A Brief History of Workplace Changes

How many changes or transformations has IT undergone in the past decade?

• Evolution of the World Wide Web – from JavaScript to Squarespace.
• Virtualization brings on consolidation.
• AI and machine learning.
• Big Data becoming bigger and faster.
• Centralized model vs decentralized model vs Cloud model.
• Cloud, cloud, cloud.

 

Microsoft’s Workplace Change

Business has been historically transacted in the traditional sense, on premises offices, on premises staff, and on premises infrastructure (both hardware and software). Sure, there have always been the need for remote users, but always the outlier. Business has strived for collaboration. This was typically done again through on premises means: a conference room, a white board, face to face communication, and that old dinosaur, the printer.

In 2017, Microsoft launched an initiative to achieve a mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. To accomplish this mission, they decided they would need to transform the way they do IT. Microsoft had operated like a traditional IT shop, highly reactive to circumstances and more focused on the technology and the experience. The team transformed to be “vision-led” focused on building and deploying the right solutions to meet the needs of people, not just deploying the latest technology.

 

“That transformation culminated with our transition to becoming Microsoft Digital Employee Experience. At the core of that transformation is an obsession with the needs of our employees that transcends tools and infrastructure and extends to the entirety of their daily experience, from the day they’re hired to their eventual retirement. We steward their digital experience through every dimension of their employment, ensuring they have the devices, applications, services, and infrastructure needed to be productive on the job no matter where they are or what they do.” (Microsoft, 2022)

 

 

From that experience, Microsoft introduced The Modern Workplace in 2018. Virtualizing the workplace utilizing Microsoft 365, and other online work platforms that provide all the applications, storage, and communication solutions a team needs to get their work done from wherever they have an internet connection.

Then, not a foreign concept but definitely not mainstream.

Enter the pandemic.

Now, a very mainstream concept, in fact, most every organization on the planet is already there or trying to figure out how to get there. The pandemic was a massive shove for the technology world, a shock to the system which required immediate access for teams to get their work done from wherever they have an internet connection – the very definition of Microsoft’s Modern Workplace. One great example of this shove was Microsoft Teams – the ability to have a meeting and collaborate from anywhere with a connection. Many a business were able to get through the pandemic with the help of Microsoft Teams.

 

What is The Modern Workplace?

As previously stated, the Microsoft Modern Workplace is made up of online platforms which provide applications, storage, and communications to provide the employees they need to be successful. These tools reside within Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure. For this blog, we are focusing on Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 can be broken down into two segments: Communication and Collaboration; and Productivity and Automation.

 

 

 

Communication and Collaboration products are best known by their common names: Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Teams.

Productivity and Automation products are best known by the Power Suite (Power Apps, Power Automate, and PowerBI).

Both groups riding atop Office 365 Groups, Microsoft Graph, and Security and Compliance.

 

Microsoft Modern Workplace Licensing

Navigating Microsoft licensing can be a very daunting task. Organizations are often unsure of where to begin when going through the licensing options.  Achieving the Modern Workplace comes in many different shapes and sizes, and most of the time there are different licensing options for each.

Most case studies referenced by Microsoft share the same beginning steps. 1. Establish anywhere working and collaboration and 2. Microsoft Teams. Step 1 is usually Office/Microsoft 365 and Step 2 is self-explanatory, Microsoft Teams.

Now the trick is figuring those out:

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

• • For SMBs 1-300 employees
  • Apps
    • Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
    • OneDrive (1 TB storage per user)
    • Teams
  • Services
    • Exchange Online
    • SharePoint Online
  • Additional
    • Intune
    • Microsoft Defender
    • Azure Information Protection
    • Azure AD Premium P1
    • Azure Virtual Desktop

Office 365 E3

• • Unlimited number of employees
  • Apps
    • Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
    • OneDrive (1 TB storage per user)
    • Teams
  • Services
    • Exchange Online
    • SharePoint Online

Office 365 E5

• • Everything included with Office 365 E3 plus:
    • Microsoft Teams Phone System
    • Power BI Pro
    • Cloud 365 App Security
    • Audio Conferencing
    • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2
    • Advanced compliance

Microsoft 365 E3

• • Unlimited number of employees
  • Apps
    • Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
    • OneDrive (1 TB storage per user)
    • Teams
  • Services
    • Exchange Online
    • SharePoint Online
  • Additional
    • Intune
    • Microsoft Defender
    • Azure Information Protection
    • Azure AD Premium P1
    • Azure Virtual Desktop
    • Power Apps for 365
    • OneDrive for Work
    • Endpoint Configuration Manager
    • Many more

Microsoft 365 E5

• • Everything included with Microsoft 365 E3 plus:
    • Microsoft Teams Phone System
    • Power BI Pro
    • Cloud 365 App Security
    • Audio Conferencing
    • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2
    • Advanced compliance

Obviously, these are some summary explanations of common license packages. But it does show how complex the choosing the right licenses can be? I definitely recommend having an expert, a Microsoft CSP Partner, such as Zunesis to assist in your version of the Microsoft Modern Workplace.

More Changes

In preparing for this version of my blog, I went back and read the April 2020 version in which I talked about Microsoft introducing or renaming their Microsoft 365 product line. I started off that blog making light of the “Bizzaro World” I lived in at the time. The Covid-19 Pandemic was just in full swing with the 30 days to stop the spread shutdown in full effect. All our lives have been fundamentally changed as we navigate through the daily effects the Pandemic continues to bring, truly a “Bizzaro World”.

Also, in that blog, I discussed how Microsoft is pushing its customers to the cloud by making some features in their cloud version of software not available in the on-premises version of software.

Microsoft states in their Office 2019 for Windows FAQ…

“Office 2019 (for both Windows and Mac) is a one-time purchase and does not receive feature updates after you purchase it. It includes a meaningful subset of features that are found in Microsoft 365, but it’s not part of Microsoft 365. Office 2019 will receive quality and security updates as required.”

 

Microsoft Open Programs

In September 2020, Microsoft announced they would be ending the Open License program at the end of 2021. For those that might not be familiar with the Open Programs, there are three:

• • Open Value – recommended if you have a small to midsize organization with five or more desktop PCs and want to simplify licensing management, manage software costs, and get better control over your software investments. It also includes Software Assurance (SA), providing valuable benefits such as training, deployment planning, software upgrades, and product support. At the end of the agreement, you could renew your agreement for another 3-year term, purchasing only SA to continue accessing the latest product versions and other benefits. Or you can let the agreement expire and own the rights to the current version at the end of your agreement term, but you will no longer continue receiving SA benefits or upgrade rights.
  • Open Value Subscription – provides the lowest up-front costs. It also includes SA mentioned above. It is a 3-year agreement which takes the purchase and spreads the payments over three annual payments. At the end of the term, you have three options:
    • Renew your agreement for another three-year term and continue enjoying the latest licensed products and other benefits, or
    • Make an optional buyout payment to own the licenses for the current version at the end of your agreement, or
    • Choose to not renew your agreement and forfeit the rights to use the products.
  • Open License – is very much the same as the Open Value, but SA is optional purchase. Open License is commonly used for purchasing as-needed software licenses and online services. If SA was not purchased, the software license is only good for the current version of software. There are no upgrades included without SA.

Open License moving to Cloud Solution Provider (CSP)

“Simplifying the purchase experience for our customers is a core element of making it easier to do business with Microsoft. It requires a change in the way we’ve engaged with you, and in how you buy and manage your software licenses and subscriptions for online services.”

“In September 2020, we announced changes to the Microsoft Open License program with the introduction of perpetual software license purchases through the new commerce experience. If you’re a small or midsized customer, you can now buy software licenses from partners participating in the Cloud Solution Provider program. As a result, we’ll be ending purchases through the Open License program on December 31, 2021. If you have a small or midsize organization with little or no IT resources, Microsoft partners can provide expertise and services and build unique solutions with the latest Microsoft services and offers.”

Previously, Open License purchases were made through CSP Partners, such as Zunesis. The CSP model was designed for the partner to add value to its customers’ cloud experience via support, billing flexibility and advice. The customer effectively has a pay as you go consumption arrangement through the partner, rather than directly with Microsoft.

CSP has numerous benefits to customers.  One is Flexibility. This is where you pay for what you use and have the ability to add/remove licenses on a monthly basis. Other features include Monthly Billing, no upfront costs, benefit from the Partner’s Licensing expertise, and discounts off MSRP to name a few.

 

Seriously, what does this mean?

It means these as-needed software purchases without SA will be subscription-based purchases through Microsoft’s Cloud.

Does this mean you have to “move” to the cloud?

No, you get all the features you are used to, with the flexibility of the CSP program. The software is downloaded and installed the same way it always was.

In fact, it could be argued that licensing through CSP has better benefits than SA.

 

Office Productivity Suite

There are several options for purchasing Office via CSP, some include online services, some are software only. Plans start as low as $5 per month. Each one of these plans include always up to date software. When updates are released, the user is prompted to install them. A few examples:

• Microsoft 365 Business Apps ($8.25/mo) – provides access to the Office Online Applications (through a web browser) and also download and install Office on the user’s PC. Includes 1 TB of storage in OneDrive.
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($5/mo) – provides access to the Office Online Applications (through a web browser). Includes 1 TB of storage in OneDrive and Exchange Online email with a 50 GB mailbox.
• Office 365 Apps ($12/mo) – provides access to the Office Online Applications (through a web browser) and also download and install Office on the user’s PC. Includes Teams. Includes 1 TB of storage in OneDrive.

Windows/SQL Server/BizTalk Server/Exchange Server

Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server can be purchase through CSP. These licenses can be used both on-premises and in Azure, saving 40% in Azure using the Hybrid Benefit and save more as there is no need for Client Access Licenses in Azure. Customers are billed monthly for the CSP licenses, even though the server purchases are annual.

 

Conclusion

Microsoft continues to push customers toward their cloud offerings. There are a lot of combinations when looking at Microsoft Licensing through CSP. A CSP Partner can assist in finding the most cost-effective solution for your organization.

 

 

 

 

 

Bizzaro World

Welcome to April 30, 2020. The NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas tonight. Can you believe they are building a stage in the Bellagio fountains? The Vegas Golden Knights are entering the second round of the NHL Playoffs on there way to Stanley Cup. The Cleveland Indians have started the season on a tear, projecting a club record 110 wins. LeBron and Anthony Davis win another championship for the Lakers.

Oh wait! Those are some of thing things which did not happen in this version of 2020. For this IT guy, I feel like I am in an episode of my life but Bizzaro World. Its stolen from the likes of Superman Bizzaro World, or one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes, The Bizzaro Jerry.

 

 

 

 

In my Bizzaro world, I do not wander outside of my makeshift office, a.k.a. dining room table. My kids have taken ownership of the office at various times of the day for their online learning activities. I am loving my commute of walking down the stairs. There is usually never any traffic at that time of the morning. Sometimes, my health care working wife (thank you for your service) is leaving at the same time. And I can’t forget to mention, the 15 steps to the kitchen for snacks and meals.

Licensing Changes

One thing that is not from this Bizzaro World is Microsoft making changes to licensing again. This time its changes to Office 365. Welcome Microsoft 365.

The recent changes were released April 21. They represent Microsoft’s vision for the future. Microsoft integrates the Microsoft Office apps with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge innovations to work for small and medium sized businesses.

New Name – New Capabilities

The new name also indicates that Office is more than Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It includes new apps like Teams, Stream, Forms, and Planner. Even the core apps now include features that often require cloud connectivity and make use of AI.

At this time when we are facing health and economic challenges, there are new capabilities in Microsoft Teams. These include hosting rich meetings and events online, cloud file storage and sharing capabilities. This enables businesses to collaborate from anywhere.

“This new approach to naming our products and the use of the Microsoft 365 brand is designed to help customers quickly find the plan they need – whether an enterprise, SMB or consumer plan,” a spokesperson said.

Many Office 365 subscriptions automatically become Microsoft 365 subscriptions:

• Office 365 Personal becomes Microsoft 365 Personal.
• Office 365 Home becomes Microsoft 365 Family.
• Office 365 Business Essentials becomes Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
• Office 365 Business Premium becomes Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
• Microsoft 365 Business becomes Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
• Office 365 Business becomes Microsoft 365 Apps for Business.
• Office 365 Pro Plus becomes Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise.
• Office 365 Nonprofit Business Essentials becomes Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Business Basic
• Office 365 Nonprofit Business Premium becomes Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Business Standard

There are no changes to the following Office 365 plans:

• Office 365 Enterprise Plans E1, E3, E5
• Office 365 Nonprofit Plans E1 (Donation), E3 E5
• Office 365 F1 (Firstline)
• Office 365 Education Plans A1, A3, A5
• Office 365 Government Plans G1, G3, G5

Subscription Options

If you already have existing Office 365 plans, you don’t need to do anything. Your Office 365 subscription will automatically be renamed to Microsoft 365. You will see the name of your subscription updated across your Admin Portal and monthly billing statements.

Since 2017, Microsoft 365 has been offered as a licensing bundle for enterprise customers. It provides a combination of Windows 10, Office Pro, and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS). These were the first SAAS offerings to include Windows 10 licensing with the subscription. It also offered EMS. This included features such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Information Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics, Microsoft Secure Score, and Microsoft Endpoint Manager (including Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager).

In addition, Microsoft released Microsoft 365 plans for both home and personal use. These come with the core applications as well as online storage and cloud-connected features that let users collaborate on files in real time. These subscriptions, like all of Microsoft cloud offerings, allow users to have the latest features, fixes, and security updates along with ongoing tech support at no cost. Subscriptions can be paid for on a monthly or yearly basis. The Microsoft 365 Family plan lets users share their subscription with family members up to 6 people. They can use the apps on multiple PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones.

Want to get more information on Microsoft 365 for your organization? Contact Zunesis today.