Copilot, GitHub, D365 and more - Microsoft Licensing Update March 2024
Welcome to our March 2024 Licensing Update! This month, we’ve seen several pivotal changes across Microsoft’s product terms and online services. From enhanced privacy measures with Microsoft Copilot to new licensing requirements for Dynamics 365, our goal is to clarify these updates for you. Let’s dive into what these changes mean for your business and how to leverage them for optimal performance and compliance.
This month’s licensing changes to:
Microsoft 365 Copilot: Securing your data across borders
The update
Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 added to the privacy and security page under the Data at Rest clause. This means that any content stored through interaction with this service will not leave the geo where the tenant has been provisioned.
Why does this matter?
In today’s digital age, data privacy and security are more than just buzzwords—they are crucial pillars of trust and compliance for businesses across the globe. This update signifies Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring that your data sovereignty concerns are taken to heart. Updates like these ensure that we can embrace innovation without compromising on the core values of privacy and security.
What does this mean for you and your business?
In essence, this update ensures that any content you create, share or store while interacting with Microsoft Copilot stays within the geographical boundaries of where your tenant is provisioned. Whether you’re drafting emails, creating documents, or even whipping up a presentation, the data you entrust to Copilot stays securely within your selected region.
If your organization is particularly sensitive about where your data resides due to regulatory requirements or internal policies, this update offers a layer of assurance.
What should you consider?
- Review your current data governance policies: Ensure they align with this update for seamless compliance.
- Educate your team: Make sure everyone understands the importance of data residency and how Copilot adheres to these principles.
Want to know more about licensing Microsoft Copilot? Read our comprehensive guide on Everything you need to know about Copilot.
GitHub Copilot’s enhanced data handling explained
The update
Microsoft has clarified how data handling works for GitHub Copilot. First off, every prompt you send to Copilot is encrypted to keep your data secure and deleted after suggestions have been generated. However, in certain scenarios the prompts will be saved. These are:
- When using the command line interface
- If you requested a customized private language model
- If you customized GitHub to use third-party extensions
Why you should care
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital security, understanding how your data is handled is essential. This update not only enhances transparency but also ensures you’re in the know about when and why your data might be stored, giving you peace of mind as you code away.
Enhancing Teams experience with M365 F1 just got easier!
The update
For those of you leveraging Microsoft 365 F1 for your frontline workers, there’s been a long-standing inclusion of an Exchange Online Kiosk plan. But you are not allowed to use it! Why is it included? Simply because it amps up your Teams experience, making it smoother and more integrated for your daily communications.
Now, Microsoft has extended the clause with additional insights on how to best use this setup, especially if you’re also using the Microsoft booking features. The end goal is still to inform end users to not use the mailbox license in F1 as this is out of compliance.
Actionable insights
- Check your setup: Ensure if you are using M365 F1 that you are not using the Exchange Online Kiosk plan that comes preconfigured to support your team’s booking and communication needs.
- Stay compliant: Remember, using the mailbox license directly with F1 can sidestep compliance. We’re here to help navigate these nuances, so you stay on track.
Dynamics 365 update: tailoring your Finance Premium experience
The update
Navigating the world of Dynamics 365 Finance applications? Here’s a pivotal update for those eyeing the Premium version. Previously, you might recall, there was some flexibility in how licenses could be distributed between the standard Finance application and its Premium counterpart.
Dynamics 365 has set new ground rules for the Finance Premium application. It still requires a 10-license minimum, but you can no longer share this with the Dynamics 365 Finance (Standard) application. This means no more mixing and matching with the regular Finance app licenses, which has a 20-license minimum.
This change signifies a step towards more specialized, high-quality financial management capabilities tailored to your needs.
What you should do
- Review your licenses: Take a moment to assess your current licensing structure. Are you leveraging the Finance Premium application with less than 10 licenses or mixing it with standard Finance licenses? It’s time for a change.
- Plan strategically: Considering the upgrade to Finance Premium or already using it? Ensure you have the minimum 10 licenses to continue enjoying its benefits without interruption.
Unsure how this change affects your setup? We’re here to help you navigate through these licensing waters, ensuring your Dynamics 365 environment is optimized for your business needs. In the meantime, read our blog on Dynamics 365: Applications & how to license them.
Two updates for frontline workers
A new way to connect Teams for frontline workers
The update
Microsoft added a new license for Microsoft Teams Phone Standard for Frontline workers. This license requires an O365 F3, M365 F1 or M365 F3 license as a base license.
This new license means frontline workers can stay connected easily. Make sure to check eligibility and explore the benefits to your organisation.
Microsoft Intune
The update
Microsoft added a Frontline edition to its Intune page for most additional product like Advanced Analytics, Remote Help and Intune Suite. The prerequisites to use the Frontline SKUs are similar to the Frontline SKUS for M365. You are only eligible to tap into these additions if using a device smaller than 10.9 inches or you share a device.
In broader news, Microsoft added Intune Cloud PKI to the Intune Suite and as a standalone product. Cloud PKI is a tool to automate certificate management for Intune registered devices.
Why it matters
These updates ensure frontline workers have access to cutting-edge tools without any hassle. And with Cloud PKI, managing certificates is no longer a headache but a seamless part of your workflow.
Next steps for you
- Evaluate your tools: Are you leveraging the full potential of Intune for your frontline team? Now’s the time to explore these new offerings.
- Device check: Ensure your devices meet the criteria to benefit from the Frontline editions. Small or shared? You’re in for a treat.
- Simplify security: With Cloud PKI, consider how automating certificate management can boost your security posture and streamline operations.
Education update: the graduation benefit
The update
The graduation benefit, a longstanding perk for educational institutions, has officially been retired. This means the specific clauses that once outlined this benefit for Windows OS and Office Desktop Applications have been removed from the product terms.
The graduation benefit allowed students to retain access to certain software after completing their education. It was a sort of digital “parting gift” to support their transition from academia to the professional world.
Why it matters
This change signifies a shift in how educational institutions and their students will access and retain Microsoft software. While it closes one door, it also opens up discussions on new ways to support students post-graduation.
Implications & actions
- For institutions: It’s crucial to reassess your digital toolkits and consider alternative ways to support your graduating students. This might involve exploring other Microsoft offerings or discussing new benefits that could replace the graduation perk.
- For students: If you’re nearing graduation, take note of this change. It may affect how you plan to use or purchase Microsoft products in the future. Keep an eye out for updates from your institution on how they plan to support you moving forward.
Conclusion
As we navigate these updates together, remember that staying informed is key to leveraging Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem to your advantage. Whether you’re optimizing for compliance, efficiency, or both, our team is here to guide you through every change. Got questions? Let’s connect and ensure your licensing strategy is on point for 2024 and beyond.
Summary of key licensing updates
- Copilot for Microsoft 365 added to the privacy and security page under the Data at Rest clause. Any content stored through interaction in the Copilot for M365 service will not leave the geo where the tenant has been provisioned.
- M365 F1: It is a known fact that Microsoft requires an Exchange Online Kiosk plan for an optimal Teams experience. This clause has now been extended with additional information on the best way to set this up, especially if you also need to use booking. The end goal is still to inform end users to not use the mailbox license in F1 as this is out of compliance.
- Dynamics 365: The Finance Premium application has a 10-license minimum requirement. Initially this could be shared with Finance (standard), however now you need a 10-license minimum for Premium only. You can no longer mix and match with the regular Finance app, which has a 20-license minimum.
- Microsoft Teams phone: Microsoft added a new license to Microsoft Teams Phone Standard for Frontline workers. This license requires an O365 F3, M365 F1 or M365 F3 license as a base license.
- Microsoft Intune: Microsoft added a Frontline edition to the Intune page for most additional products like Advanced Analytics, Remote Help and Intune Suite. The prerequisites to use the Frontline SKUs are similar to the Frontline SKUS for M365. A user is only eligible if the user shares a device or works on a device that is smaller than 10.9 inch. Microsoft also added Intune Cloud PKI to the Intune Suite and as a standalone product. Cloud PKI is a tool to automate certificate management for Intune registered devices.
- Copilot for GitHub: Microsoft has updated the readability of the Copilot for GitHub page and clarified how data is handled for Copilot for GitHub. Firstly, Copilot prompts are always encrypted when sent and are deleted after suggestions are generated. In certain scenarios, the prompts are stored, namely: when you use the command line interface, if you requested a customized private language model or if you have customized GitHub to use third-party extensions.
- Education specific: The graduation benefit for educational institutions is now retired and this is reflected in the Product Terms through removal of this clause for both Windows OS and Office Desktop Applications.
