Updated: August 2, 2020 (July 2, 2020)
Analyst ReportFirstline Suite Eligibility Changes Again
- Microsoft limits who may use firstline suites such as Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 F1, and Office 365 F3.
- Restrictions could require more expensive Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites for users.
- Enterprise Agreement customers might be able to negotiate firstline eligibility exceptions.
Microsoft limits the types of individuals for whom organizations can purchase firstline worker SKUs, including Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 F1, and Office 365 F3. The firstline worker SKUs offer lower pricing for workers with more modest needs for e-mail and other collaboration tools than knowledge workers require. A revamped but tortuous set of rules published June 2020 allows some scenarios that were previously prohibited and prohibits some scenarios that were previously allowed. Enterprise Agreement (EA) customers might be able to negotiate special exceptions for firstline eligibility.
Latest Rule Change
Old rules. For a user to qualify for a firstline worker SKU, he must lack a “dedicated device,” defined as “a computing device used for work with a 10.1″ screen or larger, used by the user more than 60% of the user’s total work time during any 90-day period.” These rules were first issued in Nov. 2019.
Atlas Members have full access
Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.
Membership OptionsAlready have an account? Login Now