Forum Discussion
Microsoft Action Pack - what to consider?
Hi,
We are now considering about buying the Action Pack to replace the current Office 365 licenses, excluding the Basic licenses, but the ones with desktop applications (converting those to basic licenses). I understand that there's a hard limit of ten users.
What other aspects should we consider before actually buying the Action Pack? I specifically want to avoid things like "I didn't know that..." or "I thought that..." that could occur after buying.
The 30 day refund is otherwise a great feature, but if we try this with one user, so take basic Office 365 instead of the Standard (or what is it called?) license and install Office Professional from the Action Pack, I understood the refund is instantly impossible.
- If I were you I would not consider Action packs anymore.
The Partner Benefit packages are way more interesting and more value for money.
They consist of the M365 suits, Bing Chat Enterprise, Dynamics BC & SE + Azure credits.
Only real consideration in my opinion would be CAL rights. Action packs give O365 E3 + EMS E3 and the benefit packages give you M365 BP. (which should be the preferred option imo*)
Regarding Copilot in benefit packages - it is Bing Chat Enterprise and no real Copilot for M365.- Hi there. I'm not sure if you would know this, but I currently have a M365 Business Basic subscription. I'd like to upgrade to the Action pack or Partner benefits package. I'm mainly interested in Copilot and Power Platform admin/governance functions. Do you have recommendation on best approach to "upgrade" or modify my subscription?
- Copilot will be included in the Benefit Packages in the future (no sooner than early next year). Power Platform isn't included in any benefit packages, for as far as I know. So you'll need to purchase those as a regular customer.
Here's some key notes I've found so far
- The Action Pack includes Office 2019. Not Office 2021 and not Office 365.
- The Action Pack 10x Office licenses are per installation. Not per five installations (sure, one user) as with Office 365.
- The Action Pack doesn't include Copilot, so if you are looking for Copilot, the Action Pack isn't the solution (at least not alone).
LicensingConcierge1Microsoft
Yes, Office 2021 is not included with Action Pack; and Copilot is a purchasable product, so it's not included with Action Pack.
You can find the Microsoft Action Pack license table in Partner Center to see the full list of Action Pack.
If this reply answers your question, please Accept as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly. Otherwise, please let me know if you need further assistance on this topic.
Regards,Microsoft CSP Licensing Concierge
- LicensingConcierge1
Hi ArtoKilponen
Microsoft Partners/Indirect Providers can log into Partner Center to locate the step-by-step instructions to purchase an Action Pack, such as the following page - Microsoft Action Pack
Scroll down & click on "Instructions"
you will then be re-directed to the MS Learn Doc with full details on the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS)
If this reply answers your question, please Accept as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly. Otherwise, please let me know if you need further assistance on this topic.
Regards,Microsoft CSP Licensing Concierge
Yes, all of this was something I knew already, but I'm trying to find out if there are some especially relevant things to consider that I might have missed so far.
The problem is not how to buy. The problem is that do I actually get what I'm expecting to get. Mainly that can I instantly reduce the costs by removing the Standard Office 365 and moving to Basic Office 365, or is there something that prevents me from doing that.
- LicensingConcierge1
Please carefully review the link that I've provided as it not only shows how to purchase an Action Pack, but you'll learn what the Action Pack can do for you, which should answer your questions about things to consider. Microsoft Action Pack
Since you've mentioned O365, please review the following information that has taken effect as of April 1, 2024 and note that an FAQ is included on both links:
- Office 365 E3 - Enterprise Collaboration and Productivity | Microsoft
- Realigning global licensing for Microsoft 365
If after reviewing the links above you find that you have additional questions, please provide a specific question and I'm happy to clarify
If you are a Microsoft Reseller in CSP, you should work with your Indirect Provider (aka Distributor) who has a direct relationship with Microsoft and can provide you with customer support, pricing, and billing that help to ensure your success.
If this reply answers your question, please Accept as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly. Otherwise, please let me know if you need further assistance on this topic.
Regards,Microsoft CSP Licensing Concierge
- LicensingConcierge1
I've moved this post from the Business Applications community to the Partner Benefits Community since it's not related to BizApps.
