Microsoft could have done a better job communicating changes to its channel programme, according to a panel of experts speaking at UC Partner Summit. Cloud Nexus Founder Scott Riley was joined at the event by Vuzion Managing Director Michael Frisby and Digital Space Supply Chain Lead Sarah Lambert-Gibbs.
Frisby explained that the journey to Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience has been going on for some years but had previously been communicated more effectively by Microsoft. “It started off with Azure Plan back in 2019, so this has been a long-term journey for Microsoft... and we had visibility of the things that were coming,” he said. “With Azure we had a three-plus year window to transition all our Azure business across from Legacy CSP into New Commerce Experience, and we’ve just not had that with NCE per seat. “It’s felt incredible rushed... Microsoft keeps chopping and changes the date. Overnight we had a policy change which the channel has been asking for, but then they only give us 24 hours to implement it. “So, there’s been a lack of communication and a lack of time for the channel to get ready.” Despite the tooth problems, Frisby said the channel can still view NCE as an opportunity. Licensing changes mean that businesses will pay more per month if they choose to purchase Microsoft 365 monthly. Yearly or multi-year commitments will save businesses around 20 percent. “We see this as an opportunity to talk to your customers in more depth and make sure you’re right-sizing the solution for them,” Frisby added. The Microsoft panel features as part of a packed day 2 at UC Summit today.
