Key Updates in Microsoft Licensing Terms and Industry Insights

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business solutions, staying updated with the latest licensing terms and industry developments is crucial. Microsoft has recently made significant changes to its licensing terms, impacting various products and services. This article highlights these updates, along with important industry news that could affect your business operations. Read on to understand these changes and how they might impact your organization.

Privacy and Security Terms

Microsoft has introduced notable additions to its privacy and security terms, particularly within Azure and Microsoft 365 services. Here are the key updates:

- Azure Communication Services: This service has been added to the Azure Core Online Services table. Azure Communication Services now allows customers to integrate voice and video calling into their applications using the calling SDK. Other communication formats available include Rich Text Chat, SMS, and email, enhancing the communication capabilities within customer applications.

- Viva Pulse: Added to the EU Data Boundary Services table, Viva Pulse is a tool that enables team leaders to send brief surveys via templates to gauge team sentiment and act on feedback. This addition ensures compliance with European data protection regulations while providing valuable insights into team dynamics.

Microsoft 365 Updates

Microsoft has expanded the availability and licensing prerequisites for several key products within Microsoft 365. These updates aim to enhance productivity and integration across various business functions:

- Copilots for Sales EDU: This product brings AI and sales insights from CRM platforms into daily productivity tools such as Outlook, Teams, and Word. The prerequisite licenses include Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium, E3, E5, and Office 365 E3, E5.

- Copilots for Services EDU: Designed to enhance customer experiences and improve agent productivity by integrating seamlessly with existing contact center and CRM solutions. The license prerequisites are the same as for Copilots for Sales EDU.

- Viva Pulse: As mentioned, Viva Pulse allows team leaders to send surveys to capture team sentiment. The license prerequisites for Viva Pulse include a wide range of Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans, as well as Microsoft Teams Essentials and Enterprise editions.?

- Entra Governance Frontline Worker: This product helps organizations protect, monitor, and audit access to critical assets while ensuring employee productivity. It requires Microsoft 365 F1 or F3 licenses.

Moreover, the licensing prerequisites for Copilot for Microsoft 365 have been expanded to include Microsoft 365 Business Basic, F1, F3, E3, A3, E5, A5, and corresponding Office 365 plans, broadening the accessibility of these advanced tools.

Microsoft Azure Updates

Significant updates have also been made to Microsoft Azure's terms, particularly regarding AI and hardware:

- Azure AI Studio: Terms for Azure AI Studio have been added. This studio brings together capabilities from multiple Azure AI Services, such as Azure Machine Learning and Azure AI Services. The product terms for services accessed through Azure AI Studio now apply, including terms specific to each AI service.

- Azure Databricks: A new clause specifies that any third-party models Microsoft makes available in Azure Databricks are considered "Non-Microsoft Products." This clarification is important for understanding the usage and responsibility terms of third-party integrations.

Azure Hardware Terms

The Azure Hardware section has seen the addition of use rights for Azure Operator Nexus, which is exclusively available for use by Telecommunication Service Providers. The procurement requirements for this hardware involve purchasing from third-party vendors, guided by Microsoft-provided specifications. Customers are not obligated to purchase from the vendors recommended by Microsoft, offering flexibility in sourcing.

Microsoft Power Platform

In the realm of automation and business process management, new products have been added to Microsoft Power Platform:

- Power Automate Process and Power Automate Hosted Process: These additions enhance the automation capabilities under EA/EAS, EES, and MCA agreements. Consequently, the Power Automate Hosted RPA processes add-on has been removed from the availability and prerequisite tables.

GitHub Offerings

GitHub has updated its product offerings:

- GitHub AE GHEM (User SL) and GitHub Insights (User SL): These products have been removed from the EA/EAS availability tables, reflecting a shift in GitHub's product strategy.

IBM Products Licensing Update

For IBM products licensed under a concurrent user metric, there are critical considerations to ensure compliance:

- MAXSESSION Table: This table tracks connected servers and users. It's essential to manage the MAXSESSIONS parameter and system properties to avoid exceeding license limits and ensure compliance during audits.

Public Cloud Spending Projections

Gartner forecasts a significant increase in worldwide public cloud spending, driven by advancements in generative AI and application modernization. This growth highlights the importance of leveraging cloud services to stay competitive. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) are expected to see substantial increases, with SaaS remaining the largest segment.

Palo Alto Networks Acquires IBM QRadar

IBM has agreed to sell its QRadar assets to Palo Alto Networks for $500 million. This acquisition will transition QRadar customers to Palo Alto's Cortex XSIAM, with ongoing support from IBM for on-premises users. The move aims to enhance AI-powered security offerings but may reduce competition and increase reliance on single vendors.

Microsoft Faces Anti-Competition Complaints in Europe

Microsoft is under scrutiny for alleged anti-competitive practices within the cloud marketplace. A collective of Spanish startups, represented by La Asociación Espa?ola de Startups (AES), has lodged a complaint, accusing Microsoft of exploiting its dominant market position. This follows previous complaints and ongoing investigations in Europe, highlighting the regulatory challenges Microsoft faces.

SAP RISE Support Schedule Changes

SAP has updated its support models for RISE SAP S/4HANA contracts, offering more flexible and customizable options. Customers can choose between Enterprise Support and Preferred Care, depending on their support needs. This change aims to provide greater flexibility and service levels for customers.

Conclusion

Staying informed about these updates is essential for navigating the complexities of technology licensing and industry dynamics. Whether you're adapting to new Microsoft licensing terms, planning for increased cloud spending, or dealing with industry acquisitions, understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions.

At Silver Leaf Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses manage their technology and licensing needs. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization in navigating these updates and optimizing your technology investments. Reach out to us at [email protected] for expert guidance and tailored solutions.