Microsoft
Migrating from a propriatary Microsoft based stack to open source Linux based
Migrating from Microsoft / Proprietary Desktop Stack to Open Source A technical deep dive into licensing, cost structure, usability, and risk when moving from a Windows + Microsoft 365–style stack to Linux and open source applications. 1. What this migration actually changes In most organizations, “Microsoft stack” on the desktop means Windows as the client…
Read MoreMicrosoft Ends Volume Discounts: Why the Change Matters for Licensing Strategy
On November 1, 2025, Microsoft is eliminating the longstanding volume-based “waterfall” discounts (Levels B–D) for Online Services under Enterprise Agreements (EA), MPSA, and OSPA. All customers will pay Level A list pricing for services like Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and more, drastically reducing the value of bulk licensing. This pivot has big implications for budgeting, cloud adoption, and…
Read MoreThe UK public-sector bet on Microsoft
In 2025 the UK government signed SPA24, a five-year Strategic Partnership Agreement that effectively commits public sector organisations to spend about £1.9B per year on Microsoft products and services. Over five years, that adds up to nearly £9B. That kind of spending demands real accountability and a fresh look at whether Microsoft is the right…
Read MoreMicrosoft’s Pricing Changes for Online Services: What You Need to Know
On August 12, 2025, Microsoft unveiled a significant change to its pricing model for Online Services under volume licensing agreements, including Enterprise Agreement (EA), Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA), and China’s Online Services Premium Agreement (OSPA). Beginning November 1, 2025, Microsoft will apply a single, standardized price, matching the publicly listed price on Microsoft.com,…
Read MoreWest Northamptonshire Council’s Saves £1 Million on Microsoft in Post-Merger License Consolidation
In an era of tightening public sector budgets, a £1 million saving is a significant victory for taxpayers. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has achieved just that, securing approximately $1.25 million USD in savings through a renewed and consolidated software licensing agreement with Microsoft.¹ This achievement is more than just a successful negotiation; it is a…
Read MoreA New Deal for Europe: Microsoft Unveils Consumption-Based Licensing for Windows Server
Microsoft has announced a significant change to its licensing model for Windows Server in Europe, introducing a new “Cloud-Optimized” option that allows local cloud providers to offer the ubiquitous operating system on a pay-as-you-go basis.² This move, which directly addresses long-standing complaints of anti-competitive behavior, is a major concession aimed at leveling the playing field…
Read MoreA Final Reprieve: Microsoft Announces Paid Extended Security Updates for Exchange and Skype Servers
Microsoft has officially announced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a six-month window of continued security patches beyond the products’ end-of-support date. The move is a direct response to customer feedback, providing a crucial, albeit temporary, lifeline for organizations that are in the process of migrating but…
Read MoreMicrosoft’s Concessions to European Cloud Providers: A Stalling Tactic or a Step to Fair Competition?
A recent agreement between Microsoft and Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE) has brought a new chapter to the long-running saga of antitrust scrutiny faced by the software giant in the region.[2] After a formal complaint was filed in November 2022, Microsoft has offered a series of concessions aimed at appeasing European cloud providers…
Read MoreDay of Reckoning for the Channel: Microsoft’s ‘Great Squeeze’ Hits, Forcing Industry-Wide Reinvention
The theoretical impact of Microsoft’s strategic overhaul of its Enterprise Agreement (EA) program has finally materialized with brutal clarity. In a stark announcement, London-listed Bytes Technology Group (BTG) revealed its profits are being hit hard, causing its shares to plummet by more than 25%.¹ While the company cited a “challenging macroeconomic environment” leading to deferred…
Read MoreMicrosoft System Center 2022 vs 2025: Features, Licensing, and Pricing Comparison
Microsoft System Center 2025 represents a significant evolution in datacenter management, building upon the solid foundation established by System Center 2022 while introducing enhanced security, modernization capabilities, and Azure integration features. Released on November 6, 2024, System Center 2025 delivers infrastructure modernization and enhanced security to help organizations manage complex IT environments more effectively [1].…
Read MoreMicrosoft SQL Server 2022 vs 2025: Features, Licensing, and Pricing Comparison
Microsoft’s SQL Server 2025 represents a transformative leap in database technology, positioning itself as the premier AI-ready enterprise database platform. With groundbreaking vector data types, enhanced cloud integration, and substantial performance improvements, SQL Server 2025 builds upon the solid foundation established by SQL Server 2022 while introducing capabilities that enable modern AI-powered applications [1]. This…
Read MoreWindows Server 2022 vs 2025: Features, Licensing, and Pricing Comparison
Windows Server 2022 vs 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison of Features, Licensing, and Pricing Microsoft’s Windows Server 2025 introduces significant enhancements over Windows Server 2022, with modernized features, enhanced security, and updated pricing structures. This comparison examines the key differences to help organizations make informed infrastructure decisions. New Features in Windows Server 2025 Windows Server 2025…
Read MoreMicrosoft’s D365 F&SCM License Enforcement Deadline: 1 November 2025
The countdown has begun for one of the most significant changes in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management (F&SCM) licensing history. Beginning November 1, 2025, Microsoft will enforce strict license compliance across all D365 F&SCM applications, marking the end of the “honor system” that has allowed organizations to operate with more users than…
Read MoreDenmark’s Digital Declaration of Independence: A Growing European Revolt Against Big Tech Dependency
In a move that signals a seismic shift in how European governments approach digital infrastructure, Denmark has announced its intention to phase out Microsoft Office and Windows in favor of LibreOffice and Linux across its public sector. This decision, announced by Denmark’s Minister of Digitalization Caroline Stage in June 2025, represents far more than a…
Read MoreMicrosoft Faces Multibillion-Pound Legal Challenge Over Software Licensing Practices
Microsoft Corporation, the world’s largest software company, is confronting one of the most significant legal challenges in its recent history as a multibillion-pound class action lawsuit has been filed against the tech giant in the United Kingdom. The case, which could potentially affect millions of UK consumers, businesses, and public bodies, centers on allegations that…
Read MoreMicrosoft Windows Server 2025 Licensing Guide
This comprehensive guide is designed to help IT professionals, system administrators, and procurement specialists understand the licensing model for Windows Server 2025. Proper licensing is essential for compliance, cost optimization, and ensuring your organization has the right capabilities to meet its business needs. Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft’s cloud-ready operating system that enables organizations to…
Read MoreMicrosoft System Center 2025 Licensing Guide
Microsoft System Center 2025 represents the latest evolution in Microsoft’s comprehensive datacenter management solution. It provides organizations with powerful tools for monitoring, automating, and provisioning their software-defined datacenter infrastructure. The solution enhances productivity and security through seamless integration with Azure security, backup, and log analytics tools. System Center 2025 continues Microsoft’s commitment to providing robust…
Read MoreIs Microsoft’s Licensing Model Fueling Security Risks?
Microsoft’s recent security issue, aptly dubbed “BadSuccessor”, highlights deeper concerns within the software giant’s approach—not just to security, but to licensing and market dominance as well. Specifically, the exploitation of default Managed Service Accounts (dMSA) to escalate privileges within Active Directory underscores a broader issue: how Microsoft’s licensing and product strategy can inadvertently introduce significant security…
Read MoreMicrosoft’s EU Antitrust Case Nears Resolution: EU Commission seeks feedback on remedy proposals
The European Commission (EC) is currently evaluating public feedback on Microsoft’s proposed commitments to address antitrust concerns related to the bundling of its Teams collaboration tool with Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites. This development follows a formal investigation initiated in July 2023, prompted by complaints from Slack Technologies and Alfaview GmbH, alleging that Microsoft’s…
Read MoreMicrosoft Faces Major UK Class Action Over Software Licensing Practices
Microsoft is under legal scrutiny in the UK, facing one of the country’s largest class action lawsuits concerning its software licensing strategies. The lawsuit alleges that Microsoft has abused its market dominance by imposing restrictive licensing practices, leading to inflated prices for consumers and businesses. Allegations of Market Abuse The core of the lawsuit centers…
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