All articles and guides

How to negotiate an excellent Microsoft deal in 2025
Microsoft has effectively created a situation where organisations feel almost captive to their offerings. Alternatives are diminishing, and suppliers have little incentive to offer compelling discounts unless there’s a strong business case or a significant alternative presented.


Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is Finished. Or is it?
Regardless of your organisation’s size or location, now is the time to begin preparations for the end of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. It may not happen to your organisation in 2025, but considering current developments, it could happen sooner than expected.


FinOps Trends: Cloud Strategies and Optimization
FinOps Trends 2025: companies shift back to on-premises solutions, optimise cloud expenses, and adopt generative AI.


Microsoft SPLA Explained: Everything You Need to Know - 2025
What is SPLA, and how does it work? Benefits for providers and end-users. Hosting providers’ licensing options. SPLA audits and compliance.


SPLA Audit How-to Guide 2025
SPLA audits are inevitable, disruptive, and confusing. The results can be shocking if you are not prepared. Here’s how to pass a SPLA audit with flying colours.


TRUE or FALSE: The truth about Microsoft CSP 2025
There is quite a bit of biased and outdated advice about the Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner Program. Let’s cut through the noise and get you up to speed.


Cloud cost savings: where do you begin?
Use these 12 targeted questions to identify Azure cost-saving opportunities and improve budget control.


SQL Server with Azure Arc vs. SPLA
Microsoft Azure Arc is changing the game for SQL Server licensing, offering service providers new ways to meet their clients’ needs. With Azure Arc, clients can connect any SQL Server to Azure and take advantage of pay-as-you-go licensing for greater flexibility and cost savings.


Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Explained - 2025
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Guide for IT and procurement. Includes true-up, renewal, and negotiation advice from independent experts with 20+ years of experience.



Effective Microsoft MACC Negotiations in 2025
Due to AI investments and below-expected sales, Microsoft is tightening discounts and pushing margins. If you’re renewing Azure, prepare for tougher negotiations.



4 types of SPLA Compliance Audits by Microsoft
Microsoft may send you different “compliance verification” notices depending on your size, country, and position on their “target list”. Here is what they are.


Windows Server 2025 with Azure Arc Pay-as-you-Go
Although it is an excellent update that provides better customer choice in licensing Windows Server 2025, the Pay-as-you-Go option is so far unusable considering the current language in Microsoft Product Terms.
