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Overview
Microsoft offers a range of licensing options for educational institutions designed to provide access to various software and services to enhance learning and administration. Among these options are the A1 and A5 licenses. Understanding the differences between these licenses can help users understand what services they will or will not have access to, for their corresponding account.
Microsoft A5 Students License (Students and Student Employees)
Applies To: Actively enrolled NEOMED students and student employees.
Cost: The A5 for Students use license is free for academic use as the additional features can significantly enhance the functionality and security of the tools available to educators and students.
What is Included: The A5 license builds on the A1 license, providing additional features to enhance the educational experience. Key differences and additional benefits include:
- Windows and Desktop Apps: Full access to downloadable versions of Windows and Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote) on up to 5 PCs or Macs per user.
- Advanced Collaboration: Enhanced features in Microsoft Teams, including more sophisticated meeting options and integration capabilities.
- Expanded Email Services: Increased mailbox size and more advanced email features.
- Enhanced Security: More robust security and compliance tools compared to the A1 license.
- Storage: 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
What about Alumni? While NEOMED alumni are not actively enrolled with the University, we currently offer an Alumni license that permits access to their NEOMED email, contingent on periodic access to their accounts. For more information about what happens to your account and access when you graduate or leave the university, please review our What Happens to My NEOMED Account When I Leave? KnowledgeBase article.
Microsoft A5 for Faculty License (Faculty, Staff, & Graduate Assistants)
Applies To: NEOMED-based faculty, staff and graduate assistants.
Cost: There is an annual cost per user for an A5 for faculty license; however this cost is currently paid for by NEOMED IT for all NEOMED employees.
What is Included: The A5 license for faculty is a more comprehensive offering, designed for institutions that require advanced tools and capabilities. The A5 license includes everything in A1, plus additional benefits such as:
- Windows and Desktop Apps: Full access to downloadable versions of Windows and Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote) on up to 5 PCs or Macs per user.
- Enhanced Security and Compliance: Advanced threat protection, information protection, and compliance tools.
- Analytics and Insights: Tools like Power BI Pro for advanced data analytics and insights.
- Expanded Email Services: Increased mailbox size and more advanced email features.
- Microsoft Bookings: Bookings works seamlessly with your Microsoft 365 calendar to help your customers quickly find available times and avoid double-booking. More information on using Bookings can be found here.
- Storage: 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
Microsoft A1 License (Non-Employee Affiliates, Clinical Faculty, Former Retirees)
Applies To: Non-Employee Affiliates, Clinical Faculty, Former Retirees, and other non-NEOMED employee/student roles (as applicable)
Cost: Currently, there is no additional cost for these licenses.
What is Included: The A1 license is a basic, entry-level option designed to provide essential tools for education. Here’s what it typically includes:
- Office 365 Online & Mobile Apps: Access to web-based and mobile app versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
- Access to these applications can be found by going to https://microsoft365.com, clicking Sign In (if prompted), logging in with your NEOMED account, then selecting Apps.
- Email and Calendar: Outlook with a 50 GB mailbox.
- Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams for online meetings and collaboration.
- Classroom Management: Tools like Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook
- Storage: 100GB of OneDrive storage per user.
- Security and Compliance: Basic security and compliance features.