Licensing_

Microsoft licenses for businesses typically work through a subscription model. You by purchasing a subscription to a Microsoft product, with multiple plans available to suit differing business needs.  

In most cases, licenses are charged per user, per month, though there are some exceptions. 

Once the subscription is purchased, the business admin creates user accounts and assigns licenses to each user. Each license allows the user to access the services and applications included in the subscription. 

As the business grows or changes, licenses can be reassigned to new users or additional licenses can be purchased to accommodate more employees. 

Some licenses also offer access to Microsoft services, like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. However, this can vary dependent on the subscription plan, so it is crucial to understand the ins and outs of your chosen plan. 

Yes, almost every Microsoft product needs a license. Some products offer 30-day free trials before you commit to a paid license, and some also have free plans. However, these tend to offer limited features. 

You only need a license for everyone in your business who will be a regular user of the software. Some products offer specific roles (such as admin roles) who do not require a full license too. 

If not everyone is going to be using your licenses regularly, you may be able to share licenses among a number of users. However, it’s crucial to plan this in a way that doesn’t affect accessibility for those who need the system or lower your ROI. 

We can help you plan and allocate your licenses based on your business needs. 

Not every business needs every feature included within a specific product. By offering multiple options, Microsoft has made licensing more flexible.  

Different licenses include different subscription methods, features and prices. You can therefore find one that suits you for greater cost efficiency. 

There are a few things we recommend considering when deciding which license to go for: 

1. Business needs – what features are essential or valuable to your organisation? How will the software be used? 
2. Scope – how many people need access within your organisation? Where are they based? 
3. Budget – how much can you afford to spend on licensing, considering total cost of ownership? 
4. Scalability – do you intend to grow usage over time? 
5. Deployment – how do you intend to deploy the solution, in line with your IT infrastructure? 

This guide explains these steps in more detail. By assessing them carefully, you can find a more cost-effective license. These are all considerations we make when supporting you during the licensing process.