Announced Rise in Microsoft Office 365 Pricing in 2022

They may say it is the first price increase for Microsoft Office 365 since its launch in 2011, but the fact remains that the cost per user license will weigh more heavily on companies' IT budgets. These price increases for Microsoft's cloud subscription office suite for Windows and Apple will not be applied initially to the general public and the educational sector, but they will be quite significant. Geographical pricing decisions have not yet been finalized, but to give you an idea, the prices in dollars for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium versions will see increases of 8 to 25% per user license.

Why such increases in Microsoft Office 365 pricing

The increases in the price of software licenses are generally explained by technological and functional advancements in new versions. The on-demand version of Office is no exception, and over the years, software licenses have been enriched with a portfolio of applications covering, more or less exhaustively depending on the chosen license (Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, Premium), all needs in terms of document production, database management, communication, collaborative work, and real-time exchanges…

These technological developments are certainly welcome, but not all companies have the same needs for IT services or the desire to systematically follow the roadmap imposed by publishers. In this period where IT frugality becomes a necessity, when IT departments face this type of announcement, they must be able to remain in control of their IT development strategy and keep a handle on their investments. 

SMEs, mid-sized, and large companies, stay in control of your software assets 

Today, there are many solutions and levers allowing IT departments and procurement services to no longer undergo increases imposed by publishers and retain control of their investments in impactful IT projects. Regardless of your company's size and industry, you will inevitably be affected by the March 2022 increase in Microsoft Office 365 pricing. The on-premise version of the collaborative suite is increasingly present in companies' software inventories, and each purchased workstation is generally equipped by default with an Office 365 license ready to be activated. To this convenience, IT departments must oppose the rigor of proactive software asset management and favor the secondary license market to provide each employee with the functional coverage needed to complete their tasks.

The optimization of a company's software assets coupled with the secondary market via the Softcorner marketplace constitutes the two main action levers for the IT department. Thanks to a precise mapping of your office software inventory: number of licenses, version, mainly exploited features, IT equipment… you will be able to determine the useful software versions and those that can be decommissioned and sold on the Softcorner marketplace. Very simply, you will be able to enhance your inventory, monetize unused licenses, and precisely target your investments according to your needs and projects. By favoring the secondary market, you will no longer be subject to Microsoft Office pricing increases, and you can purchase perpetual Office versions at very good prices (up to 80% savings on your purchases).

By implementing software asset management and using the Softcorner marketplace for buying and selling your software licenses on the secondary market, you will avoid the increase in Microsoft Office pricing on cloud subscription versions. You will also contribute to the development of a green IT economy and circular economy, extending the lifespan of your software and hardware infrastructures.