Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Changes

Friday 15th July 2016

Microsoft have just announced that they are making a strategic change to the Enterprise Agreement (EA) program by raising the minimum commitment from 250 to 500 users or devices.Beginning on 1st July 2016, the minimum commitment for commercial customers signing new Enterprise Enrolments and Enterprise Subscription Enrolments will rise from 250 to 500 users and/or devices. Existing customers approaching renewal with fewer than 500 users and/or devices will be able to extend their current Enrolments for 36 months, in keeping with current program rules.

The Changes

  • The Enterprise Agreement (EA) program is being raised from 250 to 500 users or devices
  • This change will go into effect on 1st July 2016
  • It applies only to new commercial customers
  • Existing EA customers may renew their agreement for one 36-month term
  • This change affects both EA Perpetual and EA Subscription agreements

How does this change effect you?If you have a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) with between 250 and 500 users or devices, that expires before 1st July 2016, you now have two options:Option 1: Microsoft will allow you to either renew your EA normally for three more years plus an additional three-year extension for a total of six years (optional), or you have the option to migrate to a Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA)Option 2: As long as you have not already used your right to a one-time 36 month EA extension, you will have the option to extend your current EA for 36 months when it expires, or you have the option to migrate to a Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA)Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA)The MPSA offers a better solution tailored to the needs of smaller customers. The MPSA, with recent enhancements including Enterprise Cloud Suite (ECS) and multi-year subscriptions, provides a full hybrid solution:All the Cloud Services and Software You Need:

  • Buy Microsoft on-premises software and cloud services including Windows, SQL, Office 365, Azure and CRM Online
  • Upgrade cloud investments to a full per-user licensing model with suite discounts across Office 365 E3, Enterprise Mobility Suite and Windows SA Per User with Enterprise Cloud Suite (ECS)
  • Buy Azure application, data, and infrastructure services with no upfront monetary commitment in a true pay-as-you-go model
  • MPSA offers greater flexibility via one, two and three year durations (it will soon offer short term durations of between 1 to 11 months)

Fast, flexible purchasing:

  • Move quickly from agreement to use within hours
  • Easily add any number of users and cloud services at any time
  • Choose from multi-year subscription durations – or pay-as-you-go for Azure
  • Choose from flexible payment options, including upfront and annual

More value in a single agreement:

  • Optimized pricing by consolidating purchases in one simplified agreement
  • Benefit from price protection and budget predictability
  • Easily manage and track everything, including SA benefits – in one place

Next Steps

Please speak to your Bytes account manager or simply call 01372 418 500 to talk to a dedicated Microsoft licensing adviser who will provide guidance on the best Microsoft agreement for your business.


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