New Microsoft Agreement for Azure – What Are Your Options?

Did the hairs on your arms just stand up, or maybe you suddenly feel a headache coming on?

Yes, we hear you, “Another Microsoft Licensing change?!” We are here to help reduce the confusion – We guide you through the different options to purchase Azure.

On March 1st, Microsoft introduced a new Licensing agreement specifically for procuring Azure – Microsoft Customer Agreement, which has been created to replace the Azure only Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE) and Azure on your Desktop Enterprise Agreement.

Starting August 2019, you will no longer be able renew or to sign a new an Azure-only SCE's or add new Azure services to a current Desktop Enrollment.

• Perpetual contract that does not expire
• Completely Digital Agreement
• Used for Azure purchases in a pay-as-you-go model
• Direct Agreement with Microsoft
• Supported by Microsoft Inside Sales team

• Any customers who have procured Azure on an SCE without additional products will not be able to renew after August 1st, 2019
• Any customers with Azure on the Desktop Enterprise Agreement will not be able to add additional Azure products after August 1st, 2019
• New Azure Agreements; SCE and EA will not be available

If you are in one of the above agreements, Microsoft Inside Sales will be reaching out to you to discuss the Microsoft Customer Agreement.

The Microsoft Customer Agreement is supported by the Microsoft Inside Sales team. It is a direct agreement and does NOT include a partner. Currently, customers who opt for the new Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) will no longer have access to APIs to receive third-party governance, administration, advisory, tag and resource management, or managed security services. Partners will not have access to any of the Azure portals and therefore will be unable to support you regarding consumption, usage or technical difficulties. 

YES, you do! You are not required to sign an MCA. You can also consider the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program.

The Cloud Solution Provider Program offers a flexible purchasing option for Microsoft Cloud solutions - managed, supported and invoiced by SoftwareONE, your Cloud Solution Provider of choice.  We are able to support you with managing and monitoring consumption and usage, as well as technical support through managed service offerings.

We offer a wide range of consulting services and managed services to support our customers with their data center transformation. Authorized as an Azure Expert MSP by Microsoft, we underwent a thorough assessment with Microsoft to ensure that we are the right Azure partner for you. Reach out to your local point of contact at SoftwareONE to discuss your options, and your business needs.