The United States Army wanted to manage their Microsoft licenses more efficiently and possibly save money on their total Microsoft budget, but were unsure how to manage the process and where they might find those savings.
They developed a strategic program called CHESS, which stood for (Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions) program. Miro analyst Vince Allison was brought in as a Microsoft licensing specialist to find the most effective way of achieving the results The Army wanted.
The Army Windows Server managers maintained the entire Windows Server network, but at the time, Software Asset Management of Microsoft products was not a major focus for them.
Vince explained to the Windows Server team that they should review their inventory before making purchases, and helped them see that existing software licenses with Software Assurance could be renewed.
The Army was able to drop several products that were not needed due to other products having expanded license rights. The team covered several options with The Army’s EA renewal that included maintaining a full platform agreement or signing a piecemeal agreement for products they wanted to keep SA maintained.
Previously, The Army would call Microsoft with product and licensing questions, but Vince explained how their purchasing program worked and covered how their licensing was no longer purchased under a Select or Open Agreement.
At the end of the process, The Army was able to save over $60M in licensing and support costs.