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Changes take effect from January 1, 2025

Changes take effect from January 1, 2025

Microsoft has announced a price increase on their on-premises software licenses for all commercial licensing programs, including the Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA).

Several major products under the SPLA program will see a price increase of approximately 10% across the board.

 

Products affected by SPLA price increases

Not all products will be subject to these increases.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS), SAL, Project and Visio thus far have been exempted from pricing changes.

However, some product pricing will increase by more than 10%. This includes some Dynamics 365 products and Dynamics AX.

A table of all announced price changes and FAQs are provided further down in this article.

Why is Microsoft adjusting SPLA pricing?

Why is Microsoft adjusting SPLA pricing?

Our internal SPLA experts have considered Microsoft’s rationale for these pricing changes to identify factors that may help our partners to understand Microsoft’s overall strategy, and where SPLA fits into the bigger picture.

1. Realigning with the original intent of SPLA program

SPLA was originally established to support datacenter providers and to enhance the hosting services ecosystem. It is possible that the adjustments in SPLA pricing and structure are intended to reinforce the program’s purpose, which is to facilitate a more streamlined licensing process for service providers​.

2. Cost Management for Providers

​There is increased pressure on operational costs for many partners. By implementing a more structured pricing model, Microsoft may be aiming to mitigate the complexities associated with licensing management and compliance.

3. Incentivising Upgrade Pathways for Partners

The pricing changes may also reflect Microsoft’s broader strategy to encourage partners to adopt newer technologies and products. The upcoming versions of Windows Server and System Center promise significant improvements in performance and hybrid capabilities, making it a good time for our SPLA partners to consider their opportunities to migrate to these latest offerings.

4. Alternative Licensing Options

Pricing changes could act as a market stimulus for partners to explore options that will offset some of the SPLA increases, such as SQL Azure Arc. Strategic structuring of licensing agreements can enhance cost efficiencies.

5. Encouraging SPLA Compliance

Along with these price changes, Microsoft has also launched a comprehensive SPLA audit campaign.  With the upcoming price changes, the financial risks attached to non-compliance will increase, which may encourage partners to put more robust SPLA management and reporting in place.

How Crayon can help

How Crayon can help

Pricing changes may not be welcome in the short term, but in the mid-to-long term, they can be a catalyst for beneficial change.  Here are just a few ways that Crayon can work with you to explore options and opportunities emerging from these recent updates:

1.   Request a review of your current licensing structures

Crayon’s in-house Microsoft licensing expertise is next level. Talk to your account representative about what we can do to help you make adjustments before the January 1 price changes kick in.

 

2.   Ask for a session with the cloud Technology Advisory Group.

We can help you proactively explore where programs like Azure Migrate and Modernise could support you to begin or accelerate the journey from SPLA to CSP, and if that is a suitable option for your business.

3.   Book a SPLA Health Check Assessment.

Ensure your SPLA licensing management and compliance is rock solid, as soon as possible. A SPLA Health Check Assessment can help you to get a clear view of your real exposure to the pricing changes and what processes should be put in place to reduce the risk of inaccurate reporting, or audit notifications.

SPLA Price Changes At-A-Glance

SPLA Price Changes At-A-Glance

Product
Windows Server Active Directory Rights Management Services (SAL)
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
Windows Server Datacentre
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
Windows Server Standard
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
System Centre
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
Core Infrastructure Server (CIS) Suite
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
Office Suites and Multi-Language Pack
Price Increase*
+10%
Product
Dynamics 365 (e.g., Customer Service, Sales) except Team Members
Price Increase*
+11%
Product
Dynamics 365 Team Members
Price Increase*
No change
Product
Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics SL
Price Increase*
+11%
Product
Dynamics AX
Price Increase*
+17%
Product
*Actual prices may vary based on FX adjustments according to your location and currency.
Price Increase*
FAQs

FAQs

No, there will not be a percentage price increase for RDS SAL in 2025. However, actual prices may change due to FX adjustments based on your location and currency.

Microsoft has maintained SPLA pricing consistency for over five years. This increase reflects adjustments aligned with long-term product value and enhancements.

As the third-largest SPLA reseller worldwide, Crayon is deeply committed to our SPLA hosting community. We stand by you with dedicated product, technical, and licensing experts available in each region, working closely with you as an extension of your team. Our key support services include:

  • SPLA Health Check Assessment: Microsoft audits are becoming more frequent. Crayon’s Octopus Cloud Health Check, certified by KPMG, helps identify gaps and proactively ensures your compliance, minimizing risks and optimizing revenue opportunities.
  • Azure Arc Expertise: By licensing Windows Server and SQL Server through Azure Arc, you can achieve unified management and optimized performance. Crayon’s Azure specialists are here to guide you through these commercial and technical benefits.
  • Cloud Assessment: Evaluate whether transitioning workloads to Azure would better serve your customers. Crayon’s cloud assessment can help validate the best cloud strategy for your business.

Microsoft will release Windows Server 2025, System Centre 2025, and Office LTSC 2024 across all licensing programs, including SPLA. These products offer key benefits, such as enhanced security, AI-driven automation, and robust hybrid cloud capabilities, ensuring your hosting environments are future-ready.

Talk to your Crayon Cloud team, today

Talk to your Crayon Cloud team, today

For more information about changes to SPLA pricing, contact your Crayon account representative or email us at cloud.tag@crayon.com and one of our Technology Advisory Group team members will be in touch.

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