Microsoft Announces SPLA Price Increases for 2025: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that starting January 1, 2025, prices for several key products licensed through the SPLA program will increase. This price adjustment affects a range of Microsoft's most widely-used technologies, including Windows Server, System Center, Office LTSC, and Dynamics. It’s important to understand these changes and prepare for the impact on your organization.

Products Affected by the Price Increase:

1. Windows Server
   The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server 2025 comes with numerous enhancements in security, hybrid cloud capabilities, and AI-readiness. Along with these advancements, SPLA prices for the following Windows Server products will increase by 10%:

• Windows Server Datacenter

• Windows Server Standard

• Windows Server Active Directory Rights Management Services (SAL)

Windows Server 2025 is designed to offer improved performance, security, and hybrid agility, making it a critical upgrade for enterprises seeking to leverage AI and modern cloud environments.

1. System Center
   The SPLA price for System Center 2025 will also see a 10% increase. This suite of tools enables businesses to manage their infrastructure efficiently, incorporating advanced security features and simplified Azure Arc integration to manage hybrid environments. System Center 2025 allows organizations to manage lifecycle operations and scale their infrastructure easily, with improved resiliency and automation.

2. Office
   The new Office LTSC 2024 version will introduce updated features for productivity, including enhancements in Outlook and Excel, but will not include Microsoft Publisher or the Microsoft Teams app by default. The price increase for Office Suites and the Multi-Language Pack under SPLA will be 10%.

3. Dynamics 365 and Other Dynamics Products
   Dynamics 365 products, including Customer Service and Sales modules, will experience an 11% price increase under SPLA. For older Dynamics solutions, such as Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics SL, there will also be an 11% hike. Dynamics AX will see the largest price increase, at 17%. Notably, Dynamics 365 Team Members will not be subject to any price increase in 2025.

Products With No Price Increase

Not all products will see price adjustments in 2025. Microsoft did provide a statement advising there will be no price increase for:

• Remote Desktop Services (RDS) SAL

• Project and Visio

Preparing for the SPLA Price Increase

Microsoft Partners will experience a significant impact starting in January 2025 due to these new pricing changes. It’s essential for partners to evaluate their infrastructure and licensing models to mitigate the effects of the new cost structure. Considering alternative licensing options, such as SQL Azure Arc, could help lower costs and offset some of the increases.

At Altaris, we can help you prepare for the new pricing changes in January. Our team can work with you to assess your current environment and recommend strategies to optimize your licensing and infrastructure to better manage costs. Contact us today to ensure your business is ready for these changes and positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.