Transitioning Microsoft 365 from an EA to an MCA

• Enterprise Agreement customers transitioning to Microsoft Customer Agreements will have to reassess how they license Microsoft 365 subscriptions. 
• The inability to purchase certain Microsoft 365 User and Device Subscription Licenses causes the greatest disruption. 
• Some workarounds are possible but result in greater organizational spend on Microsoft 365 licensing. 
• Customers forced into an MCA should plan to use two or more purchasing programs.  

Many customers with an Enterprise Agreement (EA) with 500 to 2,400 users are being directed by Microsoft to switch to a Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) when their current EA expires. Compared with an MCA, an EA contract offers a larger set of Microsoft 365–related license types and, in some cases, preferential use rights. The differences mean MCA customers may pay more for licensing and have increased license complexity because some licenses may need to be purchased through other volume licensing programs such as Open Value (OV). Ultimately, customers should review these differences and either request the right to remain in the EA program or choose a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner able to identify the issues and assist with subscription purchasing and cost control.