Insights from Hundreds of TBSC Health-Checks
Renewing Microsoft 365 subscriptions is a routine task for many organisations, but it’s one that often hides potential pitfalls and missed opportunities. Drawing on insights from hundreds of Microsoft 365 health-checks conducted by TBSC, this article explores four crucial areas that many businesses overlook during the renewal process. Addressing these can help save costs, bolster security, and make the most of your investment.
1. Unused Subscriptions: Wasted Cost
One of the most common issues we encounter is the ongoing payment for licences that are simply not needed. It’s easy for subscriptions to remain allocated to users who have left the company or whose accounts have become inactive. Our research highlights that organisations can achieve an average cost saving of 10.4% at renewal time by identifying and reclaiming these unused licences. Reviewing user assignments and recycling dormant licences should be a standard part of your renewal checklist, freeing up budget for other priorities.
2. Secure Score: Measuring Your Security Posture
Security should never be a box-ticking exercise, especially when it comes to cloud services. The Microsoft 365 Secure Score provides a clear benchmark, yet only 7% of organisations reach a score of 75% or higher. A robust Secure Score means a stronger security posture, reducing risks and supporting compliance efforts. When it’s time to renew, make sure security improvements are part of the process—don’t leave your organisation vulnerable by neglecting this important metric.
3. Security Alerts: Staying Ahead of Threats
Another area that deserves attention is the management of security alerts. With UK Government data showing that 22% of businesses have suffered security breaches from external attacks, it’s vital to stay vigilant. Monitoring your security alerts during the renewal process can help you spot suspicious activity early, such as phishing attempts or other external threats, enabling a swift response before any significant damage occurs.
4. Data Storage and Backup: Are You Protected?
Finally, data storage and backup remain central to protecting your organisation’s information assets. Ensuring that your storage is optimised and that robust backup strategies are in place can safeguard against accidental loss or malicious attacks. Regularly reviewing your backup policies as part of the renewal process is an essential step towards comprehensive data protection.
In summary, renewal time is more than an administrative task. it’s an opportunity to tighten controls, eliminate waste, and strengthen your organisation’s security posture. By addressing these four areas, you can make sure your Microsoft 365 environment remains cost-effective and resilient.