IT PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Independent consultancy for targeted IT cost optimisation

Software licences represent a significant cost factor for many companies. Price rises, new licensing models and changes to contractual terms make it difficult to control costs and plan IT budgets in the long term. Existing contracts, licensing structures and planned procurements often harbour economic potential that remains hidden without a targeted analysis.

As part of our IT Procurement Services, we objectively analyse your licensing and contractual situation, identify potential savings and use this to develop specific recommendations for your IT procurement. As an independent partner for cost-optimised licence management, we consistently tailor our recommendations to your organisation’s requirements and objectives.

INITIAL SITUATION

Existing pressure to make decisions in IT procurement

When it comes to upcoming contract renewals, new licensing models or major procurement projects, a wide range of requirements, terms and options must be assessed. At the same time, IT managers are under pressure to reduce costs, ensure transparency and make legally sound decisions. As internal capacity within companies is often limited in this regard, the challenge arises of making well-informed decisions with economic implications whilst lacking the necessary time, market knowledge or impartial advice.

Rising budgetary demands

Price increases, subscription models and cloud commitments are putting pressure on IT budgets, which often do not grow at the same rate.

High internal workload

Needs assessment, comparing quotes and negotiations tie up resources within IT and other relevant departments.

Complex licensing market

Microsoft products, licensing terms and commercial conditions are constantly changing and require a thorough understanding.

Get advice now

Well-founded insights before the next procurement exercise

Without regular review, it often remains unclear whether existing contracts still meet actual requirements or whether there are more cost-effective alternatives. This is precisely where our IT Procurement Services come in, helping you to carry out a targeted assessment of existing licence and contract structures and to prepare for upcoming procurement decisions on a sound basis.

To this end, we combine in-depth knowledge of Microsoft licensing with many years’ experience in procurement and negotiation. Based on your contract, licence and usage data, we assess relevant licensing metrics, analyse the impact on the total cost of ownership, and identify specific courses of action and negotiation options. This provides you with a sound basis for decision-making without having to tie up additional internal resources for a comprehensive analysis.

The decision on how to proceed rests entirely with you. Your existing supplier relationship will also remain unchanged, whilst you receive further guidance on evaluating quotes, contract options and possible next steps.

OUR IT PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Your benefits at a glance

Greater transparency

We provide transparency regarding contracts, licensing models and opportunities for optimisation.

Optimierte IT-Kosten

We identify potential savings and optimise your IT costs in a targeted manner.

Better investment decisions

We lay the foundations for cost-effective licensing and procurement decisions.

Stronger negotiating position

We evaluate offers objectively and strengthen your position in contract negotiations.

Arrange a no-obligation initial consultation

SCOPE OF SERVICES

A structured approach to preparing for your Microsoft renewal

Our IT Procurement Services focus on the structured preparation of upcoming Microsoft renewals. In doing so, we examine, amongst other things, actual requirements, existing procurement channels, contract models, economic conditions and possible alternatives. Our consultancy covers, amongst other things, Microsoft EA, MPSA, MCA and CSP, as well as server, cloud and M365 agreements. Market conditions, dependencies on suppliers, and regulatory and documentation-related requirements are also factored into the assessment.

On this basis, we compare possible courses of action, assess their financial implications and take into account future licensing requirements as well as the planned IT roadmap. The analysis consolidates these perspectives into a structured assessment, which in the next step yields concrete results for further procurement and renewal planning.

Understanding the current situation

Analysis of the existing contractual and licensing landscape, as well as the strategic objectives.

Evaluating options

Assessment of relevant models, contractual options and financial implications.

Developing recommendations for action

Development of a well-founded basis for decision-making, including specific courses of action.

Supporting decision-making

Support during negotiations and the successful implementation of the chosen strategy.

Request independent advice

RESULTS

Transparently documented and reliably verified

The findings from the analysis are presented in a structured manner and documented in a way that is easy to follow. This provides you with a solid basis for addressing weaknesses in a targeted manner, capitalising on economic potential and making well-informed preparations for upcoming licensing and procurement decisions.

Your results at a glance:

A clear overview of contracts, licences and costs
Identified opportunities for savings and optimisation
Clear targets and negotiating positions

SOFT & CLOUD

Your independent partner for cost-optimised licence management

Soft & Cloud helps businesses optimise their IT costs and strategically develop their licence management. With many years of experience, specialist licence expertise and TÜV-certified processes, we lay the foundations for objective decisions regarding software licences, contracts and procurement strategies.

In addition to Microsoft on-premises licences and complementary cloud solutions, our service portfolio also includes our independent IT procurement services. Transparency, audit and legal certainty, and compliance form the basis of our work.

What do Soft & Cloud’s IT procurement services cover?

Our IT Procurement Services help organisations prepare for Microsoft renewals and licence procurement in a structured manner. To this end, we assess, amongst other things, contract models, procurement channels, economic conditions, potential alternatives and the impact of various options on the organisation’s IT costs.

How does Soft & Cloud assist with a Microsoft renewal?

We prepare Microsoft renewals in a structured manner and establish a sound basis for upcoming licensing and contractual decisions. In doing so, we examine, amongst other things, Microsoft EA, MPSA, MCA and CSP, as well as server, cloud and Microsoft 365 agreements, and use this to identify relevant courses of action and negotiation options.

Which organisations are IT procurement services suitable for?

Our IT Procurement Services are particularly well-suited to medium-sized businesses that are facing a contract renewal, a major licence procurement or a change to their Microsoft licensing strategy. They are especially useful when internal resources are limited and an impartial assessment of various contract and procurement options is required.

Which Microsoft contracts and licensing models are covered?

As part of our consultancy services, we examine, amongst other things, Microsoft EA, MPSA, MCA and CSP, as well as server, cloud and Microsoft 365 agreements. Which models are relevant in a specific case depends on the existing contractual structure and the organisation’s planned requirements.

Is Soft & Cloud conducting the negotiations with Microsoft or its partners?

No, the company itself remains in charge of the negotiations. We organise the relevant information in a structured manner, highlight business options and potential negotiating levers, and thereby create a solid foundation for discussions with Microsoft or a Microsoft partner.

Let us help you optimise your IT costs in a targeted way.

Whether it’s a contract renewal, a new procurement project or changes to licensing models: we can support you with an independent and structured assessment.

YOUR PERSONAL CONTACT

Siegfried Kern, Head of IPS | IT Procurement Services