Every large enterprise has a Microsoft renewal cycle. But not every enterprise has a Microsoft renewal strategy.
As the November 1 changes take effect and volume-based discounts disappear, the biggest risk isn’t the new pricing. It’s the number of organizations walking into renewals without defensible data.
Here’s why that matters and how to change it.
Data Is the New Discount
In the past, volume bought leverage. If your org was large enough, you could expect a custom discount, flexible terms, and a degree of breathing room.
That’s gone.
Microsoft is replacing discount negotiations with standardized pricing models. What’s left on the table is your usage intelligence and that’s what will now separate prepared enterprises from exposed ones.
Three Problems We’re Seeing Right Now
1. Outdated Forecasting Models
Many procurement teams are still using static spreadsheets or admin exports that don’t reflect dynamic usage trends, especially as AI workloads surge. Without understanding where your demand is going, you’re negotiating blind.
2. No Consumption-to-Contract Mapping
Knowing what licenses you hold is different from knowing how they’re being consumed. Enterprises often renew licenses that haven’t been used in months or fail to right-size based on departmental patterns.
3. Fragmented Stakeholder Planning
Finance, IT, and procurement often operate in silos. This results in missed optimization opportunities, reactive decisions, and a chaotic sprint to the finish line.
What a Data-Driven Renewal Looks Like
The most strategic EA renewals in 2025 are following a clear, data-first approach:
- Usage validated: License consumption is tied to real user activity — not assumptions.
- Forecasting aligned: Departments collaborate on expected growth, Copilot needs, and AI-ready licenses.
- Contract scenarios tested: CSP and MCA-E pricing models are simulated to find the most cost-effective path.
- Redundancies eliminated: Surplus workloads and dormant licenses are removed ahead of the renewal, not after.
- Leadership aligned: CIOs, CFOs, and vendor managers review the same data and make decisions based on business value.
This isn’t just better preparation. It’s smarter negotiation.
What Surveil Enables
Surveil helps you build a defensible, data-backed renewal strategy with:
- Real-time insights across Azure, Microsoft 365, and Copilot
- Active vs. entitled license usage breakdowns
- EA-to-CSP and MCA-E pricing scenario modeling
- Forecasting dashboards to align engineering, finance, and procurement
- Contract Center to simulate renewals and build Bills of Materials
The result: fewer surprises, better internal alignment, and a stronger position at the table.
The Next 30 Days Are Critical
⏰The clock is ticking. Once November 1 hits, pricing structures change and with them, the rules of engagement.
If you’re not planning with data, you’re planning to overpay.
Let Surveil help you walk into your next renewal fully informed, fully aligned, and fully in control.
✅ Take Control of Your Microsoft EA Renewal
Microsoft’s November 1st licensing change is just weeks away. Whether your renewal is near or months out, the window to build leverage is closing.
👉🏼 Book a Microsoft Licensing Readiness Session to:
- Uncover usage-based savings that can fund your transition
- Run EA-to-CSP scenarios using your real tenant data
- Navigate Microsoft’s new pricing model with confidence
- Get a clear action plan — no fluff, no pressure e
🎥 Not ready to talk yet? Watch our executive briefing on-demand: “Microsoft’s New Pricing Model: How to Respond with Precision, Not Panic” It’s a must-watch for CIOs, procurement, and finance leaders preparing for renewal.
📚 Still have questions? Visit our Microsoft Licensing FAQ Hub for answers to common EA and CSP transition concerns.