Microsoft Advisory
Many enterprises believe they have little leverage when negotiating with Microsoft, but that's exactly what Microsoft wants you to think. With the right market intelligence and approach, it's possible to secure highly competitive commercial terms and transform your Microsoft relationship from tactical to strategic.
UpperEdge brings over 18 years of experience advising enterprises on Microsoft negotiations, covering core licensing, Azure, Unified Support, and LinkedIn. We know Microsoft's motives, business practices, and sales tactics, and we use that knowledge to help clients unlock maximum value at renewal and beyond.
Unlike other advisors, UpperEdge has no business relationship with Microsoft, which means no conflicts of interest and no divided loyalties. We are 100% focused on the success of our clients and completely unbiased in the way we engage.
Get a Second Opinion
$10.5B+
25x
80,000+
100%
Microsoft ties
The Challenge
Today's Challenges
- Pressure and tactics to drive new product adoption (M365 Copilot) or upgrades (M365 E7)
- Rising costs driven by price increases and consumption-based pricing
- Lack transparency and flexibility
- Complex agreements and licensing constructs (EA, MCA, etc.)
The consequences
- Purchasing products and features before actual need and paying for "air"
- Unbudgeted spend requiring funding to be obtained
- Tactical relationship that is transaction based versus strategic
- License compliance and audit exposure
What We Do
Baseline Assessment
- Analyze current Microsoft spend and entitlements
- Identify overspend and unused licenses
- Establish a fact-based negotiation foundation
Negotiation Strategy & Execution
- Build a tailored strategy backed by benchmarks
- Counter Microsoft tactics and pricing pressure
- Drive measurable improvements in pricing and terms
Contract & Commercial Optimization
- Strengthen commercial terms and protections
- Right-size commitments to actual demand
- Maximize long-term flexibility and value
When You Should Engage
- Upcoming Renewal (EA, Azure, Unified Support, LinkedIn)
- Interest in adding new products (M365 Copilot) or upgrading in-term (M365 E5 / E7)
- Need to significantly expand ahead of renewal (Product volumes, Azure commitment, etc.)
- Building negotiation strategy and doing budgeting well in advance of renewal
How To Get Started
01
Initial Review
02
Discovery & Alignment
03
Proposal & Benchmark Analysis
04
Strategy & Business Case
05
Execution & Support
Why UpperEdge
- 100% independent No Microsoft ties, partnerships, or kickbacks — ever.
- Deep Microsoft expertise Decades advising Fortune 500 buyers across every Microsoft agreement type.
- Data-backed benchmarking 70,000+ real price points to expose what you should actually pay.
- Focused on outcomes We measure success in dollars saved and risk eliminated.