- Microsoft licensing is complicated. Often, the same software can be licensed a number of ways. It’s difficult to know which edition and licensing model is best.
- Licensing and features often change with the release of new software versions, compounding the problem by making it difficult to stay current.
- In tough economic times, IT is asked to reduce capital and operating expenses wherever possible. As one of the top five expense items in most enterprise software budgets, Microsoft licensing is a primary target for cost reduction.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Focus on needs first. Conduct a thorough needs assessment and document the results. Well-documented needs will be your best asset in navigating Microsoft licensing and negotiating your agreement.
- Beware the bundle. Be aware when purchasing the M365 suite
that there is no way out. Negotiating a low price is critical, as all
leverage swings to Microsoft once it is on your agreement.
- If the cloud doesn’t fit, be ready to
pay up or start making room. Microsoft has drastically reduced discounting for on-premises
products, support has been reduced, and product rights have been limited.
If you are planning to remain on premises, be prepared to pay up.
Impact and Result
- Understand what your organization needs and what your business requirements are. It’s always easier to purchase more later than try to reduce your spend.
- Complete cost calculations carefully, as the cloud might end up costing significantly more for the desired feature set. However, in some scenarios, it may be more cost efficient for organizations to license in the cloud.
- If there are significant barriers to cloud adoption, discuss and document them. You’ll need this documentation in three years when it’s time to renew your agreement.
Member Testimonials
After each Info-Tech experience, we ask our members to quantify the real-time savings, monetary impact, and project improvements our research helped them achieve. See our top member experiences for this blueprint and what our clients have to say.
9.0/10
Overall Impact
$63,277
Average $ Saved
10
Average Days Saved
Client
Experience
Impact
$ Saved
Days Saved
Moore Norman Technology Center
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
10
Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
10
Kappa Delta Sorority
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
5
City of Colorado Springs
Guided Implementation
10/10
$12,599
2
Ball Horticultural Company
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
N/A
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
Guided Implementation
8/10
$495K
44
GfK SE
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
N/A
Martignetti Companies
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
5
TGM Associates LP
Guided Implementation
10/10
$10,000
10
Hastings Mutual Insurance Co
Guided Implementation
8/10
N/A
2
Martignetti Companies
Guided Implementation
10/10
$12,399
2
Platinum Asset Management
Guided Implementation
6/10
N/A
N/A
RPC Inc.
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
Virginia Information Technologies Agency
Guided Implementation
10/10
$1.12M
10
RPC Inc.
Guided Implementation
10/10
$61,462
5
Gainesville Regional Utilities
Guided Implementation
8/10
N/A
N/A
America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc.
Guided Implementation
5/10
N/A
N/A
AgVantis Inc
Guided Implementation
8/10
N/A
N/A
Marshall University
Guided Implementation
10/10
$35,041
5
Anglo Beef Processors
Guided Implementation
9/10
$17,510
5
Jet Support Services, Inc.
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
Dentons Canada LLP
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
MicroPort Orthopedics Inc.
Guided Implementation
10/10
$127K
10
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Guided Implementation
10/10
$12,733
10
MCAP Service Corporation
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
Armed Forces Benefit Association
Guided Implementation
10/10
$2,546
2
LPL Financial
Guided Implementation
10/10
$101K
N/A
Government of New Brunswick
Guided Implementation
7/10
N/A
N/A
University of Ottawa Heart Institute - Institut de Cardiologie
Guided Implementation
8/10
N/A
2
CRH: Americas Materials
Guided Implementation
9/10
$11,460
2