Stepping back from the Cloud

Small and medium-sized companies often exceed their IT budget

In today's digital age, small and medium-sized companies are more dependent than ever on good software solutions to optimise operational processes and reduce costs. The increasing popularity of Cloud services has led to large sums being spent on subscriptions. Around a third of investments are wasted because companies struggle to implement their Cloud services and projects in a way that maximises efficiency. According to the study ‘Couchbase Cloud Evolution Report 2022’ , companies spend an average of more than 30 million euros per year on Cloud services.

However, every small and medium-sized company should ask itself whether there is a more cost-effective and efficient way to optimise operational processes. We can say – there are alternatives such as used Microsoft software licences. In this post, we want to explain why you should consider switching to used software licences instead of spending a large amount of money on Cloud products.

1. Full functionality:

Pre-owned software licences can be used in exactly the same way as new licences and offer the same functionalities. Companies can fall back on proven software without having to compromise on features. This enables seamless deployment in existing systems and makes it easier for employees to work with familiar software tools.

2. Cost efficiency:

The most obvious advantage of buying used software licences is the significant cost savings compared to new licences or Cloud subscriptions. This is because the pre-owned licences are offered at a lower price and you make a one-time investment instead of paying an annual subscription fee. By purchasing used licences, small and medium-sized companies can significantly reduce strain on their IT budget while using high-quality software solutions.

3. Flexibility:

Pre-owned software licences offer a flexibility that Cloud products often cannot match. Companies can install the software on their own servers and have full control over and access to their data. In contrast, Cloud products are hosted by external providers, which may raise concerns about data security and dependence on third parties. Used software licences allow you to design and customise your IT infrastructure according to your own needs.

4. Legal certainty:

When purchasing used software licences, legal certainty is an important aspect that buyers must consider carefully. We check our vendors and the licences to ensure that they are transferable and have no restrictions. We also look into the origin of the licence and whether the documentation is complete to guarantee authenticity. Our licences are fully documented, providing legal certainty for our customers. Furthermore, we offer a free audit to avoid compliance risks and cost-intensive audits.

5. Expectations:

Cloud services often fail to meet companies' expectations, which leads to complications. Moreover, it can impede digitalisation and cause higher costs. Additionally, it can lead to service restrictions because expectations regarding the services are not met.