An evidenced Microsoft Effective License Position
A Microsoft license compliance service controls the two things that drive Microsoft cost: true-ups and over-licensing. Microsoft estates accumulate E5 where E3 would do, SQL Server cores that aren't running, and Windows Server licensing that doesn't match the hardware. We reconcile EA and CSP entitlements to actual deployment so SAM engagements are routine and renewals are right-sized.
Compliance is one part of our wider Microsoft licensing practice. A clean position is also your strongest hand in Microsoft negotiation and your best protection in Microsoft audit defense.
What We Reconcile
- Entitlements mapped to real, measured deployment
- Over-licensing reharvested and reclaimed
- Genuine gaps closed the lowest-cost way
- A defensible position before every renewal and audit
- Continuous monitoring so the position never drifts
Where Microsoft compliance breaks
Four areas drive most Microsoft exposure. Each is found and fixed before it becomes a claim.
M365 right-sizing
E5 assigned by default inflates cost. We map personas to E3, F3, and targeted add-ons so each user has the cheapest sufficient plan.
SQL & Windows Server
Core-based licensing is the most common over-deployment. We reconcile cores, editions, and CALs against running workloads.
EA true-ups
Annual true-ups lock in temporary growth. We govern provisioning so true-ups reflect real, durable need.
CSP & SCCM data
Inventory data drives the position. We validate SCCM/Intune signals so the compliance picture is accurate, not assumed.
How our Microsoft compliance service works
1. Baseline ELP
We reconcile Microsoft EA and CSP entitlements against deployment data to produce a defensible Effective License Position.
2. Remediate
We re-tier M365 plans, right-size SQL and Windows, and close genuine gaps before true-up or SAM review.
3. Monitor
We govern license assignment so true-up exposure and over-licensing stay controlled.
Retailer removes $2.8M of Microsoft over-licensing before true-up
A persona reconciliation found blanket E5 across frontline staff who needed F3, and SQL Server cores licensed for decommissioned hosts. Re-tiering and reharvesting removed $2.8M of annual over-licensing ahead of the EA true-up.
Effective License Position Handbook: Free Download
The framework we use to build a defensible ELP across Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, IBM, and more.
Know your Microsoft position before Microsoft does
Schedule a confidential assessment. We baseline your exposure and opportunity within 48 hours.