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Have you ever wondered what it is Microsoft has been doing lately? If so, you're in the right place. We've carefully selected Microsoft's most significant updates over the last month, making sure you're always up to date.
As Microsoft eventually makes changes that directly impact your business, understanding the latest releases can give you a competitive edge.
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Microsoft Updates - [11/2024]
Flexible Billing and Price Updates
Introduction of monthly billing for annual subscriptions and price updates for select products.
- Date of Announcement: November 12, 2024
- Effective Dates:
- Monthly Billing for Copilot: December 1, 2024
- Standardized Billing Structure: April 1, 2025
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: All CSP Partners and Customers
Summary:
Microsoft is introducing a new monthly billing option for annual subscriptions of Microsoft 365 Copilot, priced 5% higher than the annual billing option. Additionally, starting April 1, 2025, pricing updates will standardize billing structures across various products.
Key Points:
- Monthly Billing Option: Provides flexibility with a 5% premium over annual billing.
- Standardized Pricing Updates: Adjustments to products like Microsoft Teams Phone and Power BI to reflect added value.
Next Steps:
- Inform Customers: Communicate the new billing options and pricing changes to clients.
- Review Subscriptions: Assess current subscriptions to determine the best billing options.
- Plan Renewals: Prepare for upcoming renewals considering the new pricing structures.
Microsoft Places is Now Available
Launch of Microsoft Places, an AI-powered solution for enhancing workplace flexibility and collaboration.
- Date of Announcement: November 19, 2024
- Effective Date: Immediate
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: CSP and LSP Partners
Summary:
Microsoft Places integrates with Microsoft 365 and Teams to facilitate workplace coordination and analytics. Core features are included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions; premium features require a Teams Premium license.
Key Points:
- AI-Powered Coordination: Facilitates in-person gatherings and spontaneous office interactions.
- Occupancy Insights: Provides data on workspace utilization for administrators.
- Integration with Microsoft Apps: Seamlessly works within Microsoft 365 and Teams environments.
Next Steps:
- Assess Licensing Needs: Determine if premium features are necessary and acquire Teams Premium licenses accordingly.
Enhanced Partner Benefits
New benefits and transitions for the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
- Date of Announcement: November 8, 2024
- Effective Date: January 22, 2025
- Workspace: Membership
- Impacted Audience: Partners enrolled in the AI Cloud Partner Program
Summary:
Microsoft is introducing over 20 new product licenses, including Microsoft Copilot, as part of the AI Cloud Partner Program. Legacy silver/gold benefits and the Microsoft Action Pack are transitioning to new offerings. AI assistants are available for membership-related queries.
Key Points:
- Expanded Product Access: Includes licenses for Microsoft Copilot and Defender for Endpoint.
- New Partner Benefit Packages: Offers comprehensive support and advisory services.
- AI Assistant Support: Provides instant answers to membership and renewal queries.
Next Steps:
- Review New Benefits: Assess the new offerings to align with business goals.
- Plan Transition: Prepare for the shift from legacy benefits to new packages.
- Utilize AI Assistants: Engage with AI assistants for guidance on membership transitions.
Source:
- https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/flexible-billing-for-microsoft-365-copilot-pricing-updates-for-annual-subscripti/4288536
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/places/places-overview
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2022/10/12/introducing-microsoft-places-turn-your-spaces-into-places/
- https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/partnership/partner-benefits-guide
