Staying ahead of Microsoft’s updates is essential for MSPs who want to ensure their customers’ success. With recent changes in pricing, licensing, product lifecycles, and more rolling out, here is a breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you:
Pricing and licensing adjustments
Let’s start with the pricing & licensing changes that could impact how you position and package services to your customers:
- Annual Microsoft 365 Plans Billed Monthly Are Increasing: Microsoft has raised prices for annual Microsoft 365 subscriptions paid monthly. Ensure you have a plan on how you’ll absorb, pass or enhance the value of your offerings – especially if renewals are coming up soon.
- Region-Specific Pricing Updates: If you have customers in the UK or Brazil, Microsoft’s price changes for its commercial cloud services could affect them. Proactively building a plan on how you manage these pricing updates means you and your customer are set-up for success.
- Direct Purchase Options for Copilot Licenses: Certain CSP customers now have the option to buy Microsoft Copilot licenses directly with a credit card. This could accelerate Copilot discussions with your customers.
Product lifecycle updates
Keeping customers on supported platforms crucial. Here are two lifecycle changes to watch:
- Exchange Server 2019 Is Entering Extended End of Support: By October, Exchange Server 2019 will move to its Extended End of Support phase. Now’s the time to discuss upgrade or migration plans with any customers still on the platform.
- OneDrive Accounts Will Be Archived After 90 Days Without a License: Starting in late January, specific OneDrive accounts unlicensed for more than 93 days and subject to a retention policy, retention period, or legal hold will be automatically archived with access restricted. Ensure you have a plan to manage your customers’ legacy data.
Exciting new features in Microsoft 365
Microsoft is always innovating, and the latest updates include:
- New Agents in Microsoft 365: SharePoint agents and other AI-powered capabilities are rolling out, offering even more ways for your customers to work smarter. Highlight these updates as you prepare your customers to take advantage of AI.
Let’s crush the Renewal Rush together
With so much shifting, this is the perfect time to focus on renewals and ensure your customers are ready for what’s next. Don’t let complacency lead to customer disengagement or open the door to competitors. With our Renewal Guide and To-Customer Campaign Assets, you’ll stay ahead and highlight key priorities like data protection to win customer trust and loyalty.Â
