Microsoft New Commerce Experience explained

What NCE is

• New Commerce Experience, usually shortened to NCE, is Microsoft’s modern commercial model for many licence-based cloud subscriptions.
• Microsoft describes NCE as changing how partners purchase and manage subscriptions rather than changing the product itself.
• NCE supports capabilities such as controlling subscription renewals, scheduling end-of-term changes, and using monthly, annual or three-year term options for many subscriptions.

What changes for customers

• Subscription term length matters more than it did under older purchasing models.
• Cancellation and reduction options are more limited once the short cancellation window has passed.
• Renewal planning is important because some changes can only be made at renewal or at the end of the current term.

Common customer questions

• Can I add seats during the term? Usually yes, subject to product availability and commercial terms.
• Can I reduce seats mid-term? This is often restricted after the cancellation window and usually needs to be planned for renewal.
• Can I switch to a different product? Some upgrades or scheduled changes may be possible, but eligibility depends on the source and target products.