Following a successful first edition in Denmark, White Raven IT hosted the second Raven’s Nest: The Microsoft Poker Table in Zurich, Switzerland. Senior sourcing, procurement, IT and digital workplace leaders gathered in an exclusive peer-to-peer setting to discuss the rapidly evolving Microsoft landscape, ranging from Copilot and Microsoft 365 E7 to Azure purchasing models and cloud cost optimization.

One of the strongest discussions centered around Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft's evolving commercial strategy. Participants exchanged perspectives on Copilot licensing, Copilot Credits, token-based consumption models and the growing importance of understanding how AI usage translates into future costs.

Three key insights emerged from the discussions:

• Timing remains one of the most powerful cards organizations hold during Microsoft negotiations.

• Nearly every Microsoft commercial model contains multiple optimization paths when organizations understand the alternatives.

• Contract structure, consumption data and reseller strategy can have as much impact on cost as the negotiated discount itself.

The strongest Microsoft poker card is often not a larger discount, but knowing when and how to play your existing cards.

The afternoon concluded with a discussion on Azure cost optimization and automated management of Azure discount instruments, followed by an informal networking dinner where participants continued exchanging ideas and experiences with peers facing similar challenges.