Microsoft has announced significant modifications in licensing and interoperability of Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365/Office 365 packages. The changes result from commitments made by the European Commission to increase flexibility, interoperability and data portability so that customers can more freely connect Microsoft Teams with other collaboration solutions.
What is changing?
From November 1, 2025 New customers around the world will be able to buy again Microsoft 365 and Office 365 in versions with Teams or without Teams. It will also remain available Teams as a standalone product, which will allow you to build sets of licenses for specific needs (e.g. a package without Teams + standalone Teams or a package without Teams + another messenger). The goal is a “full range of options” and greater price transparency.
At the same time, Microsoft is formalizing its interoperability commitments: maintaining the add-on model and distribution through AppSource, facilitating the connection of third-party apps to Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 services, and developing resources on data portability. This means easier integration of communications/CCaaS solutions or meeting tools with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Price transparency
The commitments specify the minimum price differences between packages with and without Teams. For Microsoft 365/Office 365 E3 and E5 plans, the difference is expected to be at least €8 per user per month. For Microsoft 365 Business Standard/Premium (and O365 E1) segments, at least €3. Standalone Microsoft Teams pricing must be maintained at least at the required difference for a given segment. This allows you to better compare offers and avoid “hidden” bundling.
What does this mean for customers?
- More purchasing options: You can fine-tune your licenses—for example, leave your existing package without Teams and buy Microsoft Teams where you need it (e.g., in customer service and sales).
- Easier integrations: the officially supported add-on model and the “open ecosystem” direction will make it easier to connect Microsoft Teams with third-party tools (telephony, contact centers, meeting rooms).
- Regulatory stability: The adopted commitments close the EU antitrust case around Teams and strengthen predictability for license planning in the coming years.
How to prepare?
- Take an inventory of licenses: check where Microsoft Teams is critical for the work of teams, and where a package without Teams is enough.
- Calculate the cost of scenarios: Compare the cost of a package with Teams vs. a package without Teams + standalone Teams for specific roles (Frontline, Contact Center, Sales).
- Analyze integrations: Evaluate whether your communication solutions (CCaaS, PBX, call logging) work better as an add-in to Microsoft Teams or in a parallel architecture.
- Ensure compliance and migration: If you’re planning to move between SKUs, have a technical plan (permissions, policies, MDM/Entra ID) in place and communication to your users.
Tip: At the next contract renewal, it is worth asking the partner for variant quotes: “with Teams”, “without Teams” and “mix” in order to optimally distribute costs across departments.
FAQ
- Do I need to migrate my current licenses as early as November 1, 2025?
No. The changes mainly concern new purchases. Existing customers can keep their current contracts until the end of the billing period, and only when renewing can they choose the target variant (with/without Teams + Teams standalone). The details depend on your contract and purchase channel. - Why does Microsoft separate Teams from packages?
This is part of the arrangements with the EU that strengthen competitiveness and interoperability. Customers gain real choice and transparent price differences between SKUs. - Is this the end of the antitrust case in the EU?
Yes — the European Commission has accepted Microsoft’s commitments and closed the Teams case. This increases predictability for customers planning to invest in Microsoft Teams.
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