How To Simplify Your Microsoft 365 Renewal With Microsoft NCE Licensing

When Microsoft introduced the New Commerce Experience (NCE), the primary objective was to help clients reduce costs for long-term commitments and simplify licensing processes as part of the Cloud Solution Partner (CSP) program. This improved the flexibility for partners in managing Microsoft services, helping clients effectively oversee subscription renewals, manage seats, and schedule subscription changes.

As numerous businesses approach their Microsoft license renewal deadlines, now may be the time to consider switching your licensing to a CSP. By doing so, you can take advantage of enhanced support, expert knowledge, and optimized licensing. To help you evaluate your options, here’s an overview of what the NCE program entails and the benefits of using MicroAge.

What’s Included in Microsoft NCE Licensing

The NCE includes Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Windows 365 licensing. It offers more flexibility and capabilities for purchasing and managing these services, such as:

• Monthly or annual terms with different pricing options
• The ability to control subscription renewals and schedule changes
• Simplified and enhanced billing and invoicing
• More options for add-on services and enterprise upgrades

Benefits of Using MicroAge for Microsoft NCE Licensing

Navigating Microsoft license renewals can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the new changes and platform. That’s where a trusted partner like MicroAge can help.

With decades of experience, MicroAge combines a powerful mix of technology services and solutions to position your business for success. As a long-standing Microsoft partner with deep expertise, MicroAge provides comprehensive managed service to streamline your costs and licensing. MicroAge helps you:

• Choose the best NCE offers and subscriptions for your business goals and budget
• Optimize your license usage and costs with regular reviews and recommendations
• Implement and manage services across the Microsoft 365 stack, such as Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, and more
• Leverage Azure services, such as AI, data, analytics, compute, and networking, to enhance your cloud capabilities and innovation
• Easily access support with 24×7 2-hour response during business hours to resolve any issues or queries you may have
• Access even greater support services, including our most comprehensive MSP 365 offering that provides 24×7 SOC Security response and remediation

With MicroAge, you can enjoy all the benefits of Microsoft NCE licensing without the hassle and complexity. If you are interested in learning more about how MicroAge can help you streamline and optimize your upcoming Microsoft licensing, please contact us today.

FAQs About Microsoft New Commerce Experience (NCE) Licensing

Q: What is the grace period for NCE?

A: If a subscription is not renewed by the expiration, a grace period starts. The grace period is 7 days for a monthly subscription and 30 days for an annual subscription.

Q: What happens if you don’t renew your Microsoft subscription? 

A: Admins and users no longer have access to the services or Microsoft 365 apps that came with the subscription. All customer data—from user data to documents and email—is permanently deleted and is unrecoverable.

Q: What are the terms of NCE licenses?

A: The NCE license term commitment is 12 or 36 Month subscriptions. By committing to a 12 / 36-month term, customers receive protection from cost increases for the full 12 / 36 months. The subscription can only be cancelled within the first 72 hours (with pro-rated billing).

Q: Can you upgrade NCE licenses?

A: The Microsoft NCE purchasing model provides upgrade paths, which means upgrading from one paid subscription to another qualifying, higher-level, paid subscription. This allows you to upgrade to a subscription with added services. It’s important to note, however, that Microsoft does not allow for subscription downgrades.

Q: What’s the difference between legacy licensing and NCE licensing?

A: Legacy license-based subscriptions allow the partner to cancel at any time throughout their term. New commerce subscriptions have new rules that determine when a partner can reduce seat counts or make changes. These new commerce cancelation rules are enforced seven days after the acquisition of the subscription.

Let’s talk

Our Microsoft-certified experts help you take full advantage of the benefits that come with Microsoft 365 NCE Licensing. Contact us today at (800) 544-8877 to get started.