Resellers could be cut out as Microsoft moves towards a more sustainable means of selling its software licenses.

In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, Microsoft is making changes to the way Open License customers purchase media.

As of December 7, Microsoft will discontinue stocking media with distributors, offering customers the option of either ordering online or download.

With distributors being removed from the picture, it would seem re-sellers will also be facing the end of their relationship with the software developer.

Microsoft believes the move will offer customers a number of benefits. The change will help customers save time and money currently spent on Open License media fulfillment.

The move will also reduce lead-times to deploy products for end customers, and allows a standardised process of Open License management and media purchases.

The company says the decision will help them cut back on waste (packaging), and allow customers to cut back on the effort of managing physical software media.

The end customer must be licensed in order for the software media to be either ordered or downloaded.

Both options of purchase are available via the online portal Volume License Service Centre (VLSC) – accessible via www.microsoft.com/licensing/service center.