WHAT MICROSOFT’S NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE MEANS FOR YOU
A new program has been announced by Microsoft which means that how you subscribe to Microsoft O365 and other subscription services is changing. Called the “New Commerce Experience” or NCE, this is a natural evolution of how you can continue to purchase Microsoft’s online suite of services, for example:
Microsoft has launched the NCE with the aim of improving flexibility for dynamic business and providing cost savings for those consumers who are able to make longer-term commitments.
DATES ANNOUNCED BY MICROSOFT:
- NCE is now generally available
- From 1st March 2022, revised pricing on a select number of SKU’s will be issued (20% estimated increase to current annual pricing)
- From 10th March 2022 all new subscriptions must be purchased in NCE
- Legacy subscriptions must be renewed into NCE by 30th June 2022
SUBSCRIPTIONS UNDER NCE
| Month-to-Month | 12 Months | 36 Months | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Methods | Monthly | Annual or monthly | Upfront, annual or monthly |
| Increase seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Decrease seats | Only within the first 72 hours of the subscription or at the end of the period. | Only within the first 72 hours after the subscription goes live. After this no decrease until renewal date. | Only within the first 72 hours after the subscription goes live. After this no decrease until renewal date. |
| Change license | Yes, you can change the subscription type monthly (e.g. E1, E3, E5) | You can increase functionality (the subscription type) e.g. E1 > E3 > E5 at any time but CANNOT decrease subscription functionality E5 > E3 > E1 until renewal | You can increase functionality (the subscription type) e.g. E1 > E3 > E5 at any time but CANNOT decrease subscription functionality E5 > E3 > E1 until renewal |
| Pricing | Approximately 20% more expensive than the annual pricing | Standard, this will include the pricing uplifts TBC in sterling for some licences. | Standard, this will include the pricing uplifts TBC in sterling for some licences. This is the best option for customers who want the longest price lock. |
| Advantages | Flexible term length | Cost-saving when compared to monthly SKU Prices locked for length of subscription | Cost-saving when compared to monthly and annual SKU. Prices locked for the length of the subscription |
| Cancellation notice | 72 hours | 72 hours | 72 hours |