M365 - License Optimization Center

ENow Software's Microsoft License Optimization blog built by Microsoft MVPs for IT/Sys Admins.

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Microsoft 365

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The Changing Value of Microsoft Software Assurance

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Nikki Vijeh

Once a significant component of Microsoft’s enterprise agreements, Software Assurance (SA) has steadily declined in value. Microsoft Software Assurance (SA)has long been marketed as a value-added benefit for enterprise customers, offering features like free upgrades, training vouchers, support services, and compliance flexibility. However, over the past several years, Software Assurance has undergone a significant transformation—one that is leaving many organizations questioning its current value. 

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User Profiling for Improved Microsoft License Optimization

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Nikki Vijeh

As organizations and their executives place an even greater emphasis on resiliency, IT leaders face growing pressure to reduce costs while ensuring their users have the necessary tools to work efficiently. One of the most overlooked, yet high-impact, strategies in Microsoft 365 license management is user profiling. Establishing a scalable license governance strategy early on can lead to substantial cost savings, increased operational efficiency, and a stronger return on investment. 

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Comparison of Microsoft Licensing Agreement Types - EA, MCA, MCA-E table

Navigating Microsoft 365 Licensing - Comparing Agreement Types

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ENow Software

Microsoft’s licensing landscape for Microsoft 365 is evolving rapidly, with new agreements like the Microsoft Customer Agreement Enterprise (MCA-E) and a shift toward cloud-based, direct models. For IT and procurement professionals, these changes present opportunities to optimize costs but also risks of overspending or non-compliance.

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Prepare for Your Next Microsoft 365 Licensing Agreement - Part 2

Prepare for Your Next Microsoft 365 Licensing Agreement - Part 2

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Ben Marshall

In part 1 we discussed what’s new in Microsoft Licensing. We covered how licenses, subscriptions, and contracts are changing with the relationships between Microsoft, Microsoft’s partners, and their customers. Next, we need to discuss how to approach the task of purchasing and managing Microsoft solutions within our businesses. 

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Microsoft 365 License Management Webinar – Here's What You Missed

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ENow Software

We didn't want to leave you out of the loop if you missed our recent webinar, Microsoft 365 License Management: How to Optimize in a New Era of Changes. Don't worry; we have you covered with a quick recap of the highlights.   

In this session, ENow CEO Jay Gundotra sat down with Ben Marshall, Global Head of Licensing at HP Inc., to explore the factors affecting Microsoft 365 licensing today. They discussed everything from significant macro trends to strategic advice on optimizing licenses to match organization and user needs, along with the impact of Microsoft's latest changes.    

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6 Steps to Effective Microsoft 365 Licensing Optimization

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Ben Marshall

Best Practices to Reduce the Complexity of Microsoft 365 Licensing

Large organizations, as well as mid-market companies to SMBs, are faced with some important buying decisions when investing in Microsoft 365 licensing. These decisions must be strategic, because they will directly influence whether those investments will increase user productivity - or expend capital on licenses that will not be utilized to their potential, having no impact on the bottom line.

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