Gartner Research

Enterprise Cloud Suite Lures Buyers Deeper Into Microsoft's 'Mobile First, Cloud First' Strategy Within Enterprise Agreements

Published: 09 March 2015

ID: G00271310

Analyst(s): Stephen White , Dolores Ianni

Summary

Microsoft's ECS offers an alternative to perpetual device-based licensing models by introducing a full user-based desktop platform. IT procurement managers should analyze alternatives to help negotiate discounts and minimize the risks associated with lock-in and price increases.

Table Of Contents
  • Impacts

Analysis

Impacts and Recommendations

  • IT procurement managers looking for an enterprise mobility management solution will find the inclusion of the EMS an incentive to buy Microsoft's ECS
    • The ECS increases the visibility of Microsoft's EMM offering
    • Work with your security team to assess the synergies arising from Azure Active Directory Premium and Office 365
    • Azure Rights Management Services expands on Office 365's data protection capabilities
    • Require transparency in licensing these EMS services as separate offerings
  • IT procurement managers who need to license users with two or more Qualified Devices stand to benefit from the ECS, but only if they can avoid overlicensing across their enterprise
    • Compare established offerings with what's included in the ECS
    • Breakdown of ECS to uncover the costs
    • Breakdown of Windows Enterprise SA by User Option
  • Low-cost Add-ons provide value, but may lure buyers into subscriptions that lack adequate future price protection, unless future price terms are negotiated before migrating server applications to the cloud
    • ECS Add-ons allow for partial adoption while keeping perpetual desktops
    • Migrating server applications to cloud hosting under an Add-on product can reduce future leverage
    • Plan for a long-term commitment to subscriptions

Gartner Recommended Reading

©2019 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.

Already have a Gartner Account?

Log In

Purchase this Document

To purchase this document, you will need to register or sign in above

Register Now

Become a client

Learn More