True-Ups are one of Microsoft’s most overlooked revenue machines — and enterprises keep paying for more than they use. In this short briefing, Redress Compliance explains how Microsoft positions the annual True-Up as a simple reporting exercise while quietly using it to lock in spend, bury shelfware, and limit negotiation flexibility. Learn what most CIOs miss, and how to take control of your EA before your next renewal, invoice, or audit.
Microsoft’s Enterprise Agreement True-Up looks harmless on paper: count your users, pay for what you’ve added, move on. But that’s not how it plays out. Every year, enterprises walk straight into overpayment — stuck paying for inactive licenses, rushed into last-minute decisions, or pressured into unnecessary upgrades. Microsoft’s licensing model thrives on timing pressure, under-preparation, and optimistic growth assumptions that favor the seller, not the buyer.
This white paper breaks down how the True-Up really works — and how to turn it from a budget risk into a negotiation asset. We expose the mechanics of Microsoft’s deal model, the contractual traps hidden in “standard” terms, and the tactics account teams use to push renewals over the line. You’ll get proven strategies to pre-empt shelfware, challenge Microsoft’s license math, and structure your EA to include protections the vendor hopes you won’t ask for.
Most importantly, we show you what to do months before the True-Up hits — when you still have leverage, options, and time to act. If you’re planning a renewal or suspect you’re over-licensed, this guide is your first step to taking control. No vendor spin. No wasted budget. Just practical strategies from the buyer’s side of the table.