the Disaster Recovery rights available with Software Assurance automatically apply to Windows licenses or subscriptions acquired through the CSP program.

Because your questions require an official licensing interpretation for compliance purposes, including whether the same subscription can be used for both production and a passive DR environment, and whether equivalent DR rights exist under CSP, I recommend creating a Microsoft Unified or Premier Support request if your organization has one. The appropriate licensing support team can review your licensing agreement and provide an authoritative response based on the applicable Microsoft Product Terms and your CSP subscription.

The Microsoft Learn community is unable to provide legally binding licensing guidance, particularly for licensing scenarios involving Disaster Recovery rights and CSP entitlements.