Microsoft Licensing Optimization: A Smarter Way to Manage Subscriptions 

Introduction 

Since its release in 2011, Microsoft 365 has become an essential tool for businesses globally, but many organizations are not using it to its full potential. Without proper management, licenses go unused, plans become misaligned, and money leaks out.  

To derive value from your licensing, your IT strategy must include proactively managing your subscriptions, not just reacting once faced with budget pressures.  

In this article, we will analyze the costs associated with mismanaged Microsoft licensing and how partnering with a provider like Plow Networks can help businesses develop more effective subscription management plans. 

The Real Costs of Mismanaged Microsoft Licensing 

Why Optimization Is a Partnership Responsibility, Not a Client Burden 

Licensing needs should never fall on the client. These services are embedded into ongoing IT support and delivered by managed providers. A reliable IT partner proactively monitors licensing trends to ensure their clients are not overspending on defunct or inactive licenses. 

At Plow Networks, we incorporate optimization into our managed service delivery because we believe client outcomes should be shared objectives. We provide services to help businesses achieve goals related to cost control, compliance, performance, and more. 

Introducing TenantDetective^™️: Plow Networks’ Optimization Engine 

As a certified Microsoft CSP, we have helped numerous partners cut their subscription spending on M365 licenses. Our team of experts developed TenantDetective™️, a license optimization tool that provides data-driven insights from your Microsoft 365 tenant. 

TenantDetective™️ goes beyond generic audits. We deliver a clear report with specific, actionable recommendations to reduce licensing costs for your business based on historical usage. You receive a detailed breakdown of license assignments and a cost comparison of current versus recommended subscriptions.  

Furthermore, using our tool ensures your data is fully secure. You grant us read-only access to your M365 tenant, which is then disabled after 30 days. We understand the importance of cybersecurity and implement safe practices in everything we do.  

Our algorithm is based on real data with measurable benefits, not guesswork. We analyze and act to deliver real results.  

Business Outcomes from Proactive Licensing Optimization 

Optimization enables your business to grow and prosper for long-term success. What are some of the measurable values it creates? 

Immediate Cost Savings: After assessing your Microsoft tenant, your business will experience immediate cost savings from eliminating unused licenses and right-sizing employees with the licenses that match their needs. Businesses typically save 20-30% on monthly license costs by partnering with us, and some have achieved even greater results.  

Predictable Budget Planning: License optimization helps organizations eliminate unnecessary costs and subscribe to the right licensing plans that meet their exact needs. This leads to more accurate forecasting and predictable budgeting. 

Easier Compliance Alignment: Tracking software usage allows your IT team to ensure all users are compliant with industry regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR. You can align your subscription plans with compliance rules to limit certain users from accessing confidential information. 

Better IT Team Focus: Optimizing your Microsoft 365 licenses gives your IT team more time to focus on key business activities. Instead of manually tracking license usage, they can work on projects that enhance productivity and improve business operations.  

Scalable Licensing Strategy: Once you understand what licenses your team is using, you are better equipped for business growth and scalability. You can establish an effective strategy that adapts license usage based on headcount and growth to eliminate over-subscribing in the future. 

Conclusion 

When searching for a Microsoft CSP, you should prioritize a partner who listens to your concerns and wants to address your business goals. A licensing-aware IT partner will flag license waste before you do, removing unnecessary subscriptions from your plan.  

Your partner should also include usage patterns, risk flags, and opportunities in their monthly reporting to help your business succeed. With the right provider, licensing optimization is standard operating procedure, not an add-on.  

Ready to optimize your Microsoft environment? Contact Plow Networks for a licensing optimization review built into your ongoing IT support.