As a leading software provider, Microsoft offers Software Assurance - a side program that aims to provide organizations with added benefits and support for their software investments. In this article, we will dive into the pros and cons of Microsoft's Software Assurance which could help you decide whether your organization would benefit from Microsoft Software Assurance.
Pros of Software Assurance
Access to the Latest Software Versions
One significant advantage of Software Assurance is that you can stay up to date with the latest software versions, upgrades, and updates. This provides organizations with new features, security enhancements, and performance optimizations. Regular software updates help keep systems secure and improve the overall user experience.
Planning and Deployment Support
Software Assurance often includes access to valuable planning and deployment resources which can be beneficial for your company. Organizations can receive assistance in the deploying and managing of their software which reduces implementation risks and increases the optimization of the deployment processes. The support that comes with Microsoft Software Assurance is particularly helpful for organizations with complex IT environments.
Training and Skill Development
Other benefits of Software Assurance are the instructor-led trainings and e-learning courses available through training vouchers. With their help your employees can enhance their skills and knowledge of the software. This in turn would maximize its potential. Well-trained staff can increase productivity, optimize processes, and improve the overall proficiency within the organization.
Enhanced Technical Support
Software Assurance typically offers advanced technical support options which enables organizations to overcome issues and challenges more adequately. Dedicated support channels, priority access to support resources, and quicker response times can significantly minimize downtime and also ensure efficient problem resolution.
License Flexibility
With Software Assurance, organizations often gain license flexibility, for example, by running software in virtual environments or moving licenses between servers. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to changing IT infrastructures, optimize resource allocation, and reduce licensing complexities.
Learn more about Microsoft Office refurbished licenses here.
Cons of Software Assurance
Additional Cost
One of the primary drawbacks of Software Assurance is the added cost of the program. Organizations must carefully evaluate the benefits in comparison to the expenses to determine if purchasing Software Assurance aligns with their budget. Smaller businesses or those with limited IT budgets may find it challenging to justify the extra expense.
Limited Relevance
Software Assurance may not be equally relevant for all organizations. If an organization primarily uses software that is stable and requires infrequent updates, the benefits of Software Assurance usually do not outweigh the costs. Because of this, you should carefully consider the software you are using and the frequency of updates they receive.
Training Utilization
While Software Assurance includes training vouchers, the actual utilization of these resources can vary. If your employees are already well-versed in the software or if your organization lacks the time and resources to dedicate to training, the training benefits lose their value.
Support Dependency
While enhanced technical support is a benefit, organizations may become dependent on it. Relying heavily on technical support can hinder the development of in-house expertise and problem-solving capabilities. Striking a balance between utilizing support services and fostering internal knowledge is thus crucial for long-term sustainability.
Read more about whether do you need to use retail licenses or volume licenses.
Conclusion
While Microsoft's Software Assurance provides valuable benefits for many organizations, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as cost, software stability, training utilization, internal expertise, software usage, and alternative support options should be carefully considered before deciding to use Software Assurance. Each organization should evaluate its unique needs and circumstances to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs and if alternative support options can adequately meet its requirements. If you are not sure whether purchasing Microsoft Software Assurance makes sense, you can always send us an email or call us on +31 24 202 21 03.
Do you want to purchase Microsoft volume licenses at a more affordable price? Consider exploring the used licenses option. By opting for pre-owned Microsoft volume licenses, you can benefit from up to 70% lower prices than with new licenses. All this while still getting the same software and functionalities you need. You can check our collection of new and pre-owned Microsoft licenses here. You can request your personalized quotation here and we will be happy to assist you further.
<
Do you have questions? Contact us!
For more information about which Microsoft software and licenses are best for you, please contact us. We are available from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
