Microsoft is improving the purchase experience for customers to better assist their digital transformation. From March 2019, the company is going to make the licensing transaction process easier, more efficient, and simpler, by allowing customers to purchase Azure services directly from Microsoft.
The changes to purchase experience will feature a simplified agreement—the Microsoft Customer Agreement, providing improved billing and management process.
Microsoft had started modernizing the customer and partner experience in 2017. Last year, the company announced programming changes across volume licensing which were specifically related to pricing and discounts. And now, the new experience with changes to commerce model will consist of the streamlined and digital Microsoft Customer Agreement.
The new agreement will replace the current agreement used by customers for buying Azure. It will come with billing and cost management capabilities, so that it can support Azure consumption of customers.
“We’re introducing the Microsoft Customer Agreement as the primary way for small and midsize customers to buy Azure services to provide a better buying experience with a fully digital agreement and the ability to customize for specific purchases,” explained Microsoft.
“The Microsoft Customer Agreement is a perpetual contract that doesn’t expire for transactional purchases. The agreement is already used for purchases made via the Microsoft Store for Business. It’ll now also be used for Azure transactions completed directly with Microsoft. You can add Azure Plan for pay-as-you-go purchasing with no upfront commitment.”
The simplified Azure purchase experience will be available through three steps. First, customers can work with Microsoft sales representative for choosing required Azure services. Second, they can sign the streamlined Microsoft Customer Agreement. Third, they can start building with Azure.
The Microsoft Customer Agreement is a 11-page contract that will be presented, accepted, and stored through a completely digital experience.
The new Azure experience will especially be helpful for those customers who want more control over their Azure services. Some of the customers don’t require the level of administrative support that comes with Enterprise Agreement (EA), and Azure-only Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE).
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“It will give customers a quick, easy and cost-effective way to buy and consume Azure services,” wrote Microsoft in a blog post.
“Our partners play a critical role in this new commerce model. They’ll continue to provide customers with up-front assistance, offer value-added services, and deliver differentiated solutions combined with Microsoft products and services. Our partners will be foundational in helping our customers to innovate and thrive.”
