We are sharing important news regarding planned changes to the Microsoft program that may influence your organization’s IT budgeting and planning.

We’ve summarized below the changes that will impact Microsoft’s longstanding software donation program. We recognize that the planned changes may influence your IT budgeting. We are here to answer your questions and to help you understand options and resources to help you set or re-set plans.

How will the current Microsoft offer on ITConnexion change?

Any new perpetual Licensing (e.g. MS Office Pro and Standard, Server Standard and data Centre, Exchange Server, Server Device and User CALs, Desktop Windows Edition…) – after April 4 2022 these will no longer be available at the donation price but will move up to the charity pricing tier. ITConnexion can assist you in purchasing Charity Priced Licensing.

If you are using Azure-based services with the BYO licensing model – after Jan 2022 Software Assurance (SA) will no longer be available with licenses; you will need to budget SA renewals at the charity pricing tier. ITConnexion can assist you with budgeting and purchase of these licenses.

If you are using the Microsoft Office 365 platform – where you are using the  E1 (also known as E2) subscriptions are being discontinued but existing users can retain their subscriptions if they follow the usage guidelines (if you do not meet the guidelines for ongoing access you risks losing ALL those E1 (E2) subscriptions. The compliance guideline is effective immediately. The guidelines summarize that 85% of your donated subscriptions must be assigned AND in active use or they will ALL be removed – note that paid subscriptions are not affected.

If you are setting up a new o365 tenant you will not be able to access E1 (E2) subscriptions  – depending on your needs there are options for the newer ‘Microsoft 365’  subscription models as the ‘Office 365’ subscription model is retired. ITConnexion can assist you to secure the appropriate subscriptions.

What can ITConnexion do to help you?

We have been through many program changes as software delivery models have changed – from distributing floppy disks and CDs to supporting organizations as they transitioned to the cloud – and ITConnexion will continue to focus on supporting. As you identify new needs and advance your adoption of digital tools, we adapt our services. Please contact us for any further inquiries.

No matter where you are in your tech journey, we are here to support you.

ITConnexion Team.