3 key business benefits of managing your Microsoft licensing

If you have used a computer in the last 30 years you have most likely used Windows or Microsoft Suite, and know that you need to have a license to use that. However when this is looked at from a larger scale or within a business context, it can become complex and a pain trying to keep track of the forms of Microsoft Licensing. But there are great business benefits to be had by properly managing your Microsoft Licensing.

If you would like to know what Microsoft Licensing is before we dive into its business benefits, you can do exactly that here.

Benefit 1: Properly managing Microsoft Licensing can help increase your margins

There is an understandable urge for simplicity sake to buy the same Microsoft Licenses and products to all users within your business, but in many cases this means that you are buying the licenses needed for your most powerful user and then you could have hundreds of other users who have no need for such extensive licensing.

By regularly assessing your Microsoft software use, future needs, and current license status; you can cut back unnecessary licenses if certain programs are not needed by users, or swap to a less extensive (and importantly less expensive) version of Microsoft 365 if the current version you are subscribed to is superfluous. There is often some confusion when it comes to software versions and what to keep and what to not, so one thing businesses could do is take the help of Office 365 consulting services. These are companies that provide management services for licensing software, optimizing your inventory according to your business’ needs, therefore scaling back on any potential unnecessary losses.

Benefit 2: If the complexity of your business requires it, you can now manage your Microsoft Licenses via a Cloud Solution Provider

If you would rather have someone external from your business work out your Microsoft Licensing needs, rather than having someone directly within your business in charge of Microsoft products or managing licenses, you can now outsource that role to a certified Cloud Solution Provider. A CSP is someone who has been certified by Microsoft and made an agreement with them to help companies with their licensing needs and also directly address any problems you have with the software. Even there are some IT providers who offer different services to audit and optimize Microsoft licensing. In this regard, an internet search using phrases like “IT assistance in my area” can connect you with reputable IT service providers specializing in Microsoft licensing solutions. These certified professionals can conduct thorough audits, ensure compliance, and properly manage your licensing needs.

Benefit 3: Microsoft Software Assurance can provide incredible value

Most users or businesses who purchase Microsoft’s Software Assurance service do it because it gives you access to a slew of free upgrades, but Software Assurance can grant you much more than just upgrades to the Microsoft software that you use. It’s services can include deployment planning, training vouchers that could be used by you personally or staff of yours, learning resources your staff could make use of, direct technical support from Microsoft, vMotion rights (allows someone to work on your businesses server, whilst being away from the office or from a device not directly connected to it), payment structuring,permission to create backup devices setup with the Microsoft products you use, and mobile working rights (which are more crucial than ever with work from home notices being a part of life currently).

If you would like to learn more about Microsoft licensing, and about the benefits beyond the ones listed in this article, you can do so here.