All articles and guides
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.
Microsoft's AI Strategy: The Impact on Partners
Microsoft’s updated AI strategy raises concerns: is it truly partner-focused or just another way for Microsoft to tighten its grip? Partners need to be wary and prioritize their own interests.
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.
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.
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.
Microsoft Budgets, Discounts, and investment in AI
Microsoft’s escalating cloud costs and aggressive pricing strategies raise concerns: Is the surge in Azure spending and AI investments truly benefiting enterprises, or just boosting Microsoft’s profits?
SPLA Price Increase Impacts Service Providers
We have a critical update concerning all service providers with SPLA agreements and their customers from January 2025. Plus, an analysis of this situation from our Chief Negotiation Officer, Daryl Ullman.
An expert guide to perfecting IaaS licensing
SPLA, CSP-Hosting, BYOL, Azure Stack HCI for Hosters: What is the right mix for IaaS that is cost-efficient and compliant at the same time? Available options and actionable advice from independent advisors.
Microsoft FY24 Financial Summary and FY25 Outlook
As Microsoft concludes its fiscal year 2024 (FY24), the company has once again demonstrated its strength across multiple business segments.
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?