Case Study: How KontractOne Helped a Leading East Coast Bank Save $1.6M on Microsoft Renewal

Case Study: How KontractOne Helped a Leading East Coast Bank Save $1.6M on Microsoft Renewal

Client Background

Our client, a prominent bank headquartered on the East Coast of the United States, employs over 15,000 people across multiple branches and offices. As a key player in the financial sector, the bank relies heavily on its IT infrastructure to ensure seamless operations, compliance, and exceptional customer service. With a significant Microsoft licensing agreement nearing renewal, the bank faced rising costs and the challenge of optimizing its technology investments to align with evolving business needs.

The Challenge

The bank’s existing Microsoft licensing agreement included a mix of Microsoft 365 E3 licenses for its workforce. However, the impending renewal presented a projected cost increase due to expanded usage, additional feature requirements, and a need for enhanced productivity tools. The bank’s leadership sought a partner to help them navigate the renewal process, reduce expenses, and integrate innovative solutions like Microsoft Co-Pilot to boost employee efficiency. Their goals were clear: achieve significant cost savings without compromising functionality and future-proof their technology stack.

KontractOne’s Solution

KontractOne, a trusted technology optimization and licensing partner, stepped in to assess the bank’s Microsoft ecosystem and devise a tailored strategy. Our team conducted a comprehensive audit of the bank’s licensing usage, workflows, and long-term objectives. Through this analysis, we identified opportunities to optimize their Microsoft 365 licensing structure and introduce value-added services.

Key actions taken by KontractOne included:

  1. Co-Pilot Integration: Recognizing the potential for AI-driven productivity gains, KontractOne facilitated the addition of Microsoft Co-Pilot across the organization. This tool empowered employees with real-time insights, streamlined workflows, and enhanced collaboration capabilities.
  2. License Transition: We worked with the bank to move some licenses from Microsoft 365 E3 to E5, targeting teams that required advanced security and compliance features, while keeping costs in check for the broader workforce.
  3. Negotiation Expertise: Leveraging our deep expertise in Microsoft agreements, we negotiated favorable terms with Microsoft on behalf of the bank, securing discounts and aligning the renewal with the bank’s budget constraints.

Results

KontractOne’s strategic approach delivered measurable outcomes for the bank:

  • Cost Savings: The bank saved $1.6 million on its Microsoft renewal, a testament to KontractOne’s ability to optimize licensing and negotiate effectively. This included savings from streamlining license allocations, eliminating redundancies, and securing a lower per-user rate for Co-Pilot through bulk pricing.
  • Enhanced Capabilities: By upgrading select licenses from E3 to E5, the bank gained access to advanced security, analytics, and compliance tools critical for the financial industry.
  • Productivity Boost: The addition of Microsoft Co-Pilot transformed how employees worked, reducing time spent on routine tasks and enabling faster decision-making.
  • Scalable Foundation: The optimized licensing structure positioned the bank for future growth without incurring unnecessary costs.

Testimonial from the CIO

“Partnering with KontractOne was a game-changer for us. Their team didn’t just help us save $1.6 million on our Microsoft renewal—they transformed how we leverage technology. By strategically moving some licenses from E3 to E5 and introducing Co-Pilot, we’ve enhanced security and productivity across our 15,000 employees. KontractOne’s expertise and hands-on approach made all the difference.”

Conclusion

This case study exemplifies KontractOne’s commitment to delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs. For the East Coast bank, our partnership resulted in substantial savings, upgraded capabilities, and a stronger technological foundation to support their mission. Whether it’s navigating complex renewals or integrating cutting-edge tools, KontractOne empowers organizations to maximize their IT investments and thrive in a competitive landscape.