We optimize Microsoft 365 licensing for a better fit at the lowest cost.

What is Microsoft 365 licensing optimization?

Microsoft 365 licensing optimization is the practice of reviewing an organization’s M365 subscriptions to make sure they pay for what they need and use, nothing more. It typically involves comparing M365 licensing options, identifying unused or duplicate licenses, right-sizing license tiers, and aligning renewal terms and purchasing channels for the best pricing. Done well, it can cut M365 costs by 15–60% while ensuring users still have the security and productivity features their roles require.

How much can companies save by optimizing their Microsoft 365 licenses?

Companies typically save 15-60% off their current Microsoft 365 licensing cost after going through the optimization process. The exact amount will depend on many factors, such as:

1. The features and apps you need
2. The features and apps you have today
3. The number of licenses you have
4. The number of users who need a license
5. Your security requirements
6. Your compliance requirements
7. Your AI requirements

Can we optimize our Microsoft 365 licensing without hiring a consultancy?

Yes, with a caveat. Some of the information required to optimize M365 licensing is open-source and freely available on the internet. What makes it challenging is the sheer complexity of Microsoft’s catalog and the fact that there may be a gap between updates to Microsoft’s catalog and the publication of those updates. If your internal team has the bandwidth to understand Microsoft’s catalog fully, and if you have access to the latest catalog updates, then yes, you may be able to optimize your licensing in-house. Keep in mind that Microsoft offers 2,000+ different service plans, and there are multiple ways to arrive at similar packages with different combinations of base licensing plus add-ons. 

For companies that don’t want to take on that complexity, a consultancy can help. A Microsoft 365 licensing expert brings a wealth of experience to the table as well as visibility into Microsoft’s latest catalog changes. A consultancy also comes with deep expertise in different license tiers, SKUs, and packages, meaning they can help you arrive at the combination you need for the lowest possible cost.