Microsoft: No more discounts in the Enterprise Agreement - now what?

From November 1, 2025, Microsoft will be changing its pricing structure - with noticeable consequences for many companies. The previous discount levels B to D in the Enterprise Agreement (EA) and in the Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) will no longer apply. Instead, uniform prices at level A will apply in future - this corresponds to the list price on Microsoft.com. What does this mean for your IT costs? And how can you counteract this with license management tools? We show you in figures.

What exactly is changing?

• All online services such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, Windows 365 and Co. will cost the same in future - regardless of company size or purchase volume.
• The new price regulation will apply to all renewals and new contracts from November 1, 2025.
• On-premises products such as SQL Server or Office (perpetual) are not affected by the change.
• Only US government agencies and educational institutions are currently exempt.

A calculation example for 10,000 employees

Let's assume your company with 10,000 employees has previously purchased Microsoft 365 at Level C price (e.g. 25 USD per person per month). From 1.11.2025, the Level A price will automatically apply (e.g. 28 USD).

This is what the additional charge looks like:

• 3 USD additional costs per person and month
• 30,000 USD per month
• 360,000 USD per year - with unchanged usage behavior

CAUTION: This increase arises without additional usage - only due to the change in the price structure.

Why is Microsoft doing this?

Microsoft wants to simplify pricing. By switching to a uniform pricing model, negotiations are to be reduced, processes standardized and prices made more transparent - also in comparison to Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) offers.

What you should do now

Prepare yourself in good time:

• Check contract terms
• Calculate the costs
• Compare CSP alternatives
• Talk to Microsoft or your partner early on

Because those who are prepared negotiate better - even if there are no longer any official discount levels.

License management will be crucial from 2026

When everyone pays the same price, efficiency becomes the biggest source of savings. Unused or incorrectly assigned licenses will cost you even more in the future.

➡️ Therefore: Track and optimize your license usage with an external tool.

With license management tools such as USU SaaS Management, you can keep track of

• actual usage
• license requirements
• Hidden costs

The tool helps you avoid unnecessary spending and save up to 30% on SaaS costs, compare license models and manage budgets transparently - especially in view of the changes from November 2025.

Conclusion

The abolition of discount levels is one of the biggest changes to the Microsoft license model in years. Use the time until the next contract renewal to plan ahead strategically - and make sure that you are not bearing any unnecessary license costs.

Talk to our experts - we will be happy to help you.