For many medium and large organisations, Microsoft services are at the core of daily operations. From Microsoft 365 to Azure, licensing structures are increasingly complex – and it’s easy to either overspend or fall into non-compliance. That’s why undertaking a Microsoft licensing audit is not only smart – it’s essential.
A professionally delivered licensing audit can uncover substantial value: revealing cost savings, improving use of Microsoft 365 applications, and ensuring full compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms. In this article, we explore the strategic value of a Microsoft licensing audit – and why now is the time to act.
What Is a Microsoft Licensing Audit?
A Microsoft licensing audit is a comprehensive review of your current licensing arrangements across Microsoft services. It compares actual usage with what’s licensed, highlights any shortfalls or excesses, and provides guidance for optimising costs and maintaining compliance.
This process can be internal, conducted by a trusted Microsoft partner like Akita, or external – initiated by Microsoft. Either way, being prepared is vital to avoiding surprises.
Reduce Costs By Optimising Microsoft Licensing
Licensing is often acquired on an ad hoc basis – new users, project requirements, and evolving systems lead to a patchwork of plans. Over time, this approach creates inefficiencies:
- Over-licensed users – paying for Microsoft 365 E5 when E3 or Business Premium would suffice
- Inactive accounts – licences still assigned to former employees
- Duplicated tools – third-party apps that replicate functionality already available in your Microsoft 365 suite
A Microsoft licensing audit identifies where savings can be made by streamlining your licence use. For many organisations, this translates to thousands in annual savings – without compromising on tools or performance.
Unlock the Full Value of Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 includes far more than the core applications like Outlook, Word and Excel. Depending on your plan, your organisation may also have access to:
- Power Automate – streamline repetitive workflows
- Microsoft Planner and To Do – manage projects and tasks efficiently
- Defender for Office 365 – protect against email-based cyber threats
- SharePoint and OneDrive – collaborate and share files securely
Yet many organisations underutilise these features – often because they don’t know what’s included. A Microsoft licensing audit helps highlight untapped tools, enabling you to increase productivity and security using resources you already pay for.
Stay Compliant With Microsoft Licensing Requirements
While cost efficiency is a key benefit, staying compliant is critical. Microsoft conducts licensing audits across organisations of all sizes. If your business is found to be using software without appropriate licences – even unknowingly – the consequences can include:
- Back payments covering historical misuse
- Fines or penalties for breaching terms
- Mandatory licence purchases to bring usage into compliance
- Increased scrutiny in future audits
As Version 1 highlights, non-compliance can be expensive and disruptive. Most issues arise not from malicious intent but from misunderstanding licensing structures or failing to update licences as the business evolves.
Being proactive with a Microsoft licensing audit helps you identify and correct non-compliance issues before they result in serious consequences.
Prepare for Changes in Microsoft Licensing Models
Microsoft is constantly evolving its licensing frameworks, most recently with the New Commerce Experience (NCE). Changes to subscription terms, auto-renewals, and pricing models can catch organisations off guard if not actively managed.
An expert-led Microsoft licensing audit helps you:
- Understand future cost implications
- Prepare for upcoming subscription changes
- Avoid lock-ins or unplanned renewals
- Strategically plan licence usage across departments
This forward-looking approach supports both budgeting and operational planning.
Why Work With a Microsoft Licensing Audit Partner?
Microsoft licensing can be dense and difficult to navigate. Working with a certified Microsoft partner like Akita gives you access to specialist knowledge and insight.
Our audits go beyond compliance checks – we offer strategic recommendations tailored to your organisational goals. Whether you’re aiming to cut costs, reduce risk, or better use Microsoft services, we can help.
Book Your Microsoft Licensing Audit
In today’s environment, where IT budgets are under pressure and compliance standards are tightening, a Microsoft licensing audit offers more than peace of mind. It delivers measurable value – financial, operational, and strategic.
At Akita, we help organisations across the UK unlock the full potential of their Microsoft investment. From cost-saving opportunities to compliance assurance to maximising non-profit status, our Microsoft licensing audit services give you a clear, confident path forward.
Contact us today to schedule your Microsoft licensing audit and discover what your organisation could be saving:
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