Shop Talk | Episode 10 of 10

Microsoft EA renewal playbook

Two colleagues, one feature, fifteen minutes. George hosts, Sofia brings ten years of sourcing. Mission control for the EA renewal: the corridor, the Copilot cost lab, and the heatmap of what you already own. Recorded August 2026.

The first two minutes play for everyone. The full episode is available on request with a work email.

What this episode covers

The biggest renewal most companies have, run from one screen: the negotiation corridor for your size, the seat mix and Copilot math modeled, and the feature heatmap that answers the E5 pitch with your own usage.

Live: mission control, the cost lab, and the heatmap. Plus Microsoft's fiscal calendar as timing leverage, and the honest boundary about when this playbook is not your tool.

Chapters

0:00Welcome: the most asymmetric negotiation
2:23How the playbook reads your deal
4:50Live: mission control and the corridor
7:33Live: the Cowork cost lab
9:38Live: the feature heatmap
11:47Brainstorm: five ways to run the playbook
14:12Real life: the ninety day renewal
15:58Start tonight: your EA in the room

See it on your own contracts

VendorBenchmark has Enterprise pricing only, scoped to your team and your contract estate. Speak to sales and we walk you through it on your own contracts.

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