Microsoft SQL Server licensing and cost optimisation [blueprint]

Do you want to optimise SQL Server licensing and related costs? We're sharing our experience and our approach that lets our customers shift over $20m in total from waste* to growth.

Shall we graciously call it "charitable donations to Microsoft" instead?

In this session, we're sharing:

– Tips on reducing SQL Server licensing costs
– How to maximise existing investment
– Real potential vs "nice ideas."
– Pitfalls to watch out for
– And most importantly, STEP BY STEP process blueprint

So, whether you are
– a decision-maker looking for peace of mind around Microsoft,
– a procurement hero getting the kick out of cost avoidance "eureka",
– or a frontline SAM warrior,

We hope you'll find this interactive [now recorded] live stream useful.

ESSENTIAL READING

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WHO WE ARE

SAMexpert is an independent management consultancy focused on Microsoft. We help you get a fair deal, reduce costs, stay compliant, and survive audits.

Want us to solve your FinOps and licensing headaches?

LET'S CONNECT

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro, who we are and why should you care
4:15 The complexity of Microsoft SQL Server licensing
9:30 How much is the potential to save on SQL Server optimisation
12:15 There is more to optimisation than just licensing costs
14:45 What is the best time to start an optimisation exercise
18:57 What if you are moving to Azure? Is there any cost avoidance?
22:12 Step 1. Goals, events, sponsors.
25:56 Step 2. Gather your team
27:10 Step 3. Establish your baseline licensing position
32:15 How to collect SQL Server inventory properly
36:00 Microsoft License Statement is not your entire entitlement
42:35 How to split your SQL Server instances into categories
49:00 The best way to achieve cost optimisation with SQL Server
56:26 SQL Server Unlimited Virtualisation - does it make any sense?
1:02:50 Physical clusters are underrated - savings are easy
1:06:50 You may reuse your licenses in Azure and save
1:08:30 Assess the whole picture, labour costs, support costs
1:10:10 The next steps after assessment
1:11:05 It's not just about a technical project. Commercial considerations.
1:18:10 Answering your questions

#Microsoft #ITProcurement #MicrosoftLicensing

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Please watch: "Negotiate a Better Microsoft EA Deal in 2025"
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[paulyounghusband]

Good common sense stuff, reaffirming and great takeaways. Thanks Alex, Daryl, really appreciate the personal experiences and insights you have around SQL Server licensing and for presenting it very well.