Are you aware of the recent changes to Microsoft support contracts for education and government entities, which are likely to lead to 30% higher Microsoft support costs?  As of July 2024, Microsoft retired Premier Support for Education and Government Contracts, moving to Unified Support Contracts.

In 2021 and 2022, Microsoft converted all corporations from a Premier Support Contract model to a Unified Support Contract model.  Education and Government institutions remained in the Premier Support model.

What does this mean?

The Premier Support contract structure allowed institutions to name their price for access to Microsoft’s highest level of support, the Premier Support team.  Premier Support Contracts measured hours-based consumption for K-12, higher education, and local and regional governments.  These institutions could determine how many hours they wanted to purchase from Microsoft Premier Support in their annual contracts.

The change to Unified Support contracts results in a fixed fee based on an institution’s total annual Microsoft spend.  Traditionally this has led to considerable increases in an institution’s support costs.

What should you do?

Many institutions with these contracts begin their budgeting process in December and January, preparing for their new fiscal year starting in June or July.  Additionally, many may not be aware of the pricing changes until they begin discussions regarding their new Microsoft support contract in May and April.  You may be surprised by a likely considerable increase in your support costs.  Magenium wants you to be prepared well in advance.

Here is what you should do now:

1. Talk to your Microsoft CSAM or Microsoft representative now about upcoming contract changes, BEFORE you plan your next budget cycle.
2. Obtain expected pricing for your next renewal, confirming your renewal will be in the Unified Support contract model.
3. Consider switching to a 3rd party provider for more efficient and cost-effective service.

Why Choose Magenium’s Premier Services+?

• Efficiency: Our dedicated, highly certified engineering team ensures faster resolution measured in hours, not days.
• Accuracy: We prioritize your needs, engaging the appropriate engineer team the first time.
• Feedback: Fixing the immediate issue is just the beginning. Magenium analyzes why issues occur and offers proactive options to prevent future outages and security threats.
• Cost Savings: Enjoy up to 40% savings compared to your current Microsoft Premier Support for Education and Government contract, prior to the expected Unified change.
• Experience: We have performed this service for many educational and governmental customers and know how to navigate Microsoft support whether you are in Microsoft’s traditional cloud or the Government Compute Cloud (GCC).

Would you like to learn more about how Magenium’s Premier Services+ can benefit your organization?  Contact us.