SAMexpert - Microsoft Licensing and FinOps on LinkedIn: The initial SPLA audit report is rarely accurate. Learn how to fight back… (2024)

With inflation still not fully under control and the fear of recession pretty much on the plate, the hunt for bottom-line savings is ongoing. We have a true gem for you today: reducing your public cloud spending. We will show you how to make a small investment and make it count within 30 days or less.#cloud #strategy #finops #samexpert https://zurl.co/nKho

Here’s how you can work with us to turn your Microsoft negotiation challenges into opportunities:1️⃣ Initial Discussion: Reach out for a conversation: message or book a call. We’ll talk about your specific needs and challenges, focusing on understanding your unique situation.2️⃣ Strategic Planning: Based on your needs, we’ll develop a tailored strategy. Our global insights on pricing and deep Microsoft licensing experience play a key role here.3️⃣ Proven Methodology: Utilising a verified, battle-proven methodology crafted from our combined experience in the field, we ensure that every step we take is grounded in expertise and a deep understanding of Microsoft negotiations.4️⃣ Active Support and Optimisation: We don’t just plan; we act. From optimising your Microsoft 365 subscriptions to cutting down Azure costs, we’re hands-on in implementing cost-effective solutions.5️⃣ Expert-Led Negotiations: Our Chief Negotiation Officer works directly with your team. With over 20 years of experience, we bring proven negotiation tactics to the table, putting you in a stronger position against Microsoft.6️⃣ Tangible Results: It’s all about the outcomes – from reducing costs to achieving a more favourable agreement, we aim for measurable benefits for your business. Moreover, we provide ROI guarantee, and can engage on a "no win – no fee" basis.Interested in making your next Microsoft negotiation a success? Let's talk. #microsoft #procurement #negotiations #samexpert

Did you know that Microsoft licenses for the "passive" SQL Servers are free of charge under certain conditions?It's an excellent example of how knowledge of Microsoft Licensing can positively affect your overall IT costs.For each licensed instance of Microsoft SQL Server with active Software Assurance, you can have up to two instances for free.Customers whom we helped optimise Microsoft SQL Server licenses save up to 25% of their SQL Server costs by utilising this, sometimes forgotten and overlooked, condition. And there are many more often unexplored ways to save costs on SQL Server.https://zurl.co/mcmG #procurement #management #strategy #samexpert

SPLA Audit Readiness: Top 10 Essentials1️⃣ Daily License Calculation: Implement precise daily SPLA license consumption calculations. You will need dedicated SPLA tools.2️⃣ Change Record Register: Maintain an accurate log of changes, including client onboarding, server and software deployments, configuration changes, BYOL events, and more.3️⃣ Timely SPLA Reporting: Ensure monthly SPLA reports are accurate and submitted on time. Late submissions may be attributed to the wrong month, and then they are unrecoverable.4️⃣ License Verification Management: License Verification Forms are no longer required, but you still need them for the period before October 2022. And if you are a CSP-Hoster, you have new validation requirements.5️⃣ Don't forget End-user License Terms: Include end-user license terms in all client contracts. It's a requirement!6️⃣ Conduct Regular Self-Audits: Implement routine self-audits to proactively identify and address compliance issues.7️⃣ Preserve Historical Data: Keep detailed historical records of SPLA usage and changes.8️⃣ Know Your SPLA Scope: Clearly define and document your SPLA environment's scope and exceptions.9️⃣ Seek Expert Advice: Consult with SPLA experts for complex issues and audit preparation. It's dangerous to walk alone.🔟 Internal Training: Educate your team on SPLA requirements and best practices. And then refresh it every year.Can you add your suggestions to this list?#Technology #Management #Strategy #samexpert

1

Join our next live Q&A on July 03🟠 Do you procure Microsoft Cloud and Licenses?🟠 Would you like to learn best practices and get unbiased advice from independent consultants?🟠 Please come and ask any questions you have.We usually cover:🟡 What's new in the world of Microsoft🟡 Optimal Cloud migration strategies🟡 Effective license and Cloud agreement renewal approaches🟡 Service Provider licensing🟡 Unified and Premier Support🟡 And much more!Who we are🟢 We are SAMexpert, a global independent Cloud economics and Enterprise licensing consultancy. 🟢 We are not Microsoft. We are not affiliated with Microsoft. We are not Microsoft partners. 🟢 We do not resell Microsoft software and services.

Join our next live Q&A🟠 Do you procure Microsoft Cloud and Licenses? 🟠 Would you like to learn best practices and get unbiased advice from independent consultants?🟠 Please come and ask any questions you have.We usually cover:🟡 What's new in the world of Microsoft🟡 Optimal Cloud migration strategies🟡 Effective license and Cloud agreement renewal approaches🟡 Service Provider licensing🟡 Unified and Premier Support🟡 And much more!

4

6 Comments

Traditional, physical, SQL Server clusters are so underrated when it comes to reducing costs and increasing efficiency!#strategy #management #microsoft #samexpert https://lnkd.in/dvaGg9QY

Here's the budget impact of removing Teams from Microsoft 365 worldwide.The first 5 plans in the table are mandatory for all new subscribers. If you had M365 before, you may renew your "with Teams" plan.Business and Frontline plans still offer a choice.EU/EEA have special EU/EEA plans with a very similar impact.#microsoft

3

When something important happens in the Microsoft Licensing and Cloud world, do you want to be one of the first to know about it?And not only that. As we are a consulting company and not a news agency, we always explain how it affects you, your business, and your budgets.You can always follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube, but nothing beats good old email. It does not succumb to social media algorithms "clever enough" to show you only what they want you to see.Subscribe here and never miss a bit: https://zcmp.eu/NsBb

2