Renewing Microsoft Enterprise Agreement in a recession

Times are tough for businesses right now. The current recession has caused a lot of companies to focus on cutting costs and limiting expenses. One area that can be a significant budget item for many companies is renewing their Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA).

It is especially true when you consider that digital transformation accelerated in the wake of the pandemic. On the other hand, cloud spending is predicted to take a significant hit in the coming months. IT is like a high-speed train that needs to slow down to avoid a crash.

Leverage your two-way relationship with Microsoft

As you may realise, your relationship with Microsoft is a two-way street. They provide you with software, services, and support, but you also give them valuable feedback and insights that help drive innovation and shape the future of technology.

When it comes to renewing your EA with Microsoft, it's essential to approach it strategically. Microsoft might be offering fewer discounts this time around due to the current economic climate and their own financial pressures. But it doesn't mean that you should hesitate to negotiate with them to get the best deal possible.

You can use the relationship you've built with Microsoft over the years to your advantage. Think outside of the box when you leverage it. There is more to it than procuring licenses and cloud services. For example, you could offer a case study for a Microsoft product or service or collaborate with them on a joint marketing campaign.

Have a dedicated team and begin early enough

Keep in mind that renewing your EA can be complex and time-consuming. That's why having a dedicated team that manages the process is crucial. They should be familiar with the terms and conditions of your EA, understand your digital transformation plans, and should be able to negotiate with Microsoft on your behalf.

That is why it is also vital to begin as early as possible. Microsoft never stops negotiating. Their new negotiation cycle starts right after you have renewed your EA. You do not have to do the same, but we recommend beginning renewal preparations at least twelve months ahead, which is even more critical in the current turbulent circumstances.

In conclusion, renewing an EA with Microsoft might be daunting in the current economy. Still, by leveraging your relationship with them, having a dedicated team and being ready to negotiate, you should be confident that you can get the most out of your EA renewal.