Reflecting on the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2023 in Barcelona, we share insights from Wim Zuman, an experienced licensing specialist at BeSharp Experts and a speaker at the event. He, along with Discount-Licensing, presented on the possibilities of pre-owned licenses and the role of independent advice in the complex landscape of IT strategies and contract negotiations.
* Can you provide us with a general impression of the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2023 in Barcelona?
The Gartner IT Symposium in Barcelona was a fantastic experience, bringing together IT enthusiasts from around the world. It provided a unique opportunity to explore and discuss the latest technological trends and innovations.
What stood out to me was the explicit focus on efficiency, scalability, and new business models. Speakers and participants emphasized the need for organizations to streamline their operational processes, embrace scalability, and adapt to new business models reflecting the current market dynamics.
The conference also served as a platform to explore advanced technologies like generative AI, with an emphasis on predicting technological trends for the coming years. This focus underscored the crucial role of technology in shaping the direction for organizations and highlighted the need for continuous adaptation and innovation.
From my expertise as a licensing and contract specialist, it became clear that it’s increasingly important for companies to understand which software solutions are valuable and how to license these solutions. With the current pace of innovation, costs can escalate rapidly if these matters are not well-managed.
* You, together with Discount-Licensing, gave a presentation on the possibilities of pre-owned licenses. Can you briefly tell us about the key points discussed during the presentation?
Certainly, our presentation focused on the various possibilities of pre-owned licenses, both from the perspective of purchase and sale. We emphasized how organizations can effectively leverage surplus licenses and how deploying a pre-owned license scenario can be a powerful negotiation strategy for better prices and contract terms, especially in the context of cloud scenarios.
* What reactions or questions did you receive after the presentation? Were there specific insights or discussion points that stood out?
We received many positive reactions to the presentation, particularly regarding the insight that pre-owned licenses can not only save costs but also serve as a strategic instrument in negotiations. Some questions were directed towards the practical implementation and compliance aspects, sparking an engaging discussion.
* How do you think the discussed trends and insights at the symposium will influence the future of IT and business operations, especially in relation to your expertise?
The focus on digital operation combined with generative AI indicates that investments in IT will rapidly increase. In light of these developments, the role of independent advice remains crucial. As an independent advisor specializing in providing clear insights, especially in the realm of Microsoft licenses and contract negotiations, my goal is to guide organizations in anticipating and leveraging the latest technological shifts. Whether optimizing licenses within the latest trends or negotiating contracts with an eye on future developments, I assist organizations in adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving IT environment.
* As an independent licensing specialist, you are well-acquainted with Microsoft licenses. How do you see the role of independent advice specifically within the Microsoft ecosystem, and how can companies benefit from it?
Within the Microsoft ecosystem, I see the role of independent advice as essential. Companies can benefit by gaining clear insights into the complex world of Microsoft licenses and contract negotiations. My role as an advisor enables organizations to navigate their licenses strategically, with a focus on optimizing costs without compromising essential functionality. In a time of rapidly evolving technologies, independent advice serves as a valuable compass to help organizations navigate the challenges of licensing in the Microsoft ecosystem, allowing them to operate more flexibly and resiliently.
* What is the importance of independent advice, and do you have practical examples demonstrating its benefits for organizations you have advised?
The importance of independent advice is crucial for achieving the best prices and conditions, especially considering the complex interests often involved in license and contract negotiations. Many advisors in the market maintain partnerships with Microsoft and may have interests in license sales or the implementation of specific Microsoft solutions. Due to these external interests, their advice may be influenced, leading to a reduced focus on the best license solution. This often results in unnecessary high costs in the short and long term.
Discover the benefits of independent advice!
As an independent licensing specialist and experienced contract negotiator, BeSharp Experts stands out from most advisors in the market. Unlike others, we have no partnership with Microsoft and no interest in license sales.
Our specialization lies in optimizing Microsoft software investments. With over 15 years of experience in contract negotiations and software license optimization, our dedicated team’s mission is to help our clients extract maximum value from their Microsoft software investments.
Contact us today and discover how independent advice can play a crucial role in achieving your IT goals. Our expertise, your success!