Updated: January 18, 2026 (April 13, 2024)

Comparing Paths for Licensing Microsoft 365—The Savings May Not Stack Up

Wes Miller analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s security, identity management, and systems management technologies. Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Wes... more

Customers have numerous paths available for licensing Microsoft 365 services. Licensing subcomponents on an à la carte basis can rapidly become more expensive than a full suite and introduce surprising new license compliance shortfalls that show up later.

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