Software Asset Management / Microsoft Enterprise Agreement “EA” Assist

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement “EA” Assist

Manage cost, control risks, improve strategic planning and minimise the effort associated with Microsoft license position management, timely Enterprise Agreement True Ups and Renewals.

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) Assist

Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement helps organisations to respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape by enabling access to the latest cloud services and on-premises software. Microsoft EAs help organisations to streamline licensing, access volume discounts and avail of additional support benefits.

Annually, organisations must complete a Microsoft EA True-up involving the acquisition of software licenses based on consumption in the previous 12 months. Without the necessary in-house expertise, governance and data-driven insights, there is a heightened risk of both financial waste and license non-compliance where Microsoft EAs are not tightly controlled.

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Management Challenges

  • Failure to effectively manage true up cycles resulting in poorly optimised procurement
  • Incorrectly managed licensing terms may result in unnecessary expenditure & non-compliance
  • Zero or flat annual true-up cycles can inadvertently create software license shortfalls
  • Reassignment of resources to manage timely EA true up cycles can impact operations
  • Poor forward planning can result in poorly executed procurement & loss of negotiation power
  • Heavy reliance on licensing reseller to provide advice that is most effective when impartial

Version 1 has observed the following common trends when assisting customers with Microsoft EA True-up and renewal cycles.

24%
Average Rate of Microsoft License Compliance Risk
81%
Rate of Risk Management
32%
Average EA Cost Savings Attained

Microsoft EA Assist™ Approach

Available as an on-demand or ongoing managed service, Version 1’s Microsoft EA Assist service is comprised of license advisory, baseline management and optimisation support.

Built upon the consultative experience and expertise of the Version 1 License Optimisation team, Microsoft EA Assist’s core purpose is to enable organisations to optimise Microsoft license procurement, reduce the complexity of Microsoft license management, prevent license compliance risks and support strategic planning, enabling optimum Microsoft EA lifecycle management.

As independent license experts, if your situation dictates the migration to or adoption of the Microsoft CSP program, we can advise and guide you through this process.

Microsoft EA Assist Delivery Elements

Contract Analysis
Understand current and future Microsoft contractual position. Verify license entitlement and technology guarantees.
License Position Development
Compare license entitlements to deployment and usage data. Identify imbalances and target optimisation opportunities.
Current and Future State Analysis
Confirm viability of license optimisation opportunities. Verify future state requirements and their associated licensing impact.
Negotiation Assistance
Develop right-sized true up and agreement renewal bill of materials. Negotiation strategy, formulation and assistance.


EA Lifecycle Management
Service can be delivered as a one-off project or ongoing management to maintain compliance & cost benefit on a continuous basis.
Find out more

Microsoft EA Assist Datasheet

Maximise the value from your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA). Version 1’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Assist service combines people, process, tools and the expertise of our Microsoft license consultants to enable optimum EA lifecycle management.

Microsoft datasheet
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Benefits of Microsoft EA Assist

Microsoft EA Assist enables organisations to maximise the value they attain from their Microsoft licensing agreement and as a result, can expect to realise the following benefits:

Cost Optimisation
Prevent Microsoft licensing waste and control cost
Reduce Risk
Reduce software license non-compliance risk
Strategic Planning
Support strategic planning and accurate software license forecasting
Effective Resourcing
Avoid the need to allocate internal resources to manage Microsoft licensing solutions
Improved Negotiations
Take control and optimise Microsoft negotiations
Strengthened Relationship
Strengthen your Microsoft relationship with proactive EA management

Webinar: Supporting your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Lifecycle

In this webinar, our Microsoft Licensing expert will take you through Microsoft Enterprise Agreements and the important lifecycle stages that require your action. You will gain an insight into some of the common pitfalls and opportunities that can arise and how to prepare for EA True-up, renewal and negotiation strategies.

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Why Version 1?

We will always put the customer first. We are technology agnostic, providing a modular plug & play approach to each set of unique customer requirements. We enable clients to make better, more informed decisions on their software estate; understand the options and make the right decision for you. Our priority is to give the best advice. Our Microsoft Software Asset Management "SAM" practice includes a seasoned team of professionals with a depth of Microsoft Licensing Optimisation and Software Asset Management experience.

Reduce Cost & Risk
  • Assessment
  • Advice
  • Procurement
Trusted Advisor
  • Independent
  • Tools Agnostic
  • Experience
Market Leading Expertise
  • Breadth & Scale
  • Technical Background
  • Ongoing Staff Education

Fireside Chat – The Importance of an Effective Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal

Renewing your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a ‘once in a three-year’ opportunity to maximise cost savings, drive adoption of new technology and manage risk. Effective planning for this activity is, therefore, essential. Version 1’s recent fireside chat between Jason Pepper, Head of SAM Practice and Karl O’Doherty, Senior Microsoft License Consultant aims to highlight some of the key actions and activities to consider as part of your Microsoft EA renewal planning.

Market Leading Services

Licence Audit Consulting
Designed to support organisations who are about to be audited or are in the process of being audited by a software vendor.
Our Audit Services
Cloud Licensing
Version 1 has been working in the cloud for over a decade equipping our SAM experts with both the knowledge and experience to achieve the benefits of cloud computing, removing ambiguity and delivering certainty on software license compliance.
Cloud Licensing
SAM Managed Services
Enables you to maximise and optimise the value you get from your spend. Ensuring that you have full control of your software license estate and giving confidence in your compliance position.
SAM Managed Services

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