Microsoft Licensing News

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Microsoft Teams Rooms Licensing Policy Enforcement Notice

WHEN: July 1, 2023

Meeting devices that are assigned a user license after July 1, 2023 will be blocked from signing in until a Teams Rooms license is assigned.

This is because user licenses aren't supported for use with meeting devices - Microsoft will begin enforcing this term on this date. User licenses that have been assigned to Teams Meeting devices need to be replaced by a Teams Rooms Basic or Teams Rooms Pro license prior to July 1, 2023.

Additionally, Microsoft Teams Shared Devices licenses aren't supported on and won't work with Teams Rooms devices. Teams Rooms devices should only be assigned Teams Rooms Basic or Teams Rooms Pro licenses.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Microsoft has revised and simplified the Azure Hybrid Use Rights

WHEN: April 1, 2023

On April 1, 2023, Microsoft revised their user rights for the Azure Hybrid Use Benefit. These changes 1) improve readability, and 2) simplify the rules for Windows Server. There is no longer a requirement that customers allocate licenses in packs of either and customers no longer need to allocate 16 licenses before they begin using AHB.

For clarity, there are no changes to the policy that the number of licenses required equals the number of virtual cores in the VM, subject to a minimum of eight licenses per VM.

There are no changes to the rules for SQL Server, the text has just been updated to improve readability.

You can review the current terms here: Microsoft Product Terms.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Microsoft has simplified the Windows Server Licensing Model for individual Virtual OSEs

WHEN: April 1, 2023

In alignment with the Azure Hybrid Benefit changes mentioned above, Microsoft has also changed the Windows Server licensing model, specific to customers who are licensing by individual Virtual OSE (this option was first announced last fall).

Microsoft is removing the “16-licenses per customer” requirement for Windows Server licenses when licensing by individual virtual OSE. There are no changes to the rule that the number of licenses required equals the number of virtual cores in the VM, subject to a minimum of eight licenses per VM. This change is being made for simplicity and alignment across Windows Server licensing models.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Universal Print print-jobs will be added to certain Microsoft 365 plans

WHEN: May 1, 2023

Microsoft will be including 100 Universal Print print-jobs in each Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license, effective May 1, 2023. The 100 print jobs per month that are attached to every license are automatically added to the organization’s pool and are available to all employees with an assigned Universal Print seat. The changes will automatically be applied, there is no need for customers to take any action to receive this benefit.

This benefit is only available in the Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 subscriptions. It is not available in Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Windows Enterprise E3, Universal Print (standalone), or any educational subscriptions.