- 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.
9.5/10
Overall Impact
$574
Average $ Saved
34
Average Days Saved
Client
Experience
Impact
$ Saved
Days Saved
County of Placer
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
110
Scott Houle is the ultimate porfessional in not only the knoweldge but the way he approaches the subject. Scott showed tremenous abilty to flex to ... Read More
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
Aadil is very knowledgeable about licensing and cost structure. he reviewed material upfront and came prepared with recommendations.
Ball Horticultural Company
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
N/A
Willingness of Aadil to meet with us several times as we worked on the renewal options.
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
Guided Implementation
8/10
$495K
44
We are now working to build this expertise in-house. The knowledge available and the time and money savings though not currently quantifiable but w... Read More
GfK SE
Guided Implementation
9/10
N/A
N/A
This was an initial call and was very useful in confirming our understanding of the way Microsoft works and gave some valuable tips about which lev... Read More
Martignetti Companies
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
5
Excellent knowledge and great advice. Amil knew what Microsoft would tell me before they even spoke to me
TGM Associates LP
Guided Implementation
10/10
$10,000
10
Hastings Mutual Insurance Co
Guided Implementation
8/10
N/A
2
This was just a learning session for me to see how microsoft licensing works.
Martignetti Companies
Guided Implementation
10/10
$12,399
2
nothing bad; great advice and knowledge
Platinum Asset Management
Guided Implementation
6/10
N/A
N/A
RPC Inc.
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
This was a good introduction and provided background and additional insight. This initial meeting met my expectations and Aadil was very knowledgea... Read More
Virginia Information Technologies Agency
Guided Implementation
10/10
$1.12M
10
All good - Aadil presented the key information that was most helpful to me in a clear and concise manner. He understood the purpose of my inquiry ... Read More
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
We're just getting started or I'd have more feedback. Right now it seems good, but we'll have to see about the efficiencies gained.
Marshall University
Guided Implementation
10/10
$35,041
5
Extremely valuable references and knowledge on Microsoft Licensing and negotiations. Great insights that will help with our contract renewals.
Anglo Beef Processors
Guided Implementation
9/10
$17,510
5
Learnt some new ideas Financial impact above is a very rough estimate and would need to revisit this at a later stage for a better assessment ... Read More
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
Aadil is very knowledgeable. I'm looking forward to the next version of his MS licensing slide deck!
MCAP Service Corporation
Guided Implementation
10/10
N/A
N/A
Armed Forces Benefit Association
Guided Implementation
10/10
$2,546
2
Aadil was wonderful and professional. Takes the guess work out of Microsoft licensing
LPL Financial
Guided Implementation
10/10
$101K
N/A
best part of the experience was prompt response, I had this project hit my desk at the 11:55th of 12th hour and Janice was able to get this set up ... Read More
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