Thought Leadership
Microsoft is changing the pricing structure for online services in Enterprise Agreements. What the company advertises as a step towards greater transparency and consistency could cost corporate customers dearly.
Microsoft is moving the pricing model to the system already used for Azure: “This update builds on the consistent pricing model already in place for services like Azure and reflects our ongoing commitment to greater transparency and alignment across all purchasing channels,” the company explained.
What will change in concrete terms?
From November 2025, prices for online services such as Dynamics 365 and Windows 365 will be based on the list prices published on Microsoft.com, as stated on the website. This means that the previous volume discounts, from which larger customers in particular had benefited, will disappear.
The online services affected include products such as Dynamics 365 and Windows 365. The amount of the previous discounts depended heavily on the negotiated deal. In future, “pricing will be in line with the prices published on Microsoft.com”.
Microsoft argues that “this change reduces licensing complexity and allows partners to spend less time evaluating Microsoft pricing and programs and more time working with customers on their business needs.” With simplified and standardized pricing, partners could shift their focus to delivering unique services that drive growth for their customers.
Excluded are on-premises software and the price lists for US authorities and educational institutions worldwide.
