Ultima’s Post

Microsoft: "Beginning January 1st, 2025, a small percentage of cloud Enterprise Agreements in direct markets will no longer be eligible for renewal under the existing EA framework." There is only one thing we know for sure. The announced change will only affect the so called direct markets – countries and territories where Microsoft operates directly. If you are in a direct market, Microsoft may or may not notify you in January. There are no published lists, and there are no published clear parameters, clear criteria to tell whether you are a lucky one. If your organisation is in an indirect country, you're safe. For now. For now, because Microsoft desperately wants to discontinue legacy agreements, including Enterprise Agreement, and replace them with a single one – Microsoft Customer Agreement. Practical advice: – Assume your EA may be discontinued. – Learn about MCA and CSP agreements. – Learn about their differences with EA. – Analyse how these differences may affect your IT operations, on-premises and in the cloud. – Calculate how these differences will affect your Bill of Materials, licensing, and cloud costs. – Prepare for a tough negotiation, especially if you are in an EA level B, C, or D. — Find us here for independent advice: https://lnkd.in/ePJeKgkN #Microsoft #Cloud #procurement #samexpert

Microsoft: "Beginning January 1st, 2025, a small percentage of cloud Enterprise Agreements in direct markets will no longer be eligible for renewal under the existing EA framework." There is only one thing we know for sure. The announced change will only affect the so called direct markets – countries and territories where Microsoft operates directly. If you are in a direct market, Microsoft may or may not notify you in January. There are no published lists, and there are no published clear parameters, clear criteria to tell whether you are a lucky one. If your organisation is in an indirect country, you're safe. For now. For now, because Microsoft desperately wants to discontinue legacy agreements, including Enterprise Agreement, and replace them with a single one – Microsoft Customer Agreement. Practical advice: – Assume your EA may be discontinued. – Learn about MCA and CSP agreements. – Learn about their differences with EA. – Analyse how these differences may affect your IT operations, on-premises and in the cloud. – Calculate how these differences will affect your Bill of Materials, licensing, and cloud costs. – Prepare for a tough negotiation, especially if you are in an EA level B, C, or D. — Find us here for independent advice: https://lnkd.in/e_r6nmPt #Microsoft #Cloud #procurement #samexpert

Most organisations only negotiate their Enterprise Agreements every three to five years. During that time, priorities shift and focus on the EA often fades into the background. By the time renewal approaches, the reality of the EA landscape has significantly changed—but without staying informed, you are unprepared for what’s coming. Budgets are often based on the expiring EA, crafted by individuals without deep expertise in Microsoft licensing or the evolving financial environment. The result? Chronic under-budgeting. When the CFO receives the renewal quote, the shock is immediate: it’s not the expected 5–10% increase—it’s 30% or more. This pattern, already common, will likely intensify in 2025 as Microsoft’s pricing strategies and product shifts drive costs even higher. 👉 Need assistance negotiating your Microsoft agreement? Find us here: https://lnkd.in/e_r6nmPt #Microsoft #Cloud #procurement

Most organisations only negotiate their Enterprise Agreements every three to five years. During that time, priorities shift and focus on the EA often fades into the background. By the time renewal approaches, the reality of the EA landscape has significantly changed—but without staying informed, you are unprepared for what’s coming. Budgets are often based on the expiring EA, crafted by individuals without deep expertise in Microsoft licensing or the evolving financial environment. The result? Chronic under-budgeting. When the CFO receives the renewal quote, the shock is immediate: it’s not the expected 5–10% increase—it’s 30% or more. This pattern, already common, will likely intensify in 2025 as Microsoft’s pricing strategies and product shifts drive costs even higher. 👉 Need assistance negotiating your Microsoft agreement? Find us here: https://lnkd.in/dAU7uQa4 #Microsoft #Cloud #procurement

Microsoft is making some big changes to its licensing in 2025, and it’s worth paying attention if your organisation relies on their software. Here’s a quick overview: - End of Traditional Enterprise Agreements: As of January 1st, 2025, Microsoft will no longer renew cloud Enterprise Agreements. They’re moving to more flexible, cloud-first models. - Microsoft Customer Agreement: A new, digital-first agreement that simplifies licensing, replacing traditional price bands with a new pricing structure. - Pricing Changes: Starting April 1st, 2025, expect a 5% increase for annual subscriptions with monthly billing. Paying upfront for the year avoids this increase. - CSP Programme: Microsoft is promoting the Cloud Solution Provider program for more flexibility and support from CSP partners. If you haven’t reviewed your agreements yet or spoken to your licensing partner, now’s a great time to get ahead of these changes. A bit of preparation now can save you a lot of hassle next year. If you have any questions regarding this or are looking for a Microsoft Partner - please feel free to drop me a message! 😊

Some great points rasied here by Nasstar's Caitlin Dean which highlight some potential opportunities to save money on your Microsoft licensing. I'm going to share something over the next week or so which I think will really help you maximise your Microsoft investment AND save your organisation some money. More to follow..... #Nasstar #Microsoft

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Alleviate IT Solutions is now a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner! 🚀 As a trusted IT support company, we understand that navigating the complexities of Microsoft licensing can be a daunting task. With our expertise, we’re here to help your business streamline its licensing costs and unlock significant savings. 🔍 Why Partner with Us? - Tailored Licensing Reviews: We conduct comprehensive assessments of your current licensing agreements to identify opportunities for cost savings. - Customized Solutions: Our team will work closely with you to design a licensing strategy that meets your unique business needs. - Ongoing Support: We’re not just here for the initial setup; we’ll provide continuous support to ensure you maximize your investment in Microsoft solutions. Don’t let confusing licensing structures drain your budget! Let us help you optimize your Microsoft licenses so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business. 📞 Ready to start saving? Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation! #MicrosoftCSP #ITSupport #CloudSolutions #Licensing #CostSavings #BusinessGrowth #MSP

🎥 Microsoft Licensing Updates: Key Changes for 2025 🎥 In our latest video, Robert Hemsley, Microsoft Commercial Lead, highlights important Microsoft pricing and licensing updates that could impact your business this year. Here's a quick summary: ✅ February 1, 2025: Cloud pricing for customers transacting in British Pounds is reduced by 5-6%, aligning with global USD pricing. ✅ April 1, 2025: Monthly billing plans will increase by 5% compared to annual upfront payments. Teams Phone sees its first price adjustment since 2017 (E5 subscriptions remain unaffected). ✅ January 1, 2025: Certain Enterprise Agreements (EA) are no longer eligible for renewal. What does this mean for your organisation? The UK price reduction is positive news, but changes to monthly billing and EA renewals underline the importance of reviewing your licensing strategy now. At Telefónica Tech, we’re here to help you navigate these updates and ensure your business is set up for success in 2025. If you'd like to learn more, check out Robert's latest blog posts here: https://lnkd.in/ec-Ky64C https://lnkd.in/eCuzsV78 #Microsoft #Licensing #CSP #Teams #MicrosoftPartner

🎥 Microsoft Licensing Updates: Key Changes for 2025 🎥 In our latest video, Robert Hemsley, Microsoft Commercial Lead, highlights important Microsoft pricing and licensing updates that could impact your business this year. Here's a quick summary: ✅ February 1, 2025: Cloud pricing for customers transacting in British Pounds is reduced by 5-6%, aligning with global USD pricing. ✅ April 1, 2025: Monthly billing plans will increase by 5% compared to annual upfront payments. Teams Phone sees its first price adjustment since 2017 (E5 subscriptions remain unaffected). ✅ January 1, 2025: Certain Enterprise Agreements (EA) are no longer eligible for renewal. What does this mean for your organisation? The UK price reduction is positive news, but changes to monthly billing and EA renewals underline the importance of reviewing your licensing strategy now. At Telefónica Tech, we’re here to help you navigate these updates and ensure your business is set up for success in 2025. If you'd like to learn more, check out Robert's latest blog posts here: https://lnkd.in/ec-Ky64C https://lnkd.in/eCuzsV78 #Microsoft #Licensing #CSP #Teams #MicrosoftPartner

Quick update for you.