April 9, 2024
Microsoft Licensing News
WHAT'S HAPPENING: How to prepare for Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft is bringing the power of next-generation AI to work: Microsoft 365 Copilot — your copilot for work. It combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data in the Microsoft Graph and the Microsoft 365 apps to turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.
Learn how to prepare for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
WHAT'S HAPPENING: New options for Windows Server 2012/R2 end of support
WHEN: October 10, 2023
As end of support for Windows Server 2012/R2 approaches, Microsoft has made a new option available for managing Extended Support Updates (ESU). For organizations who can’t modernize or migrate prior to the Windows Server 2012/R2 end of support date this October, Microsoft is announcing Extended Security Updates enabled by Azure Arc. With Azure Arc, organizations will be able to purchase and seamlessly deploy Extended Security Updates in on-premises or multicloud environments, right from the Azure portal. Extended Security Updates enabled by Azure Arc also gives more flexibility with a pay-as-you-go subscription model.
You can read more here: New options for Windows Server 2012/R2 end of support from Azure - Microsoft Windows Server Blog.
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Changes are being made to the Azure reservation exchange policy
WHEN: January 1, 2024
For compute reservations purchased on or after January 1, 2024, exchanges will be unavailable going forward. Affected are: Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances, Azure Dedicated Host reservations, and Azure App Services reservations.
Compute reservations purchased prior to January 1, 2024 will reserve the right to exchange one more time after the policy change goes into effect. Exchanges are changing only for the reservations explicitly mentioned. The policy change doesn't affect any other type of reservations.
WHAT'S HAPPENING: ClipChamp being added to commercial Microsoft 365 plans
WHEN: over the next few weeks
Microsoft is adding ClipChamp video creation & editing software to its commercial Microsoft 365 plans through the Targeted release program (previously only available for personal use). FAQs about this launch are available here: How to access Microsoft Clipchamp with your work account - Microsoft Support
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 available through Volume Licensing
WHEN: August 1st, 2023
In the past, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC has only been available through direct licensing from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that sell IoT devices. Microsoft will now be offering Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 through Volume Licensing starting August 1st.
This solution is designed for organizations that:
- Require the longer 10-year lifecycle of Windows 10 for devices specifically used in IoT scenarios.
- Do not purchase special devices that include the IoT LTSC license through OEMs
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Long View offering services to optimize your Microsoft 365 investments
WHEN: available now
Long View is now offering Optimize+ for Microsoft 365, a service that can help your organization make the most of your licensing investments. In this engagement, our Software Optimization Specialists will review your consumption data and current license position to create customized reporting and cost analysis. You’ll receive specific recommendations for licensing assignments and user profile management - allowing you to make informed, data-driven decisions when it comes to your Microsoft 365 licensing. Please enquire with your Long View account team for more information or contact us at [email protected].
