Microsoft, as one of the world’s leading technology companies, offers a wide range of products and services designed to support organizations in achieving their goals and improving their workflows. However, with the multitude of bundles and packages Microsoft offers, it can be challenging for businesses to choose the right licenses that truly meet their needs. In this blog, we delve deeper into the importance of investigating the actual needs when it comes to Microsoft products and services to license effectively.
The allure of bundles
Microsoft is known for offering solutions in bundles, where various products and services are combined into one package. These bundles often appear attractive due to the promise of comprehensive functionality, integration, and potential discounts, but they can also lead to over-licensing and unnecessary costs. Many companies, for example, may only need a portion of the offered functionalities but are tempted to purchase a complete bundle package, including features they may never use.
The importance of needs analysis
It is therefore essential for organizations to conduct a thorough needs analysis before deciding which Microsoft licenses to purchase. This includes identifying the specific goals, workflows, and requirements of the organization, as well as determining which Microsoft products and services are truly necessary to achieve these goals. By mapping out these needs in advance, companies can avoid investing in redundant features and instead focus on solutions that truly add value.
Creating a roadmap
In addition to analyzing current needs, it is also important to take a forward-looking approach when licensing Microsoft products and services. This involves creating a roadmap that outlines expected growth, changes in business needs, and technological developments. By planning ahead, organizations can ensure they remain flexible and can easily scale as their needs change, without being tied down by unnecessary licenses.
Alternative to comprehensive bundles: Individual products and add-on licenses
In addition to opting for the most comprehensive bundles, companies can also choose to purchase individual products and, if necessary, add-on licenses to existing, less comprehensive bundles as a more flexible option. Certain Microsoft 365 solutions are not only available as bundles, but also as standalone products or as add-ons to existing, less comprehensive bundles. This enables organizations to add specific features or services to their existing licenses without paying for a fully comprehensive package. An example of an add-on license is the Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance and/or Microsoft 365 E5 Security module, which can be purchased as add-ons on top of a Microsoft 365 E3 suite.
It is crucial to map out all required functionalities to determine which solution best meets the needs of the customer. By conducting a thorough analysis of the required features and services, companies can make an informed decision when choosing between comprehensive bundles, individual products, or add-on licenses. This way, they can ensure they only invest in what is truly necessary, saving costs while meeting the specific requirements of their organization.
Conclusion
Effective licensing in a world of bundles requires a thorough analysis of the actual needs when it comes to Microsoft products and services. By conducting a comprehensive needs analysis beforehand and creating a forward-looking roadmap, organizations can avoid getting stuck in redundant features and unnecessary costs. This way, they can fully capitalize on the value that Microsoft products and services have to offer while remaining flexible to meet the changing demands of the modern business environment.
Want to learn more about effective licensing and how BeSharp Experts can help optimize your Microsoft licenses? Contact us now!