Buying software and technology for a large company isn’t like buying a new laptop for your home. It’s a lot more complicated—and a lot more expensive. That’s where a Large Account Reseller (LAR) comes in. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of it before. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what a LAR is, what it does, and how it can help your company save money and time.
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So, What Exactly Is a Large Account Reseller?
A Large Account Reseller is a company that sells software and IT services—mainly to big businesses. They work directly with tech giants like Microsoft, Adobe, and others to offer great prices and support to customers with major needs.
Think of a LAR as your personal tech shopper and negotiator. But instead of going to the store, they work with vendors so you can buy in bulk, license properly, and keep things legal and organized.
Why Are LARs So Important?
If your company has hundreds—or thousands—of people using the same software, you need a way to:
- Get volume discounts
- Stay compliant with licenses
- Make software easier to manage
- Get help when things break or go wrong
LARs do all of that. They don’t just sell you the software and disappear. Many of them offer added services like training, installation, and even strategy advice. That’s why IT departments love them.
Who Uses a LAR?
Usually, it’s large companies, government agencies, universities, or any organization with a lot of IT needs. If a business has more than 250 computers, chances are they’re working with a LAR.
Imagine you run IT for a university. You need software for thousands of students and staff. Buying licenses one-by-one would be chaos. A LAR helps you find the right licensing plan and manages it all in one place.
LARs and Microsoft: A Strong Connection
Microsoft is one of the biggest software companies in the world, and they rely on LARs to sell their products in bulk. It’s kind of like Microsoft saying, “We trust these companies to handle our biggest customers.”
LARs offer licenses through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing program. This makes it much cheaper and easier to distribute software like:
- Microsoft 365
- Windows Server
- Azure services
This partnership helps clients avoid huge upfront costs. Instead, many companies do an annual subscription or a pay-as-you-go plan. That flexibility helps big businesses grow without getting tangled in red tape.
Benefits of Working with a LAR
Here’s why LARs are a smart choice:
- Volume Discounts: Buy in bulk, pay less per license.
- Expert Advice: Find the right tools for your team.
- License Management: Keep track of who’s using what.
- Compliance Help: Stay legal with all your software.
- Support: Get help when software breaks or updates go wrong.
It’s not just about cost savings. LARs also reduce stress. With them, you avoid compliance headaches, overspending, and duplication of services.
How Do You Choose the Right LAR?
Not all LARs are the same. Some are more specialized. Some are more local. Here are a few things to look for:
- Experience: How long have they worked with big accounts?
- Vendor Relationships: Do they partner closely with Microsoft or Adobe?
- Support Services: Can they help with training or implementation?
- Technology Portfolio: Do they offer a wide range of products?
- Customer Reviews: What do other clients say about them?
Be sure to shop around. A good LAR should understand your business goals and offer flexible solutions that grow with you.
Popular LARs You Might Recognize
- CDW
- SHI International
- Insight Enterprises
- Softchoice
- SoftwareONE
These companies serve major clients around the world. They help navigate complex IT needs and are known for strong customer service.
Common Myths About LARs
“LARs are just middlemen.” Not true. They add value by making licensing easy and affordable.
“LARs are only for huge corporations.” Also false. Medium-sized businesses and growing startups can benefit too. If your software spending is increasing, a LAR might be worth it.
“They’re expensive.” Actually, they often save you money. Volume discounts and expert advice can cut costs in the long run.
What If You Don’t Use a LAR?
You certainly can buy software directly from vendors or retailers. But without a LAR, you might face challenges like:
- Paying full price instead of volume rates
- Manually tracking licenses (which can get confusing fast)
- No direct support when issues come up
If you’re managing IT for a large organization, flying solo can be stressful and inefficient. LARs simplify things significantly.
What’s the Future of LARs?
Technology is constantly evolving. And so are LARs. More companies are shifting to cloud-based solutions, and LARs are evolving to manage those too.
Today’s LARs don’t just handle licensing—they also offer:
- Cloud migration services
- Cybersecurity consulting
- Remote workforce tools
- Subscription management
They are becoming trusted advisors, not just resellers. As companies embrace new tech, LARs are there to guide the journey.
Final Thoughts
A Large Account Reseller is more than just a seller of software. It’s a partner that helps large organizations manage their IT needs easily, legally, and cost-effectively. The right LAR can save your business time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
If your company is growing or your tech needs are getting more complex, it might be time to bring a LAR into your team. Think of it as adding a smart, experienced friend to your IT toolbox.
So next time someone says “LAR,” you’ll know they’re not talking about a sea creature. They’re talking about a key player in the modern digital workplace.