Microsoft’s Enterprise Subscription Agreement has been around for decades. But it’s long been overshadowed by its perpetual licensing counterpart, the Enterprise Agreement – the agreement of choice for enterprise customers for many years. The Microsoft EA made a lot of sense when offerings were largely perpetual licenses – think Office Pro Plus, Core/Enterprise CAL, and the Desktop OS.
What happens when you’ve purchased a lower edition Microsoft license type and then decide you want to upgrade to the higher edition? If you’re a long-time enterprise Microsoft customer, you’ve probably run into this scenario before. Fortunately (at least in some cases) Microsoft has a SKU ready to help – the Microsoft Step-Up license.
At first glance, Microsoft’s Server and Cloud Enrollment is simply another contractual licensing agreement from Microsoft with a three-year term, just like the Enterprise Agreement and Enterprise Subscription Agreement. Indeed, it is often established as a “companion” agreement with the EA and EAS. But a closer look shows that it is a much more versatile licensing vehicle.
Microsoft is known for its stringent rules around licensing products in cloud and virtualized environments. It’s been the subject of complaint among enterprise customers as well as the crux of anticompetitive accusations in the EU. In response, Microsoft has announced more flexible licensing policies for some products over the last several months – including Microsoft Windows Server.
Large Microsoft enterprise customers are often invited to the Executive Briefing Center, and it is a visit well worth your time. As our former enterprise sales executives for Microsoft will attest, it’s a great opportunity for Microsoft to showcase its technology to customers in a purpose-built environment, along with fostering executive relationships.
There’s been a lot of buzz about Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience (NCE). What is it? Who does it impact? What do customers and partners need to know? In 2019, Microsoft launched the New Commerce Experience (NCE) for Azure to simplify licensing management. This was done under the vendor’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program to deliver a simplified engagement experience that would benefit both Microsoft’s partners and customers as they purchase Microsoft’s cloud solutions...
Microsoft’s latest Office 365 price increase will mean higher costs for many of the vendor’s enterprise customers. If you’re wondering if the O365 price increase will impact your spend, here is what you need to know...
During Inspire 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 365, the vendor’s latest addition to hybrid computing. Available later in 2021, Windows 365 is a cloud service that introduces a new way for users to experience Windows 10 or Windows 11. In this post, we dig into Windows 365 price and purchase considerations for enterprises...
When it comes to Microsoft O365, license optimization is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process made more challenging by continuous shifts in Microsoft licensing and customers’ usage requirements. For large O365 estates, optimization requires a number of activities, with the first being a detailed License Optimization Assessment...
If you’ve ever completed a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA), you’re familiar with the Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment – it’s one of the required documents to establish an EA. Like a lot of things Microsoft, it seems straightforward at first. But closer inspection reveals complexity. One example is the option to include “Future Affiliates.”...
Microsoft really likes the idea of licensing users rather than devices, but there are certain environments where the per user license model doesn’t quite fit – one being BPO (or business process outsourcing) organizations. The largest outsourcing organizations in the world use Microsoft, and most have call centers running 24x7 around the globe with rotating staff.
Microsoft recently expanded the rights for Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server. For customers not familiar with Azure Hybrid Benefit, it’s a licensing benefit that allows you to use your on-premises Software Assurance-enabled Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on Azure. The cost benefits are attractive to customers and it’s just one more way Microsoft is trying to convince customers to run their software on Azure.
Back in the day I used to tell clients that Microsoft didn’t really care who owned the hardware – as long as the product was being used for the exclusive benefit of the licensed customer. With the advent of virtual desktops being hosted at Amazon, Microsoft has changed its tune somewhat. In October of 2019, Microsoft quietly changed some of its...
Just like Microsoft’s pricing and licensing, Microsoft negotiation tactics have evolved over the years. One example is timing, specifically how to leverage Microsoft’s fiscal year-end (June 30). In the past, enterprises were advised to wait and negotiate their agreements closer to Microsoft’s quarter- or year-end. That’s not the case today. Microsoft’s fiscal third and fourth...
Are Microsoft’s software bundles worth the spend? It’s an easy question to answer if you need all components in Microsoft’s offer. But that’s typically not the case. Here’s advice on what enterprises can do to determine if a bundled purchase is the best deal for their requirements.
Recent changes to Dynamics 365 licensing underscore the one constant in Microsoft licensing. Just when you think you have a good understanding, even for just one particular offering, Microsoft changes the whole thing. That’s exactly what Microsoft did this past April with Dynamics 365. Previously, customers could purchase a suite that would include the primary...
The pandemic has caused many shifts in the enterprise IT landscape, including the hastening of new changes from Microsoft. This is especially true as it relates to Microsoft’s security and compliance offerings – particularly numerous M365 changes in the last few months. Microsoft released several new bundles in April: M365 E5 Information Protection and Governance,...
Microsoft has a storied history of subtly and not-so subtly making changes to its licensing methodologies. These changes can have variable impacts on cost – sometimes small or, in the case of the latest changes to Microsoft PowerApps licensing, quite material for some customers.
Most technology workers are now working from home, and to their credit, most technology providers have risen to the challenge to support this unprecedented event. Zoom, LogMeIn, Slack, Google, Microsoft and others are offering their services for free for these displaced workers. Understandably, these vendors are hoping you will continue to use their tools when things return to normal.
Microsoft’s EA program is designed for firms that are making large commitments to Microsoft products. There are three types of products one may purchase under the Enterprise Agreement: Enterprise Products, Additional Products and Online Services.
Microsoft loves bundles. Case in point? Microsoft E5, E3, E1, etc. – the list truly does go on. In fact, Microsoft is somewhat of a legend in this regard. Microsoft’s use of bundles dates to 1990 with the release of Microsoft Office 1.0. At that time, the Office bundle included Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and...
As many of Microsoft’s customers are in hybrid states between cloud and on-premise usage, it’s important to consider Microsoft 365’s Product Terms – specifically how often they change (hint: quite frequently!). It can have a significant impact on your organization’s compliance.
Still in an agreement where you’re purchasing Office 365 Enterprise E4 (O365 E4)? You’re not alone. While this offering was retired in 2017 and Microsoft permitted customers to switch to a new plan at any time, Microsoft did not require that switch until renewal time. Now, many enterprises are facing that milestone – a renewal...
Have you heard of Microsoft’s Cloud Economic Assessment? If you haven’t, stay tuned. The odds are you will soon enough and you can bet it’s more than what the term implies. In fact, it could lead to a software license audit.
It’s always interesting for NPI to watch what happens when a technology vendor is acquired by another larger company. Will the acquired company fold right into the culture and operations of the acquirer, or will they continue to operate relatively independently and maintain their pre-acquisition culture? Will there be a big push to close lots...
As previously discussed in another blog post, you should always seek assistance before you agree to a Microsoft audit. Why? It’s simple enough – the findings will rarely be in your favor and preparation is a must. There are two ways in which Microsoft conducts audits. The first is called a Software Asset Management (SAM)...
In its quest to outshine Google and AWS – specifically when it comes to cost – Microsoft introduced the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server. Per Microsoft’s website: The Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server allows you to save up to 40% on Windows Server VMs in Azure by utilizing your on-premises Windows Server licenses...
Are you a large enterprise client with Microsoft who hasn’t bought off on the concept of Software Assurance? If so, the Microsoft Product & Services Agreement (MPSA) may be for you. The Microsoft Products and Services Agreement is a transactional licensing agreement for commercial, government, and academic organizations with 250 or more users/devices. MPSA works...
If you are following healthy Microsoft software asset management processes, you should be making a habit of reviewing your software inventory once or twice a year. When it’s time to look at Microsoft licenses that you are entitled to, here are a few items to keep in mind.
When thinking about your upcoming Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal, you’re probably eager to make the process as simple as possible by removing any unnecessary steps and cutting back on the amount of content you, or others in your organization, must review. But there are some things you really need to inspect. The Enterprise Renewal Form...
It’s easy to be myopic when renewing your Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment and focus solely on the three-year costs presented in your renewal quote. But remember this - when you sign the dotted line on a Microsoft subscription, you’re making a long-term commitment.
As part of our continuing discussion on Microsoft Product Terms, let’s focus on the following popular licensing models: Per Core/CAL, Server/CAL and Per Core.
Reducing TCO is an ongoing challenge for Microsoft customers especially as the enterprise Microsoft estate expands. Enter the Microsoft Step-up License. For some customers, it’s a helpful (and cost-effective) way to “grow” into Microsoft’s more advanced technologies.
As a former auditor for Microsoft, I’ve seen a lot of creative posturing around Microsoft’s product terms. A common statement often heard from Microsoft customers is: “Microsoft doesn’t say I can’t do it that way.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Microsoft (and other software vendors) don’t have to think of all of the potential...
As a former auditor for Microsoft, I’ve seen a lot of creative posturing around Microsoft’s product terms. A common statement often heard from Microsoft customers is: “Microsoft doesn’t say I can’t do it that way.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Microsoft (and other software vendors) don’t have to think of all of the potential...
A big issue for a lot of us as we use modern internet browsers is continuity across platforms and devices. Historically, Microsoft has been rather late to the game. Google Chrome and even Firefox have had cross-platform browsers that worked very well across your various devices. Things that are important such as UI, cookies, favorites...
There are a lot of ways to reduce Microsoft licensing costs – but there’s one that should be at the top of every enterprise customer’s list. If you are continuing year after year to license your organization exactly the same way for all users, it’s probably time for a change! By taking the time to...
Microsoft contract negotiation continues to get more complex and arduous with each passing year. Just when companies believe they have a handle on Microsoft’s offerings, license rights, and terms and conditions, Microsoft changes things up.
Did you know that Microsoft only sells current versions of its products? What happens if you purchase a current version of Office Professional, yet your firm has not yet deployed that version throughout the organization? What are your Microsoft license downgrade rights? Well, like a lot of things licensing-related, it depends. If you purchased the...
Microsoft has made many changes in the last several years relating to Windows Server Licensing – specifically as it relates to external user access. Keeping up with numerous updates and changes can be difficult! We get it. In this post, we hope to help businesses better manage their Microsoft licensing by discussing everything you need...
With Microsoft, you must get the right type of licensing for your organization to optimize utilization and cost. You also need to understand the terms and conditions of each type. What Is Microsoft Volume Licensing? Microsoft volume licensing lets you acquire software in bulk to use on multiple computers within your organization. You do not...
It’s no secret that sourcing Microsoft contracts, products and services is a complex undertaking. One of the first things IT buyers should get their head around are the various Microsoft contracts – and the multi-level “architecture” of how they relate to each other. There are several different types of agreement documents to review: The Microsoft...
Microsoft’s promise to rapidly grow Azure services continues to play out as the vendor invests heavily in internal development and acquisition. The most recent evidence is Microsoft’s acquisition of Cloudyn, which was finalized at the end of July.Cloudyn helps enterprises and managed service providers optimize their investments in cloud services – a continuing challenge for...
Whether you are a new Microsoft enterprise agreement customer or have been one for years, Microsoft licensing counts are tricky business. How can you be sure that the true up-counts you provide to your Licensing Solutions Partner are correct?