Recognizing the need to optimize Microsoft Licensing, a global construction and electrical infrastructure leader partnered with MNJ to save over $1,000,000 in overspend by January 2025.
High licensing costs
Inefficient license management
Limited visibility and support from current advisors
Consulting Services
Trusted Advisory Model
MNJ Marketplace
IT Savings of $1,001,293
Efficiency
Transparency
MSP Hub
Operating at a massive scale with hundreds of employees across diverse functions, one global Construction and Electrical Infrastructure leader needed a partner to address inefficiencies in their Microsoft licensing agreements, improve cost management, and provide guidance to meet their growing business demands.
MNJ’s client faced significant issues in its existing IT environment:
Excess Licenses: Over 250 users were assigned unnecessary licenses, resulting in over $43,000/year in wasted spending.
Inefficient Cost Structures: Dated solutions such as EMS+3, Windows 10/12, and O365 E3/E5 led to suboptimal cost performance.
Lack of Visibility: The client’s previous advisory partner provided minimal insights into license usage, leaving them to pay for free user benefits under their Software Assurance contract.
Poor Support Model: With no 24/7 support, the client incurred high costs (starting at $500 per ticket) for Microsoft escalations, adding delays and frustration.
The total financial impact included an estimated $93,000 in overpayment for their Enterprise Agreement (EA) and additional costs ranging between $50,000–$100,000 due to inefficient true-ups.
MNJ partnered with the client to deliver a comprehensive solution aimed at transforming their Microsoft licensing approach.
Consulting Services: MNJ conducted a detailed assessment of the client’s Microsoft licensing history, true-up processes, and cost structures. Findings were validated by Microsoft, confirming overpayments and mismanagement.
Trusted Advisory Model: MNJ introduced a proactive support system with biweekly consultations, moving to quarterly business reviews. This included mentorship and access to 24/7 escalation support.
MNJ Marketplace: A platform for real-time license tracking, renewals, and add-on capabilities. The client could view costs, usage, and adjust licenses dynamically, ensuring transparency and control.
Future–Proofing: MNJ advised on upcoming cost impacts due to Microsoft’s September 2024 pricing changes, ensuring the client remained grandfathered into current rates.
The partnership with MNJ resulted in significant improvements across the client’s licensing environment:
Cost Savings: Eliminated $43,000 in annual overpayments and achieved projected savings of over $1,001,293 by January 2025 through optimized agreements and true-up corrections.
Efficiency: Reduced renewal and true-up costs from $4,031,685 to manageable levels over a three-year period.
Scalability: A flexible buy-as-you-need model allowed the client to scale efficiently with prorated terms.
Enhanced Support: Free support for Microsoft escalations saved the client from the previous $500/ticket cost, while ensuring rapid issue resolution.
Transparency and Control: The client gained full visibility into licensing with dynamic cost tracking, helping them budget effectively.
Through MNJ Technologies’ advisory model and solutions, the client transformed its IT licensing landscape, reducing unnecessary costs while gaining a reliable partner for ongoing optimization and support. With a proactive and transparent approach, the client is now positioned to scale its operations efficiently while driving cost savings and value across its IT infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
With a modernized, cost-optimized licensing environment in place and full visibility into their IT investments, the client is now poised to take the next step in their digital transformation journey. As the business continues to evolve, MNJ remains a trusted advisor, providing strategic guidance and proactive solutions to ensure their IT environment stays agile, efficient, and prepared for what’s next.
Matt Ogden is MNJ’s Chief Operating Officer. Matt is widely recognized as the voice of the customer. He was, in fact, a customer of MNJ for 14 years. MNJ customers trust Matt for his command of IT and Digital Transformation within the context of optimized business outcomes.
Matt bridges the gap between legacy technology environments and practical future state success. He has a rare ability to meet the customer where they are and build high integrity, cost effective plans to help technology teams function better. He has even been called a CTO/CIO whisperer. His command of best practices comes from his 14+ years of experience as a leader within the Fortune 19 company – Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
Matt is a Management Information Systems (MIS) graduate from Kent State University. Matt is all about family and invests his free time into them while enjoying coaching and Disney World adventures. Matt is also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.
