Thursday, September 25, 2014

Office 365 E1-4 Subscription Fail - Now Fixed by Microsoft!

Scenario
  • You created an account under the Enterprise plans (E1, E2, E3, or E4)
  • You don't have more than 300 users and would like to change to the Office 365 small or midsize business plans (Small Business, Small Business Premium, Midsize Business)
Issue
  • As of 10/4/2014 Microsoft now supports this.  Thank you Microsoft! :) 
    • I have redacted the complaint below.

  • Microsoft is scalping its clients by not providing an option to downgrade these accounts
  • Their recommendation is to delete your old account and then create a new account, then migrate all your emails, sites, and apps to the new account!
    • This is a ridiculous requirement that will result in tens of hours of configuration and system downtime
    • This may also result in data loss if not done correctly
Resolution
  • Downgrading the account must be done by adding the new subscription, reassigning licenses, and then cancelling the old subscription.
    • Note: Just ignore the your data will be deleted warnings.  As long as a user has valid licenses assigned, they will not lose their data.

  • If creating a new Office 365 account NEVER create an E1 plan unless you are immediately surpassing the 300 user limit
  • Please open tickets with MS to support automated conversion from your Enterprise plan to Small Business plan
  • Also petition MS to provide a billing discount solution to the enterprise plans to make up for their incompetence

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