12. February 2026
How Microsoft Optimization Strengthens Business Resilience
Efficiency, security, and scalability have been among the most frequently cited priorities in IT for years. They remain just as relevant in 2026—but are now joined by a crucial concept: resilience.
As global dynamics shift rapidly, dependencies are becoming more visible—and more risky—for companies. Geopolitical uncertainties and the extraterritorial reach of the US CLOUD Act have never been more prominent. This forces organizations to rethink their strategies—including IT. At the same time, a weakening economy is limiting the availability of generous IT budgets.
Melanie Achten, Managing Director of Microsoft distributor MRM, explains in this expert article how an optimized licensing strategy can unlock financial flexibility using existing resources.
The Cost Question Behind Future-Proof IT
Building future-proof IT systems is a priority for many companies in 2026. Those turning to MRM Distribution are particularly concerned with Microsoft licensing. Beyond operational requirements, licensing strategies must consider dependencies and long-term cost development.
“Many Microsoft cloud models appear cost-effective at first, but become so expensive over time that less budget remains for other critical investments,” says Achten, a former Bechtle licensing manager.
Procurement therefore requires foresight—and a deep understanding of Microsoft licensing options.
“Cloud-only strategies are often adopted quickly,” she explains. “But they almost inevitably lead to significant price increases with each contract renewal.”
Avoiding Rising Cloud Costs
To avoid this and maintain long-term control over software budgets, Achten recommends a detailed analysis:
Which users, servers, and devices truly need to be cloud-connected?
Which applications, departments, or data are better—and more securely—kept within the company’s own environment?
Who actually needs the latest software versions?
In reality, only a small number of “power users” require premium features. For most employees, older versions are sufficient—and these are available from MRM as cost-effective pre-owned licenses.
This approach leads to hybrid scenarios: an optimal mix of new and pre-owned software, cloud and on-premises infrastructure—delivering cost savings instead of continuously rising subscription fees.
“Whether I pay €150,000 over three years for Apps for Enterprise for 320 employees—or make a one-time investment of €100,000 for pre-owned Office 2024 Professional—makes a significant difference.”
Smart Licensing Creates Independence
MRM refers to the integration of reusable software into the licensing mix as “smart licensing.”
Compared to most M365 plans, this approach reduces costs by around 30–40%. Compared to newly purchased Office programs, servers, and CALs, savings can reach up to 70%.
This creates financial capacity for investments in resilience—while enabling a level of independence that is difficult to quantify in purely monetary terms.
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