Tailored Microsoft Software Licensing assessment and optimization roadmap - backed by certified Microsoft expertise and proven delivery
Overview
Helping Customers Save with Microsoft Software Licensing
AXSource helps organizations simplify Microsoft Software Licensing, reduce risk, and optimize spend across cloud and on‑prem estates. From Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 to Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server, and the Power Platform, our licensing experts map real business needs to the right entitlements—backed by audit‑ready governance and continuous optimization.
The Microsoft software licensing landscape evolves quickly. Knowing where to start—and what to buy—matters. We ground every recommendation in Microsoft’s official licensing resources and current program guidance, so you stay compliant and maximize ROI
Why AXSource for Microsoft Software Licensing & What is Covered?
Microsoft offers multiple purchasing routes (e.g., Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), Volume Licensing / Enterprise Agreement, and direct web commerce) and diverse license models (per‑user, per‑device, per‑core). Understanding these options—and how they apply to your workloads—is foundational to a sound licensing strategy.
End-to-End Expertise
End‑to‑end expertise across productivity, ERP/CRM, infrastructure, and low‑code platforms—paired with proven methods for governance and savings.
Compliance First
Our process aligns entitlements to users, devices, workloads, and program terms to withstand audits.
Optimized Cost
We right‑size plans, apply hybrid benefits, and streamline procurement to lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
User-based
Typical for Microsoft 365 and many Dynamics 365 apps; users can install and activate Microsoft 365 Apps across multiple devices with assigned licenses.
Device-based
Fits shared devices/kiosks; common for certain server workloads.
Subscription vs. Perpetual
Cloud subscriptions deliver continuous feature updates; perpetual licenses (often on‑prem) may rely on Software Assurance for upgrade/benefit rights.
Server/CAL & Per Core/CAL
On‑prem server products can require Client Access Licenses (CALs) (User or Device), with optional CAL Suites for combined rights.
Scalable Solutions
Whether you are a small manufacturer or a large enterprise, our solutions are scalable to meet your unique needs. As your business grows, D365 F&O grows with you, providing the flexibility to expand and adapt.
Key Product Families & Considerations for Microsoft Software Licensing
- Microsoft 365 (M365)
- Dynamics 365 (ERP/CRM)
- Azure (Infrastructure & Platform)
- Windows Server (On-prem & Hybrid)
- SQL Server
- Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, Copilot Studio)
Microsoft 365 (M365)
Choose between Enterprise (E1/E3/E5) and Frontline (F3) suites based on role and feature depth (security, compliance, voice, analytics). Each user can typically install apps on up to five PCs/Macs, five tablets, and five smartphones—ideal for multi‑device professionals.
AXSource optimization: We map personas (frontline, knowledge worker, executives, developers) to entitlements, identify underused add‑ons (e.g., Defender/Purview/Teams capabilities), and right‑size plans before renewals.
Dynamics 365 (ERP/CRM)
Dynamics 365 licensing follows named user subscriptions with role tiers (Full, Activity, Team Member) and base + attach models for multi‑app users (e.g., Finance + Supply Chain, Sales + Customer Service).
AXSource optimization: We rationalize user roles, leverage attach licensing for cross‑functional teams, and ensure tenant‑level capacity (e.g., Customer Insights, Contact Center, digital messaging) is aligned to actual usage and growth plans.
Azure (Infrastructure & Platform)
Azure primarily uses consumption‑based pricing, with major savings through Reservations, Savings Plans, and Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB). AHB lets you apply eligible Windows Server/SQL Server licenses (with Software Assurance or qualifying subscriptions) to cut VM and database costs—often paying Linux base compute rates for Windows VMs.
AXSource optimization: We apply AHB correctly (edition & core rules), right‑size VMs, and orchestrate reserved capacity across regions and workloads to compress monthly spend without sacrificing performance.
Windows Server (On-prem & Hybrid)
Windows Server is licensed per core and generally requires Windows Server CALs for user/device access. Editions (Standard/Datacenter) support different virtualization rights; Datacenter permits unlimited virtualization on licensed hosts, while Standard includes limited VM rights.
CALs (User/Device) grant legal access to server services; customers can also use CAL Suites (Core/Enterprise) for aggregated rights.
AXSource optimization: We validate core counts, edition fit (Standard vs. Datacenter), CAL requirements (including external access options), and hybrid scenarios with Azure Arc and AHB to minimize cost and complexity.
SQL Server
SQL Server offers Per Core and Server + CAL licensing—with features and scalability varying by edition (Standard vs. Enterprise). Customers can also leverage Azure Arc pay‑as‑you‑go billing flexibility and AHB for SQL workloads.
AXSource optimization: We model high‑availability/disaster recovery rights, VM/container licensing, and edition choices to ensure performance while controlling spend.
Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, Copilot Studio)
Power Platform uses mixed licensing—per‑user subscriptions and capacity‑based meters—with Dataverse access included in many offers. Governance (environments, connectors, DLP) is vital to avoid shadow usage and unexpected costs.
AXSource optimization: We implement environment strategies, route licensing to the right SKUs (including pay‑as‑you‑go where appropriate), and ensure compliance with multiplexing and security policies.
General FAQs for Microsoft Software Licensing
1. What’s included under “Microsoft Software Licensing”?
Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server, and the Power Platform—each with specific license models, program terms, and purchasing options documented across Microsoft’s licensing resources and Product Terms.
2. How do CSP and Enterprise Agreement differ?
CSP emphasizes monthly flexibility and partner lifecycle ownership (direct‑bill or indirect reseller). EA provides standardized multi‑year agreements and centralized governance—managed today via the Microsoft 365 admin center for VL functions.
3. Do Microsoft 365 users get multi‑device rights?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Apps licenses allow a user to install on up to five PCs/Macs, five tablets, and five smartphones, with cloud‑based activation and periodic connectivity requirements.
4. What are CALs and when do we need them?
Client Access Licenses (CALs) grant users/devices legal access to server software (e.g., Windows Server). Choose User CALs or Device CALs to fit access patterns; CAL Suites bundle rights across multiple server products.
5. How does Azure Hybrid Benefit reduce costs?
AHB lets you apply eligible Windows Server or SQL Server licenses (with Software Assurance/qualifying subscription) to Azure resources—often paying the Linux base rate for Windows VMs and lowering SQL costs in Azure services.
6. What’s the practical difference between subscription and perpetual licensing?
Subscriptions deliver continuous updates and cloud features; perpetual licenses are one‑time purchases, and many benefits (e.g., new version rights, certain SA benefits) depend on Software Assurance.
7. How is Dynamics 365 licensed for multi‑app users?
Most full users leverage base + attach licensing to combine applications cost‑effectively (e.g., Sales + Customer Service). Role tiers (Full, Activity, Team Member) determine feature depth per user.
8. Can we mix plan tiers across departments?
Yes. Many organizations deploy tiered licensing (e.g., M365 F3 for frontline, E3/E5 for knowledge workers/security). The key is policy‑based provisioning and regular true‑ups to prevent over‑assignment.
9. How do we manage licensing during mergers or rapid growth?
Unify inventories and contracts, standardize plan tiers, and align RBAC and environment strategies. Use CSP flexibility during transition; consolidate to EA where governance and predictability are needed.
10. Where are Volume Licensing functions managed now?
Legacy VLSC capabilities were retired and moved into the Microsoft 365 admin center for contract, license summary, product keys, and order views (with VL roles such as OSM/OLA).
11. How is SQL Server licensed—Per Core vs. Server + CAL?
Per Core suits internet/extranet and virtualized scenarios; Server + CAL is economical for controlled user/device counts. New options include Azure Arc pay‑as‑you‑go and AHB for SQL.
12. What governance steps keep us audit‑ready?
Maintain an accurate license ledger, enforce onboarding/offboarding workflows, align entitlements to roles/CALs, and review quarterly—anchored to official licensing guides and Product Terms.
