Why your Enterprise Agreement should be checked by an independent Microsoft expert

An Enterprise Agreement (EA) with Microsoft is a contractual agreement that allows organizations to purchase and use Microsoft software licenses, services, and support at discounted prices. EAs can offer significant cost savings and provide access to various Microsoft products, making them an attractive option for many businesses. However, as with any legal document, it is essential to have an independent Microsoft licensing expert to review your EA to ensure that it is in your best interest.  

Negotiating an EA can seem straightforward; however, it often involves complexities that can lead to sub or poorly optimal terms if not thoroughly understood. This is why having your Enterprise Agreement checked by an independent Microsoft specialist is not just beneficial but essential.   

Here’s why:  

1. Unbiased Expert Evaluation  

Independent Microsoft experts bring an unbiased perspective to the table. Unlike internal IT departments or Microsoft representatives, these specialists do not have a vested interest in upselling products or services. Their primary goal is to ensure that the agreement serves your organization’s best interests, providing a more balanced and objective evaluation of your EA.  

2. Negotiation Leverage  

Negotiating with a tech giant like Microsoft can be intimidating for even existing customers who have gone through the process before. An independent expert brings their extensive experience and knowledge to the negotiation table, giving you a distinct advantage. With their years of experience and working for various organizations with different scenarios, they know how to engage Microsoft. The expert understands Microsoft’s pricing strategies and can leverage this insight to negotiate better terms, discounts, and incentives that might not be accessible otherwise. In the instance where there might be discount clauses to trigger, these may not be known to your organization.  

3. Tailored Solutions for Business Needs  

Every business has unique needs and growth curves. An independent expert takes the time to understand your specific requirements and future plans. They tailor their recommendations to align with your EA and strategic goals, ensuring that your licensing structure can adapt to changes in your business environment.  

4. Future-Proofing Your Investment  

Technology and business needs evolve rapidly. An independent specialist not only ensures that your current EA is optimized but also helps to future-proof your investment. They provide insights into emerging technologies and licensing models that could benefit your organization in the long run, ensuring that your EA remains relevant and cost-effective. Now that cloud is becoming the go to platform for various software solutions, an expert can be able to help you plan how to seamlessly transition to the cloud from on-premises still guiding your investment into organizational technology.  

5. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is complex  

Microsoft’s EAs can be complex and difficult to understand, especially for non-technical professionals. Many organizations make the mistake of assuming that their IT department or legal team has enough expertise to fully comprehend and negotiate the terms of an EA. An independent Microsoft specialist brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table, making them better equipped to review and negotiate your EA.   

6. Expertise in licensing  

One of the main reasons why an independent Microsoft specialist is crucial for reviewing EAs is their expertise in licensing. These specialists are familiar with the intricacies of Microsoft’s licensing terms and conditions, which can be challenging for the average person to understand. They can identify potential licensing pitfalls and negotiate more favourable terms on your behalf, ultimately saving you money in the long run.   

7. Maximizing cost savings  

EAs are known for their ability to offer significant cost savings to organizations. However, these savings can only be fully realized if the agreement is tailored to your specific needs and usage patterns. An independent specialist can review your current usage and make recommendations for adjustments that can further optimize cost savings. They can also negotiate better pricing and discounts with Microsoft, ensuring that you are getting the most value out of your EA.   

8. Ensuring compliance  

Microsoft has strict rules and regulations regarding software usage and compliance. Failure to comply with these terms can result in penalties or even legal action. An independent Microsoft expert can review your current software usage and ensure that you are in compliance with all licensing terms. They can also provide guidance on maintaining compliance throughout the duration of the EA, protecting your organization from any potential legal issues. The expert with time on their side, comparatively, conducts a thorough compliance check to ensure that all aspects of your EA meet Microsoft’s requirements. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of non-compliance and the associated repercussions.   

9. Staying up to date on licensing related issues   

Technology is constantly evolving. Microsoft’s products and services are also doing the same. EAs typically have a long lifespan, ranging from three to five years. In that time, new products and updates may be released, and it can be challenging to keep track of all the changes. A Microsoft specialist can stay on top of these updates and recommend any necessary adjustments or additions to your EA, ensuring that you are always up to date with the latest technology.  

How can Q-Advise Microsoft licensing expert help your organization?  

Our expert team can help you with your cloud and on-premises licensing needs. We work in your interest to give you deep insights into your licensing position to enable you to benefit fully from any savings opportunity in your organization. We guide you to purchase only licenses you will need.   

We are deeply interested in the Microsoft licensing ecosystem; hence, we are up to date on what is new and can advise you to ensure that you are complaint and make the best purchasing decisions. With years of experience negotiating EA with Microsoft, we understand their negotiation position and can use that to optimize your agreement.  

Microsoft’s licensing terms are vast, and you can get lost trying to navigate all by yourself. We can serve as an independent adviser helping you identify what licenses you need, what options are available to purchase them at best, and how to use them to your optimal advantage.  

Contact the team today to get started towards a more efficient and beneficial EA experience.