Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for Azure: Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for ways to efficiently manage your organization`s cloud infrastructure while staying within budget? Then you might want to consider Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for Azure, also known as Azure EA. This agreement can help your business streamline its cloud operations and save on IT costs.
In this article, we`ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what an Azure EA is, what benefits it offers, and how you can get started.
What is an Azure EA?
An Azure EA is a licensing agreement between Microsoft and an organization that wants to use Azure services. It allows businesses to purchase Azure cloud services for a pre-negotiated price, often at a discount compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.
An Azure EA is ideal for organizations that plan to use Azure services for an extended period, have high usage requirements, and want to control their cloud costs upfront. It also provides businesses with a range of Azure services, such as virtual machines, storage, networking, and application services, to mention a few.
Benefits of an Azure EA
An Azure EA offers several benefits to organizations, including:
1. Flexible payment options: With an Azure EA, businesses can choose to pay annually or through upfront payment, which can help them predict their IT costs accurately.
2. Cost-effective cloud services: An Azure EA offers discounted pricing, which can help businesses save up to 40% on their Azure services purchases.
3. Centralized management: An Azure EA provides centralized billing and management for all Azure services, making it easy for businesses to monitor and manage their cloud infrastructure and usage.
4. Comprehensive support: An Azure EA provides 24/7 support from Microsoft for all Azure services, ensuring that businesses receive timely assistance during any issues.
5. Simplified procurement: An Azure EA provides a straightforward procurement process, making it easy for businesses to purchase and manage their Azure services.
How to get started with an Azure EA
To get started with an Azure EA, businesses need to follow these steps:
1. Choose a licensing model: Organizations can choose between three licensing models – Enterprise Enrollment (EE), Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE), and Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Each model has different pricing and features, so businesses should carefully examine each option before choosing one.
2. Determine the number of Azure services required: Businesses should calculate the number of Azure services required based on their cloud infrastructure and usage requirements.
3. Negotiate pricing and terms: With an Azure EA, businesses can negotiate pricing and terms with Microsoft based on their purchase volume and other criteria.
4. Sign the agreement: Once the pricing and terms are agreed, businesses can sign the Azure EA and start using their Azure services.
In conclusion, an Azure EA can help businesses streamline their cloud operations, save costs, and provide comprehensive support for their cloud infrastructure. If your organization is planning to use Azure services for an extended period, an Azure EA is worth considering. Follow the steps mentioned above to get started, and you`ll be on your way to better cloud management and cost savings.