Unlocking Over $500K in Savings Through Microsoft Licensing Optimization in 90 days

 

As companies continue to expand their digital capabilities, the costs of software and cloud platforms can easily spiral out of control. For many technology leaders, keeping budgets in check while ensuring compliance and efficiency is a constant challenge. This was the case for a global water treatment company that partnered with Resourcive to optimize its Microsoft licensing and find significant savings while laying the groundwork for ongoing cost management.

Here’s how the company achieved over $500,000 in annual savings, optimized its Microsoft 365 and Azure environment, and gained long-term cost-efficiency.

 

Download the full case study: HERE

 

The Challenge: Rising Costs and Complex Licensing

When the cost of software licensing grows unchecked, businesses can face excess spending, unused licenses, and compliance risks. Microsoft environments, in particular, with their extensive suite of tools and complex licensing models, can easily create budgetary pain points if not carefully managed. For this water treatment leader, managing and optimizing its Microsoft licenses across multiple departments and functions became an urgent priority.

 

The Solution: A Strategic Optimization Review

In collaboration with Resourcive, the company embarked on a thorough review of its Microsoft licensing, targeting areas where cost savings and efficiencies could be quickly achieved. Resourcive’s strategic approach focused on five critical areas:

  1. Savings – The optimization review identified over $535,000 in annual savings through careful adjustments in Microsoft 365 and Azure licensing, reducing unnecessary spend and allowing for reinvestment in other areas.

  2. Credit – A misapplied ‘email’ SKU in Microsoft 365 led to a $210,000 credit from Microsoft, a direct result of rectifying vendor errors that went previously unnoticed.

  3. Efficiency – By aligning Microsoft 365 and Azure licenses with actual usage, the review eliminated overprovisioned licenses. The adjustments provided immediate financial relief and ensured that resources were matched precisely to the business’s needs.

  4. Optimization – In addition to immediate changes, the team laid out a comprehensive roadmap for 2025 and beyond, including quarterly and semi-annual reviews to monitor and adjust licensing in line with changing business requirements.

  5. Compliance – Ensuring licensing compliance meant reducing potential risks and setting a strong foundation for future audits. Resourcive’s review eliminated areas of licensing misalignment and created a compliance baseline for future renewals.

 

Key Financial Outcomes

The financial impact was clear and immediate. The company achieved $535,000 in annual savings after implementing the optimized licensing structure including a $210,000 credit from Microsoft. Additionally, upfront reductions in Microsoft 365 yielded $142,000 in savings, and the organization positioned itself to avoid overbuys in the future.

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Planning for Long-Term Success

Beyond the immediate savings, the engagement laid the groundwork for sustained cost-efficiency. A strategic roadmap for 2025 includes budget alignment, license reclamation, and preparation for upcoming Microsoft renewals. This proactive approach empowers the company to maintain control over its Microsoft spend, avoiding over-provisioning and capturing additional savings each year.

 

Why Optimization Reviews Matter

This engagement underscores a critical point: technology optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. With regular reviews, companies can ensure they’re not overspending, remaining compliant, and using resources effectively. Optimization reviews like these aren’t just about saving money—they’re about creating agility in a rapidly changing digital environment.

 

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in the Future

For companies navigating complex technology environments, licensing costs and compliance challenges are inevitable. But, with a structured approach to optimization, significant financial gains and operational efficiencies are well within reach. Resourcive’s Microsoft licensing optimization delivered substantial savings and empowered this global water treatment leader to manage its technology environment strategically and sustainably.

Ready to see similar savings in your organization? Discover how Resourcive can help streamline your Microsoft environment and unlock hidden value across your IT landscape. Contact us today for a consultation.

 

TL;DR 

A global water treatment company partnered with Resourcive to optimize its Microsoft 365 and Azure licensing, uncovering over $500,000 in annual savings. By correcting a misapplied SKU, rightsizing licenses, and ensuring compliance, the company achieved immediate financial relief and set up a roadmap for long-term cost-efficiency. This case highlights the value of regular optimization reviews in managing technology costs and reducing risk.