Ever since its inception, Microsoft 365 (M365) has been a game-changer, revolutionizing the way organizations function daily. With a broad array of productivity-enhancing tools and services, M365 has become a mainstay in the business world, empowering teams to collaborate effortlessly and work smarter.
However, getting to grips with M365 licensing is only half the story. Effective licensing management is vital for optimizing resources and maintaining operational efficiency.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the essentials of managing your Microsoft 365 licenses and give you some insider tips to do so effectively.
Microsoft 365 Licensing: A Quick Refresher
Before we plunge deeper into the realm of license management, let’s get reacquainted with the fundamental concept of M365 licensing. Microsoft 365 is designed with flexibility in mind, offering diverse subscription plans to accommodate organizations of varying sizes and requirements. From the M365 Business plan tailored for small to medium-sized businesses to the M365 Enterprise for larger corporations, and the M365 Education for academic institutions, there’s a plan to fit every need.
Each M365 subscription brings along a unique set of licenses, granting access to different tools and services. By managing these licenses efficiently, you can ensure that you’re putting your resources and budget to optimum use.
The Nitty-Gritty of Microsoft 365 License Management
Managing M365 licenses primarily occurs through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. It’s your control room for managing everything related to your M365 subscription.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to manage your licenses:
Step 1: Sign into the Admin Center
Kick things off by signing into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center using your admin account credentials.
Step 2: Head over to ‘Active Users’
From the Admin Center homepage, you’ll find a plethora of options. Here, you need to look for “Users”, then click on “Active users”.
Step 3: Get Hands-on with User Licenses
On the Active Users page, you have the freedom to manage licenses for individual users. Here’s how you go about it:
- Click on the user’s name for whom you want to manage the license.
- Find the ‘licenses and apps’ section. Here, you’ll see a switch next to each license. Simply flip the switch on or off to assign or unassign the license.
- Finally, remember to click “Save changes”.
Making Microsoft 365 License Management a Breeze: Insider Tips
Know What You Need
The first step towards effective M365 license management is understanding your organization’s precise needs. Make sure you’re not paying for licenses that you don’t need. Regularly evaluate your requirements to ascertain if your current license plan aligns with your organization’s evolving needs.
Keep an Eye on Your Licenses
License management is not a ‘one and done’ task; it’s a continuous process. Make it a habit to routinely review and track your M365 licenses. One common mistake is forgetting to unassign licenses from users who no longer need them, such as employees who have left the organization or changed roles.
Leverage License Management Tools
If you’re a larger organization, manual license management can become quite a handful. In such cases, it might be worthwhile to consider third-party management tools.
These tools come with robust features, such as automated assignment and removal of licenses, that can save you a ton of manual work.
Reach out to Microsoft 365 Experts
Finally, never hesitate to consult an expert when in doubt. At Crestwood, we have a team of experienced M365 consultants ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of license management.
Wrapping Up
Effective management of Microsoft 365 licenses is more than just a best practice; it’s a necessity for keeping your operations cost-efficient and ensuring that your team has the tools they need to excel at their tasks. With the right understanding and the right practices, you can harness the full potential of your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Still have questions or need more help with Microsoft 365 license management? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Crestwood. We’re here to help streamline your license management process, saving you both time and resources.
Note: The information in this blog post is accurate as of the date of publication and is subject to change as Microsoft updates its licensing policies.
Looking for more? Here are a few more tips to manage licenses tailored for specific types of businesses:
- Prioritize License Management in Mergers and Acquisitions (For Large Enterprises)
For large corporations undergoing mergers or acquisitions, managing licenses can become a complex task due to the sheer number of employees and systems involved. A thorough audit of all existing licenses across both companies is essential to avoid redundancy and ensure the correct number of licenses is procured. - Take Advantage of Volume Licensing (For Mid-sized Businesses)
Medium-sized businesses can leverage volume licensing to acquire multiple licenses at discounted rates. These packages usually offer a higher degree of flexibility, allowing businesses to reassign licenses within the organization as needed.
- Consider Shared Computer Activation (SCA) (For Organizations with Shift Workers)
For organizations with shift workers or hot-desking environments like call centers or hospitals, Shared Computer Activation (SCA) allows multiple employees to use Office 365 ProPlus on a shared machine. This is an efficient way of managing licenses when employees don’t need dedicated access to Office 365 on their devices. - Utilize the M365 Business Premium License (For Small Businesses)
For small businesses that need access to the full suite of M365 tools but have a limited budget, the M365 Business Premium license can be an excellent choice. This license provides access to premium Office apps, 1 TB of cloud storage per user, and advanced security features, making it a cost-effective solution for small teams. - Use Microsoft 365 Education Licensing (For Educational Institutions)
Educational institutions have unique needs and budgets, and Microsoft provides special licensing options to cater to this sector. The Microsoft 365 Education plans provide faculty, staff, and students with access to Office 365 and other useful educational tools at a discounted price or even for free.
Remember, every business is unique, and licensing needs can vary. Consulting with a Microsoft partner like Crestwood Associates can provide a customized approach to manage licenses effectively based on the specific needs of your business. Contact us today!
