Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience (NCE) is a transformative initiative launched in 2022, aimed at simplifying the way customers purchase and manage licenses through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program. This change is designed to reduce complexity, offer cost savings for long-term commitments, and introduce additional features, making CSP a viable alternative to the longstanding Enterprise Agreement (EA). This article will delve into the nuances of NCE, its subscription options, and its impact on Microsoft 365 licenses.

Microsoft has announced significant changes in the purchase and management of licenses under the CSP Program. The introduction of NCE is set to impact how users purchase Microsoft 365 licenses, offering more flexibility and options to the customers. This initiative is not just about structural changes; it also brings a price increase for various licenses, effective from 1st March 2022, including Microsoft Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Office 365 E1, E3, and E5, and Microsoft 365 E3.

NCE introduces diverse subscription options, allowing customers to choose the one that best suits their needs. The Monthly Subscription offers flexibility to customers needing to make monthly changes to their Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses plans and seat count, albeit at a 20% price increase across all license plans. The 12-Month Subscription locks in the pricing for the entire term, offering protection against any price increases during that time. Lastly, the 36-Month Subscription introduces Multi-Year Pricing, enabling customers to secure 3-year pricing for longer-term licensing commitments.

The New Commerce Experience aims to provide substantial benefits to the users. It offers a 5% discount for annual Microsoft 365 commitments until the end of March 2022. This discount, coupled with the ability to lock in prices with the 12 and 36-month subscriptions, allows users to avoid price increases and benefit from additional cost savings. Moreover, NCE provides an opportunity for users to audit their current licenses, ensuring optimal utilization and avoiding unnecessary expenses on unused features or unneeded licenses.

As a Microsoft Partner, O’Brien Media is poised to assist users in navigating through the New Commerce Experience. They offer guidance to ensure users are leveraging licensing discounts available and getting the most from their licenses. They also provide license optimization reviews to advise on which licenses may warrant annual and monthly commitments to maximize savings.

Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience (NCE) is a revolutionary change in the way customers purchase and manage their licenses. It offers varied subscription options, providing flexibility, cost savings, and price lock benefits. By partnering with Microsoft experts like Everything Tech, users can navigate this new experience efficiently, ensuring they are maximizing their savings and utilizing their licenses effectively.

To understand more about how the New Commerce Experience can benefit your organization and to explore optimal license management strategies, get in touch with the expert team at O’Brien Media.