Microsoft Licence & Contract Optimisation
Get a Better Microsoft Deal. Every Time.
Microsoft is often your largest or second-largest software cost. We give you the expertise, benchmarking data, and commercial strategy to optimise that spend - at renewal, during True-Up, and throughout the full agreement term.
The Challenge
Microsoft Renewals Are Getting Harder and More Expensive
Microsoft increases its prices regularly and systematically. Enterprise Agreement renewals, True-Up events, and cloud commitment decisions all carry significant financial consequences, and Microsoft's commercial teams are highly experienced at maximising revenue at every touchpoint.
Most organisations approach these conversations without equivalent preparation. They lack current benchmarking data, do not have a fully accurate licence position, and do not know where the genuine negotiation leverage points are. The result is a renewal that costs more than it should, with terms that favour the vendor.
- Microsoft EA renewals bring significant price increases every cycle
- True-Up events arrive without a clear, optimised server licence position
- Cloud and on-premises licence boundaries are increasingly complex
- M365 and Dynamics 365 usage is poorly tracked, leading to over-licensing
- Negotiation happens without current discount benchmarks or concession data
- Internal teams lack the bandwidth to prepare a full commercial strategy
Our Microsoft Services
Expert Microsoft Services Across Compliance, Optimisation, and Commercial Strategy
Commercial Health Check
A rapid assessment of your current Microsoft deal and licence position. We benchmark your pricing against current market data, identify opportunities for improvement, and give you the knowledge needed to approach your next negotiation with confidence.
Optimised Licensing & Contracts
Strategic advice and negotiation support across your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and associated enrolments. We build an optimised bill of materials, develop your negotiation strategy, and support you through the full renewal process to achieve the best possible pricing, terms, and flexibility.
M365 Strategy Planning
A structured workshop and cost modelling engagement covering your Microsoft 365 estate. We profile your user base, model licensing scenarios, and identify where consolidation, right-sizing, or tier adjustments can reduce cost without impacting productivity.
Continuous Optimisation
Ongoing licence consultancy throughout the full term of your Microsoft agreement. We monitor your consumption, track product and licensing changes, and ensure your position remains optimised between renewals — so you are never caught unprepared at True-Up or renewal time.
True-Up Support
Expert support for your Microsoft True-Up event, focused on server infrastructure licensing. We analyse your deployment, identify optimisation opportunities, and produce an accurate, optimised True-Up report — reducing your exposure and ensuring you pay only for what you genuinely need.
Dynamics 365 Optimisation
Strategy planning and cost modelling for your Dynamics 365 estate. We profile your user base, review current licence assignments, and model future scenarios to ensure your Dynamics investment is structured correctly for your business needs.
Client Results
What Expert Microsoft Optimisation Delivers
$19.9M Immediate Saving on Microsoft Server & Cloud Renewal
The client faced a $23M cost increase on its Microsoft Windows Server and System Center enterprise agreements. Through infrastructure analysis, strategy sessions, and licence negotiation, we delivered immediate savings and long-term cost avoidance.
$500K+ Saved on Microsoft EA and SCEA Renewal
The client needed to verify the best possible deal during the renewal of its Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Server and Cloud Enrolment Agreement. We provided pertinent benchmarking data and consultation throughout the renegotiation process.
$22M Cost Avoidance in a Single Microsoft True-Up
The client faced a high-stakes Microsoft True-Up event. Insight's licensing expertise and server infrastructure analysis turned a potentially costly obligation into a $22M cost avoidance outcome.
Why Insight
Microsoft Specialists. Commercial Realists
Knowing Microsoft's licensing models is necessary but not sufficient. What makes the difference in a negotiation is knowing what Microsoft will concede, under what circumstances, and how to structure the commercial conversation to achieve it.
Our Microsoft specialists have supported hundreds of enterprise renewal and negotiation engagements. We bring current benchmarking data, detailed knowledge of Microsoft's commercial playbook, and the experience to identify where leverage exists and how to use it effectively.
We know what Microsoft will concede
Current benchmarking data and concession models drawn from hundreds of Microsoft engagements inform every negotiation strategy we build.
We model every scenario before you negotiate
Before any renewal conversation begins, we model your licence position, cost scenarios, and negotiation options so you enter every discussion fully prepared.
We stay with you throughout the agreement term
Our continuous optimisation service means your Microsoft position is actively managed between renewals, not just at the point of renewal pressure.
We protect your Microsoft relationship
Our approach is data-driven and professionally managed achieving the best possible outcome whilst preserving the commercial partnership your organisation depends on.
Azure Cost Optimisation
Managing Microsoft Azure Costs?
Microsoft Azure cost optimisation requires a different discipline, one that combines licensing expertise with FinOps principles and continuous cloud financial governance. Our FinOps and AI Cost Management service covers Azure Hybrid Use, Reservations, Savings Plans, and Dev/Test optimisation in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions About Microsoft Licence Optimisation, Answered
Let's Talk
Ready to optimise your Microsoft spend?
Whether you are approaching a Microsoft EA renewal, managing a True-Up event, or looking to reduce your M365 or Dynamics 365 costs, we are ready to help. One of our Microsoft licensing specialists will review your submission and be in touch within one business day.
- Clients have achieved savings from $500K on mid-market renewals to $104.5M on large enterprise agreements.
- Health checks typically completed within 2–3 weeks - immediate, actionable intelligence.
- Engage 6–12 months before renewal for the strongest negotiating position.