Microsoft 365 FundamentalsDescribe Microsoft 365 pricing and supportMedium

A Microsoft 365 administrator is setting up a new subscription for their organization. They need to choose a billing frequency that allows for maximum flexibility to adjust license counts up or down monthly without any long-term commitment. Which billing frequency should they select?

  1. AAnnual commitment, paid monthly
  2. BThree-year commitment, paid annually
  3. CAnnual commitment, paid annually
  4. DMonthly commitment, paid monthly
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Monthly commitment, paid monthly

A monthly commitment with monthly payment offers the most flexibility, allowing administrators to increase or decrease license counts each month without penalty, as there is no long-term agreement locking in the number of licenses.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This option locks in license counts for a year, even though payments are monthly, meaning license counts cannot be easily adjusted down.
  • B. This option involves an even longer commitment, significantly reducing flexibility for monthly adjustments.
  • C. This option locks in license counts for a year, with payment upfront, offering no monthly flexibility.

Microsoft 365 Monthly Commitment

A billing option where an organization pays for Microsoft 365 licenses on a month-to-month basis, offering maximum flexibility to adjust license quantities as needed without a long-term contract.

  • No long-term commitment (e.g., 12 or 36 months).
  • Higher per-user cost compared to annual commitments.
  • Ability to increase or decrease license counts monthly.
  • Ideal for organizations with fluctuating employee counts or short-term projects.

Memory trick: Monthly commitment means monthly freedom to change.

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