Microsoft Product and Service Updates: September 2024

It took a bit longer than usual for Microsoft to publish this month’s Product Terms, which finally went live around 11 CET. In addition to updates in the Product Terms, there are other key changes this month that could impact how organizations manage their Microsoft services.

Key Privacy & Security Updates

• Cortana Removed: Cortana has been removed from the Core Online Services and EU Data Boundary Services tables, aligning with its retirement in early 2023.
• Azure AI Content Safety: Added to the Core Online Services list but not included in the EU Data Boundary list.

Definition of “EU Data Boundary”: This refers to Microsoft’s data centers, computing environments, and infrastructure located solely within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The term “EU Data Boundary Services” only applies to Online Services listed in the EU table, excluding any preview services.

Microsoft 365 Changes

• Entra Suite Products Added: Entra Suite, Private Access, Internet Access, and Secure Access Essentials have been added to the Availability and Prerequisite Tables.
• Product Comparison Tables: These products are not yet visible on Microsoft’s product comparison tables, but updates will follow once available.

Microsoft Azure: Clarification on Fixed Pricing and Promotions

Microsoft clarified that fixed pricing does not apply to promotional or preview SKUs. While promotions offer temporary or reduced prices, fixed pricing is only applicable to standard SKUs. To maintain consistent pricing over a contract term, it is advisable to negotiate based on the regular SKU rather than any promotional ones.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Updates

• Database Capacity Minimums: Additional Database Capacity has been added to the Purchasing Minimums table.
• New Products in Tables: Contact Center is now in both the Availability and Prerequisites Tables.
• Tiered Capacity for Database Operations:
  • Tier 1 Capacity: 1
  • Tier 2 Capacity: 1000

Microsoft Power Platform: Purchasing Minimums Update

• Dataverse Database Capacity: Dataverse now appears in the Purchasing Minimums table, giving users a clear guide on capacity requirements.

Windows 365: Cross Region Disaster Recovery

Microsoft has introduced a new add-on for Windows 365 Cross Region Disaster Recovery (DR), available to EES, EAEAS, MCA, and MOSA programs. The add-on requires that licensed users already hold a Windows 365 Enterprise license.

New Definition of “External Users” (Effective October 1, 2024)

Microsoft will soon refine the definition of “External Users.” As of October 1, 2024, the term will apply only to users who are:

• Not Employees of the customer or its affiliates
• Not Contractors or Agents working on average more than 30 hours per week
• Not Regular Onsite Workers, such as contractors who work onsite every day

This change means that full-time contractors who meet these criteria will need to follow standard user terms and conditions instead of the external user’s conditions.

Stay Updated with Microsoft Licensing Changes

Microsoft’s latest updates reflect a commitment to refining user definitions, enhancing security features, and improving transparency in cost management. Keeping up with these changes ensures that you remain compliant and can optimize your Microsoft services.

For questions or guidance on how these updates may affect your organization, contact us for expert advice.

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