Microsoft Licensing & Vendor Audit FAQs

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Achieving cost reduction and control over your software estate is complex, particularly with the added complexity of licensing Microsoft in the Cloud. We answer our customers' FAQs about Microsoft License Compliance.

Microsoft Licensing FAQs

1. Our Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is due to expire, but we are unsure of what, or if, we should renew?

Version 1 has Microsoft License Consultants with extensive experience that have worked with multi-vertical customers to understand their current Microsoft estate, future plans and Microsoft roadmap, navigating complex Product and Licensing Terms, and assisting in negotiation to ensure the most optimum licensing solution for customers.

2. Our SQL Server estate is a mix of physical servers and virtual workloads, running different versions and editions. We’ve bought SQL licenses over the years, but we are unsure if we are licensed correctly?

With so many changes to SQL Server licensing, it is difficult for customers to keep up with licensing terms and conditions. Version 1’s experienced Microsoft License Consultants can help customers through applying SQL Product and Program Licensing rules to validate usage within given licensing terms and conditions, and provide guidance for SQL license optimisation.

3. We’ve invested in Office 365 User Licenses, surely that resolves any compliance issues we may have had?

While Microsoft Online Services have given greater flexibility to customers, more complex Software Asset Management issues may arise such as understanding user software services consumption and requirements. Version 1 helps customers to profile and understand end-user requirements to effectively avoid being over-sold and over-licensing users.

4. Microsoft licensing changes all the time. We’re about to embark on a new deployment/upgrade and we would like to get independent advice on how we should be licensed?

Version 1’s Microsoft License Consultants are MCP accredited licensing specialists with years of customer license advisory experience between them, and it’s their mission to ensure that customer’s receive best-in-class license advice with no ulterior motive to resell software.

5. Our organisation has invested in an inventory tool but we’re unsure of the data we receive and how to analyse it correctly?

Version 1’s Microsoft License Consultants have worked with a myriad of inventory asset tools and can work with customers to obtain asset inventory metrics key for SAM analysis.

6. We have received a letter from Microsoft asking us to take part in a Software Asset Management review, we want to engage in the process but we are concerned about the financial and operational impact of the engagement.

In advance of any vendor led license audit type activity we recommend that organisations conduct an internal review of their license position or leverage the services of an independent 3^rd party to complete this validation

7. Our organisation completed a license review / audit with Microsoft in the last 18 months, can we expect a repeat of this process in the coming years?

On average we have found that customers are engaged by Microsoft to complete an audit of SAM review every 24 to 36 months.

8. What are the risks of not having a Microsoft SAM program? / Why should we have a Microsoft SAM program?

Key risks of not having a SAM Program can be any combination, or all of legal, financial and security risks to an organisations reputation and business operations. The benefits of having a SAM program help implement efficiencies and security around processes and technologies as well as cost optimisations.

Adopting the correct approach and methodology will help you realise value for money and reduce the risk of non-compliance. From Version 1’s experience, we would consider the above FAQs about Software Asset Management as typical Microsoft Licensing issues. Talk to Version 1 about what SAM Program risks and benefits could mean for your business.

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Microsoft Licensing FAQs - Enterprise Software Asset Management

Achieving cost reduction and control over your software estate is complex, particularly with the added complexity of licensing Microsoft in the Cloud. We answer our customers' FAQs about Microsoft License Compliance.

Microsoft Licensing FAQs

Talk to the Sam Experts