Wholesale Distributor Saves 35% on Licensing Costs with Stoneridge Software’s Licensing Assessment
As part of a broader effort to optimize costs, a leading wholesale distributor was looking for ways to reduce their software licensing expenses. They turned to Stoneridge Software for guidance, knowing that licensing costs can often add up unnoticed over time.
A Growing Problem: The Hidden Costs of Licensing Accumulation
Like many businesses, the distributor had accumulated extra licenses over the years—some assigned to former employees, others tied to service accounts that didn’t actually require paid licenses. These incremental additions are common, often the result of project-based needs, employee turnover, or simply not having a routine review process in place. Their renewals were also spread across multiple dates, making it difficult to track and manage costs efficiently.
Looking for a strategic approach to licensing optimization, they partnered with Stoneridge Software to conduct a licensing assessment and identify opportunities for savings.
The Simple Steps to Savings
The Stoneridge Software team recommended the client complete a licensing assessment, a quick and efficient process designed to identify cost-saving opportunities.
“Our licensing assessment is a 35-minute investment that can result in streamlining, consolidation and cost savings. The client filled out a simple form, and then we took a deep dive into their licensing purchases vs. actual needs,” explained Ridhwaan Unia, Licensing Expert at Stoneridge Software.
During the assessment, the team:
- Identified unassigned licenses (or “shelfware”) that were still being paid for.
- Detected duplicate licenses, ensuring no user was double-licensed for the same service.
- Flagged unnecessary service account licenses that could be converted to free shared mailboxes.
- Consolidated all of the company’s Microsoft licensing—including Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Copilot. This aligned everything under one renewal date, simplifying tracking and budgeting.
Beyond immediate savings, the team also set the client up for long-term cost efficiency by adding a calendar reminder 90 days before their renewal date to review and optimize their licenses yearly.
Thousands Saved and a Sustainable Plan for the Future
By eliminating unused licenses, consolidating accounts, and aligning renewals, the company saved 35% on their licensing costs—a reduction that could equate to saving $35,000 on a $100,000 licensing budget.
This isn’t just a one-time fix; it’s an essential part of ongoing cost management. “Companies should be auditing their licenses at least once a year, ideally before their renewal date,” Ridhwaan advised. “By making this a routine process, businesses can stay ahead of unnecessary costs and ensure they’re only paying for what they truly need.”
Thanks to Stoneridge Software’s licensing expertise, the wholesale distributor is now operating with leaner, more cost-effective licensing while ensuring their employees still have access to the tools they need.
