AI is changing the way we work — but it’s also changing the way we license technology.
For most organizations, AI isn’t a single product; it’s a collection of features embedded throughout Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics. The challenge is that those features don’t all show up in the same SKU. If you don’t have a plan, you can easily end up overpaying for capabilities you’re not using — or worse, missing out on tools you already own.
That’s why your AI strategy has to include a licensing strategy.
Start with What You Already Have
At Synergy Technical, we often find customers are sitting on “spare change in the couch” — unused or underutilized licenses that already include AI capabilities.
Microsoft has quietly embedded AI features across its ecosystem:
- Copilot experiences in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
- Security and compliance automation in Microsoft Defender and Purview.
- Machine learning models running behind the scenes in Azure services.
The question isn’t just, “What AI do we need?” — it’s “What AI do we already have, and how can we maximize its value?”
An effective AI licensing review can uncover tools you’re already entitled to, streamline your subscriptions, and identify where premium AI licenses (like Microsoft 365 Copilot) make sense.
Avoid Paying for Redundant or Overlapping Tools
One of the biggest mistakes I see organizations make is buying third-party AI solutions that replicate what Microsoft already provides — often with stronger security and governance built-in.
A clear AI strategy gives you visibility. You know which business challenges you’re solving, and you align your licensing around that. When you understand where Microsoft’s native AI fits, you can eliminate redundant costs and consolidate your technology stack.
This not only saves money — it simplifies your environment, reduces vendor management overhead, and strengthens your security posture.
Plan for the Future — Without Overcommitting
AI licensing is evolving fast. Microsoft is introducing new SKUs, usage-based pricing models, and add-ons at a pace we haven’t seen before. The key is to stay flexible.
That’s where the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model shines. It allows you to test AI capabilities on a smaller scale — monthly or departmentally — without locking into a multi-year commitment. You can experiment, measure ROI, and scale up once you see tangible results.
This agility is critical in an AI-first world. A licensing model that supports experimentation is a competitive advantage.
Make AI Work for You — Financially and Functionally
At the end of the day, every technology decision should tie back to business value. An AI strategy without a cost strategy is incomplete.
If you’re investing in AI, make sure you’re doing it in a way that:
- Maximizes the value of your existing licenses.
- Avoids paying twice for the same functionality.
- Gives you flexibility to adapt as the licensing landscape evolves.
AI should make your organization smarter — not just technologically, but financially.
That’s the power of having a licensing partner who knows where to look, what to consolidate, and how to align your roadmap with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Because when done right, AI doesn’t just cost money — it finds money.
By Don Lewis, Director of Licensing Advisory, Synergy Technical.
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