What Every Veterinary Practices need to know…

Starting April 1, 2025, Microsoft will introduce a 5% premium for New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscriptions with annual commitments paid monthly. This change impacts all new subscriptions purchased on or after April 1, 2025, as well as existing subscriptions upon their renewal. Subscriptions with annual commitments paid annually, or monthly subscriptions paid monthly, are not affected by this premium.

For veterinary practices relying on Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft products, understanding these pricing adjustments is critical to managing costs and ensuring their technology aligns with business needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this means and how your practice can navigate these changes.

What Does This Change Mean?

The introduction of the 5% premium applies specifically to:

  • Annual commitments paid monthly: If your practice opts to spread payments over 12 months, the total cost will include an additional 5% starting in April 2025.

However, Microsoft has clarified that:

  • Annual commitments paid annually: These will remain unaffected and offer the most cost-effective option.
  • Monthly subscriptions paid monthly: These continue to offer flexibility without the premium, though at a higher per-user cost compared to annual commitments.

This change reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to encourage businesses to commit to annual agreements or pay upfront to streamline their operations.

Options for Veterinary Practices

Veterinary practices have three primary options when it comes to Microsoft 365 licensing:

1. Annual Commitment Paid Annually

  • Best for Cost Savings: This option avoids the 5% premium and offers the lowest overall cost per user.
  • Single Upfront Payment: While it requires a larger upfront investment, it eliminates monthly billing complexities.
  • Predictable Costs: Practices can lock in their yearly budget without worrying about fluctuating monthly expenses.

2. Annual Commitment Paid Monthly

  • Flexible Yet Premium-Priced: Spreading payments over 12 months provides cash flow flexibility but incurs a 5% premium starting in April 2025.
  • Suitable for Scaling Practices: Ideal for clinics needing a consistent number of licenses but preferring monthly payments.

3. Monthly Subscription Paid Monthly

  • Highest Flexibility: This plan allows practices to adjust the number of licenses monthly, accommodating seasonal staff changes.
  • Higher Cost Per User: This flexibility comes at a premium compared to annual plans.
  • No Commitment: Suitable for practices hesitant to lock into long-term agreements.

Why Buy From a Microsoft Partner Like MoreMax?

While veterinary practices can purchase licenses directly from Microsoft, there are significant benefits to partnering with a Microsoft Partner—especially one with extensive experience and a focus on your industry.

Here’s why:

1. Same Pricing as Microsoft—With Added Value

  • Competitive Pricing: We offer licenses at the same price as Microsoft.
  • No Additional Costs: The price you pay is identical, but the value you receive is exponentially greater.

2. Tailored Guidance and Support

  • Personalised Advice: Unlike purchasing directly from Microsoft, we provide tailored recommendations for your unique practice needs.
  • Proactive Management: We monitor your licensing usage, ensuring you’re not overpaying for unused licenses or missing opportunities to optimise.
  • End-to-End Support: From onboarding to troubleshooting, our team handles everything so your staff can focus on patient care.

3. Simplified Billing

  • Single Point of Contact: Instead of navigating Microsoft’s billing system, you deal directly with us for clear, consolidated invoices.
  • Budget Clarity: We help you plan and forecast IT expenses more effectively.

4. Industry-Specific Expertise

  • Veterinary-Focused Solutions: With over 22 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges of veterinary practices, from managing practice management software to ensuring secure client communications.
  • Integrated Systems: We help ensure your Microsoft tools work seamlessly with other critical veterinary software, reducing disruptions.

5. Exceptional Customer Service

  • Rapid Response: Whether it’s a technical issue or a billing query, we prioritise your concerns to minimise downtime.
  • Dedicated Account Management: Our team knows your practice and anticipates your needs, delivering a truly personalized experience.

The Value of Working with an Experienced Technology Partner

When you choose to work with a technology partner like us, you’re not just buying licenses; you’re gaining a strategic ally. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Twenty-Two (22)+ Years of Industry Experience

  • We have decades of experience helping businesses like yours optimise their IT infrastructure.
  • Our expertise extends beyond licensing to cybersecurity, compliance, and advanced IT solutions.

2. Focus on the Veterinary Industry

  • We specialize in serving veterinary practices, understanding their workflows, challenges, and software requirements.
  • Whether you need help with data security for client records or integrating Microsoft 365 with your practice management system, we’re here to help.

3. Proactive IT Management

  • We take a proactive approach to managing your IT, identifying potential issues before they affect your operations.
  • Our goal is to keep your technology running smoothly so you can focus on delivering exceptional care to your patients.

4. Cybersecurity Expertise

  • We implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect your practice from data breaches and ransomware attacks.
  • Our team stays ahead of emerging threats, ensuring your data is secure.

What Should You Do Next?

As April 2025 approaches, veterinary practices should:

  1. Evaluate Current Licensing Plans: Determine whether your current subscription model aligns with your financial and operational needs.
  2. Consider Cost-Saving Opportunities: If feasible, explore moving from annual commitments paid monthly to annual commitments paid annually to avoid the 5% premium.
  3. Leverage Expert Guidance: Partner with a trusted Microsoft Partner to navigate these changes and optimize your IT strategy.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Our team will review your current setup, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the pricing changes.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s upcoming pricing changes present both challenges and opportunities for veterinary practices. By understanding your options and working with a dedicated Microsoft Partner, you can make informed decisions that benefit your practice both financially and operationally.

Let us help you navigate these changes. Contact us today to learn how we can support your practice with licensing, IT management, and industry-specific expertise tailored to the unique needs of veterinary professionals.