- Written by Tom Shefford - Head of Proposition IT & Cyber Security
- Connect with Tom on LinkedIn
From 1 November 2025, Microsoft will update the way it prices Online Services under volume licensing agreements. Enterprise Agreements (EA), Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA), and Online Services Premium Agreement (OSPA) contracts will all move to a single, standardised pricing model aligned with the public prices shown on Microsoft.com.
This marks a continuation of Microsoft’s efforts to simplify licensing and provide consistency across its cloud offerings. While some customers may experience price adjustments as a result, the change also creates clarity and helps ensure that pricing for Online Services is consistent regardless of a customer’s entry point.
What’s actually changing in Microsoft EA pricing 2025
Microsoft is removing volume-based pricing tiers from Online Services agreements. Previously, EA and MPSA customers could receive different discount levels based on organisation size (Levels B, C, and D).
From November 2025, all Online Services under these agreements will follow Level A pricing, which matches Microsoft’s list price.
The change will take effect either at the point of renewal or when a customer adds new Online Services not currently listed on their Customer Price Sheet.
It’s also worth confirming what isn’t affected. On-premises software pricing remains unchanged, as do government and education-specific agreements, which continue to follow their own dedicated structure.
How will the Microsoft EA pricing changes affect you?
Early analysis suggests that many organisations on EA or MPSA agreements could see cost increases in the range of 6–12%, depending on user counts and the mix of Online Services in use. The exact impact will of course vary, and each business will need to review its unique circumstances at renewal time.
The bigger picture is that customers lose the variable pricing tied to volume. Instead, they will have a clear and predictable reference point in Microsoft.com list pricing. That brings transparency, but it also increases the importance of active licence planning. Renewals will need closer attention, and IT and procurement leaders may wish to re-evaluate which licensing route best supports their commercial and operational goals.
CSP as an option after the Microsoft EA pricing change
For businesses currently operating under Enterprise Agreements (EA), the forthcoming pricing changes mean the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme should now be regarded as a credible alternative. With core pricing now aligned between EA and CSP, organisations of all sizes are encouraged to consider CSP, not simply small or medium-sized enterprises.
The CSP model provides additional advantages, including flexible billing and broader service options. This is an opportune moment for EA customers to re-examine whether CSP may better support their strategic and operational objectives.
Preparing for change
Microsoft’s November 2025 update is a structural adjustment designed to bring consistency to Online Services pricing. While it may introduce new considerations for customers, it also creates a clear opportunity to evaluate current licences to ensure only what is required is being used.
How Opus can help your business with the Microsoft pricing changes
Rather than focusing purely on headline pricing, Opus’ role is to act as a guide through the decision-making process. This is where new opportunities emerge:
- Licence optimisation: Many enterprises have unused or under-assigned licences. By running a thorough health check, partners can help identify these gaps and show ways to align licence counts with actual usage.
- EA-to-CSP migration planning: For some organisations, shifting from EA to CSP will make sense. Managed migration services, tenant optimisation, and rollout support require a trusted advisor rather than a reseller.
- Flexibility and responsiveness: CSP agreements allow businesses to make regular adjustments, which can be beneficial in industries with fluctuating headcount or evolving digital priorities.
- Broader value-added services: Opus can offer services above and beyond the licensing, with consulting around security, compliance, adoption, and training, helping customers maximise the value of their Microsoft investment.
Opus are a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner. Please get in touch to speak directly with one of our IT Consultants who can advise you on the best options for your business.
