Microsoft enterprise licensing consultant and negotiation advisor.
Independent counsel on Microsoft licensing optimisation, Copilot negotiation and enterprise renewals — from someone who spent nine years negotiating these deals from inside Microsoft.
Neil Cockerham
PrincipalFormerly Microsoft · Global banking · Technical leadership
26
Years at Microsoft
0
Conflicts of interest
100%
Confidential
(a) The story
A Microsoft renewal and negotiation advisor who has sat on the other side of the table.
26 years at Microsoft, with 9 years building and leading complex enterprise deal negotiations. Before that, global banking account teams and technical leadership roles. NeilC AI Consulting turns that knowledge toward your Microsoft licensing, Copilot and Azure decisions, with no product on the line and no vendor to protect.
Experience
9 years
Negotiating Microsoft enterprise deals, after time in global banking account teams and technical leadership.
Independence
Conflict-free
No reseller, no product, no incentive but your outcome.
Confidentiality
Discreet
Sensitive commercial conversations handled with total discretion.
Perspective
From inside
How Microsoft thinks, explained in plain commercial terms.
(b) The advisory
Four ways to work together.
Focused, senior-level support — engaged for the decision that matters, not an open-ended retainer.
01
Microsoft licensing optimisation
MAP, EA, M365 and PAYGO licensing structure aligned to real usage and growth — before you commit.
02
Renewal & negotiation counsel
Preparation, leverage and terms for EA, MACC and Copilot negotiation conversations that move your P&L.
03
Microsoft AI & Copilot advisory
Copilot and Agent adoption with the cost model, controls and procurement rigour your board expects.
04
Azure consumption & board briefings
Azure spend, FinOps and a calm read on your Microsoft position — ready for the room that decides.
Insights
Notes from the negotiating table.
Insights
Microsoft Licensing Terms, Decoded: EA, MCA-E, CSP, MACC, True-Up and the Rest
A short glossary of the Microsoft licensing terms senior buyers meet in renewal meetings, in plain language and with the commercial point of each.
Read article →
Insights
The Six Months Before a Microsoft Renewal: What Senior IT Buyers Should Have Ready
The internal groundwork that determines a Microsoft renewal outcome — usage truth, a defensible forecast, and an agreed position before the first meeting.
Read article →
Newsletter
Licensing notes, monthly.
Short, practical reads on Microsoft licensing, Copilot and renewal strategy. No noise, unsubscribe anytime.
(c) Next step
Start with a confidential briefing.
A 30-minute conversation on your Microsoft position — no obligation, no sales pressure, and nothing to share that you wouldn't want on the record.
Not ready to talk yet?
Build a tailored advisory roadmap first.
Describe your challenge and get phases, commercial levers, risks and the questions worth answering before you negotiate.
Build your roadmap →