Articles on Azure

Microsoft has more practice at large Azure negotiations than most buyers. This guide explains how to estimate consumption accurately, structure the MACC, stack Hybrid Benefit, RIs and ACDs, and factor in Unified Support over a 3-5 year planning horizon.

Microsoft Entra ID faces simultaneous antitrust probes in the US, EU, and UK, as regulators scrutinise its bundling with Microsoft 365, market dominance in identity management, and systemic security risks.

Use these 12 targeted questions to identify Azure cost-saving opportunities and improve budget control.

Microsoft allows you to commit to certain workloads for a period of 1 or 3 years in exchange for a rebate. Let’s focus on Reserved Instances for Compute.

According to Product Terms, Azure support plans procured via an Enterprise Agreement Enrollment or a Server and Cloud Enrollment are now “Reduction eligible”.

Do you need to license Remote Desktop Services CALs in Azure? It can be pretty confusing, so let us explain it as simply as possible.

Microsoft unveiled seven of its own MAI frontier models at Build 2026 while keeping its OpenAI partnership — and its stakes in both OpenAI and Anthropic. The move reads less as a break than a hedge: build in-house intelligence while still selling rivals’ models on Azure.

Moving to Azure doesn’t eliminate Microsoft licensing. It often increases it. vCPU inflation, limited BYOL scenarios, and Azure-specific restrictions mean you may need more licences in the cloud than on-premises. Where costs hide and how to reduce them.

Microsoft is shifting away from traditional Enterprise Agreements. This guide compares EA vs. MCA‑E, highlights risks, and outlines strategic actions for 2025 and beyond.

In 2025, enterprise IT splits into two camps: those embracing Microsoft’s integrated platform and those chasing flexibility through best-of-breed strategies. The winning path? It depends entirely on your organisation’s capabilities.

Microsoft’s strong Q3 FY25 results mask deeper challenges for customers—from mandatory CoPilot bundling and declining MACC discounts to a sales shift favoring AI, Security, and partner-led deals.

Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) requires organisations to commit to a fixed Azure spend, offering discounts but imposing penalties if targets aren’t met. Terms depend on the agreement’s active or renewed status.