CompuCom Cost Optimization Review (COR) Program
CompuCom has developed a framework of best practices that optimizes an organization’s software procurement and management processes. Our proprietary cost optimization methodology is the foundation for training for our software consultants and provides them with the tools they need to ensure the effective management of clients’ software performance regardless of company size or project scope. Whether your looking for a reliable provisioning source for software purchases or seeking a strategic collaborator to plan and manage your long-term software investments, the strict adherence of our software consultants to the cost optimization methodology will ensure that your requirements are met and goals exceeded.
The COR program ensures you will make efficient, effective use of the software you purchase. It is Modular in design to progress according to your environment and timeline, COR delivers cost optimization across the entire software management lifecycle, allowing you to:
- maximize you software utilization and manageability
- develop an effective enterprise-level software licensing strategy
- design and implement efficient product acquisition processes
- acquire and provision software in a cost-effective manner
The COR program’s independent modules were developed as a series of best practices executed over a software license’s life cycle. Each COR program step can be completed as a single project or as part of a larger software management services engagement. Your dedicated account management team will work with your staff to prioritize COR program activities that produce the greatest benefits to your company.
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) Renewal Workshop
Determining whether or not to renew your organization’s EA can be a difficult task. The EA renewal workshop is conducted and completed by one of our Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Software consultants. Our consultants have an average of 10 years of Microsoft Licensing Management experience and leverage industry best practices.
CompuCom’s comprehensive EA Renewals analysis will help your organization quantitatively answer the following critical questions:
- When and why should you renew, what other options do you have, and how do they compare from a cost perspective?
- What data and documents will you need and who should be involved in the decision-making process?
- How do you budget for the new agreement and decide which products to renew?
- How do you determine which free products should be purchased, and how do you arrange for service agreements for those products?
- How do you quantify the value of SA?
- Which products you received for free will now need to be added at renewal and which products should be purchased under a separate contract?
- Are there additional promotions and incentives being offered by Microsoft that your organization can leverage?
- What tactics are other companies using to negotiate better agreements with Microsoft?
- How do you expand your justification for EA, and how do you manage to maximize the ROI on your EA investments?
CompuCom Software Management Team Helps a Client Justify Its Investment in a New Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
In early 2007, this client’s three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) was nearing expiration. The CompuCom Software Consultant applied the cost optimization methodology to ensure the proper selection of a new licensing strategy and to justify the long-term investment associated with the EA licensing vehicle.
We provided the client with an analysis of three options based on a four-year decision horizon. The client could:
- Exercise the fourth-year option of the existing Microsoft EA
- Discontinue the EA in favor of a new Select Agreement
- Sign a new Microsoft EA
CompuCom consultants gathered the client’s technology requirements for Microsoft products, its upgrade expectations and growth projections. CompuCom worked closely with the client and Microsoft to validate the data. Utilizing proprietary models developed by CompuCom Software Management Services, the analysis indicated that the client would see little difference in cost between implementing a new EA and the other options, but would receive more benefits under the EA. This was presented to the client’s IT management staff and the decision was made to sign a new EA.