Advisory / Microsoft Audit Defense

Microsoft Audit Defense Service 2026

We absorb the SAM engagement, contest the verified self assessment, and close the formal audit. Buyer side only.

90%+Claim Reduction

500+Enterprise Clients

When we help

Three moments we step in

Scenario 01

SAM engagement opened

Microsoft has invited you into a SAM engagement or verified self assessment. It feels soft, but it is the front door to a formal audit.

Scenario 02

SPLA audit in flight

A hoster or service provider SPLA audit has landed. Reporting accuracy, qualified user counts, and listed price exposure are all in play.

Scenario 03

Formal audit notice

A formal audit letter has arrived from Microsoft or its appointed auditor. The response clock is running and the claim will be material.

How we help

Four phase buyer side procedure

Phase 01

Containment

Engagement scoped, communications protocol locked, and Microsoft correspondence routed through counsel. No raw data leaves the building.

Phase 02

Independent baseline

Buyer side measurement of the Microsoft estate from HR record, asset inventory, M365 telemetry, and Azure billing. Auditor numbers compared line by line.

Phase 03

Findings contestation

Counter position drafted, qualified user math contested, and SPLA reporting validated. Written response delivered to Microsoft.

Phase 04

Close and side letter

Settlement closed at the buyer side number. Side letter prevents audit findings from following into the renewal or any successor agreement.

Deliverables

What you get at close

Audit response file

Counsel led communications protocol, document hold instructions, and the response register for every Microsoft data request.

Independent deployment baseline

Buyer side measurement from HR record, asset inventory, M365 telemetry, and Azure billing. Built before any data crosses to Microsoft.

Findings contestation memo

Written challenge to qualified user counts, SPLA reporting, and M365 license assignments, with documentary support.

Settlement counter position

Buyer side settlement model, walk away number, and the staged concession path through the negotiation window.

Side letter at close

Signed instrument sealing audit findings off from renewal pricing and any successor Microsoft agreement.

Executive briefing deck

CFO and audit committee summary of claim posture, savings achieved, residual risk, and recommended forward stance.

Outcome

What changes after we engage

90%+

Average audit
claim reduction

500+

Enterprise audits
defended

Renewal price
spillover

48hr

Engagement
opening time

100%

Buyer side
independent

Engagement model

Two ways to engage

Pick the option that matches your posture. Fixed Fee for a single audit cycle. Vendor Shield for continuous always on Microsoft defense across the calendar year.

Option A

Fixed Fee Engagement

Scope

Single Microsoft audit cycle from SAM engagement or formal notice through settlement and side letter.

Timeline

Eight to fourteen weeks typical. Same week start once scope is signed.

Pricing

Fixed fee. Quoted on scope. No hourly billing.

Best for

Active SAM engagement, SPLA audit, or formal audit notice with a defined response window.

Option B

Vendor Shield

Scope

Continuous Microsoft defense. Estate monitoring, audit posture, standing buyer side counsel.

Timeline

12 to 24 month subscription. Renews annually.

Pricing

Annual subscription. Quoted on estate size.

Best for

Estates that closed an audit and want never to reopen reactively.

Vendor Shield detail →

“

Microsoft opened the audit with a twelve million dollar claim. Redress walked us into close at one point one million, with renewal pricing protected by a signed side letter.

Head of Vendor Management, Fortune 500 manufacturer

Microsoft audit defense

A SAM letter is not a verdict

SAM engagement in the inbox. SPLA audit on the desk. Formal notice in the email. We start where you are and close at the buyer side price.

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