We are SAMexpert
Since 2003, when we started our journey, management of costs related to Microsoft Cloud and licenses has exploded in complexity.
We provide you with independent, knowledgeable, no-nonsense advice and negotiation services.
We help you reduce costs, improve ROI, and mitigate non-compliance risks and audit fees.
Success Stories:
European SaaS Provider
An EU SaaS provider faced a complex Microsoft SPLA audit. Challenges included unclear scope encompassing the company's own SaaS applications, hosting, and internal use, coupled with reliance on in-house SPLA reporting scripts. The situation was further complicated by sensitive data, an unrealistic auditor project plan, and excessive assumptions stemming from misinterpreted data. The company addressed this by taking control of the audit flow and plan, accurately classifying services to reduce scope, and uncovering evidence to support its position, resulting in an 80% penalty reduction from the initial report, and an amicable commercial resolution.
Tech Industry
A Tech Industry company faced the expiration of a 5-year EA with unique terms. Their entire digital transformation relied on Azure, yet lacked a long-term spending plan. The solution involved a new 3+2 year contract, rolling over pre-negotiated terms and adding two M365 profiles to control costs. Discounts remained unchanged, and a new Azure contract was signed with a double-digit discount and monetary benefits. This avoided renegotiating favourable terms, incorporated best-practice clauses, and facilitated an Azure contract delivering over $15M in cost savings and benefits.
Financial Services
A Financial Services company needed to address complexities during its EA & Unified Support renewal due to multiple large acquisitions that had occurred over time, leading to increased Unified Support costs. To address this, they consolidated their contract globally and moved the signing entity from Europe to the USA. This strategic shift allowed them to negotiate improved pricing and Unified Support metrics. The result was centralised contract management, better terms for handling future acquisitions, and a substantial £9.5M in bottom-line savings.
Consumer Goods
A Consumer Goods company faced challenges during their Enterprise Agreement renewal, including decreasing discounts and the limitations of a single Microsoft 365 profile for diverse employee needs. SAMexpert's team helped the client implement customised M365 profiles, successfully maintaining discounts consistent with their previous agreement. This solution resulted in a significant $6M bottom-line savings compared to Microsoft's "best offer".
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Featured articles:
A SAM Veteran's Guide to Microsoft Audit Readiness
Microsoft audits are an unwelcome reality for service providers in the hosting, data centre, and SaaS space. However, with the right approach, these audits can be successfully managed and potentially even prevented altogether.
Microsoft Kicks Off Its FY25 Plans with a Push to MCA-E
Microsoft is accelerating the migration of Enterprise Agreement customers to the new MCA-E contracts, primarily focusing on Azure consumption agreements. While generally beneficial for end customers, this shift raises some concerns that must be addressed.
Is the CrowdStrike Outage a Turning Point in the Competition with Microsoft?
CrowdStrike’s mistake could be Microsoft’s gain. Will Microsoft capitalize on the shifting landscape? Is your enterprise cybersecurity strategy going to change?
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