Technology partner Clarity has launched a free Microsoft Value Assessment aimed at businesses that want a fast, independent check on how effectively they use Microsoft 365 and related services. The service reviews licences, security settings, duplication of applications and the scope to automate routine tasks, and also evaluates readiness for generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
What the assessment does
The assessment connects to a customer’s Microsoft environment via a secure, read‑only connection and produces a practical, prioritised report, typically delivered within 72 hours, Clarity said. The review examines three broad areas:
- Licensing and cost optimisation — detecting underused or duplicated licences and identifying functionality organisations already own but do not use.
- Security and compliance — checking configuration and settings that affect risk posture.
- Automation and AI readiness — assessing opportunities to automate workflows and the organisation’s preparedness for tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
According to Clarity, many organisations assume that holding Microsoft 365 licences means they are extracting full value. The firm said it regularly finds businesses paying for capabilities they do not exploit or buying third‑party software that duplicates Microsoft functionality.
“Many organisations assume they’re getting the most from Microsoft simply because they have Microsoft 365 in place,” said Neil Jordan, CEO of Clarity.
Why this matters for South African businesses
Although the service is offered by a Jersey‑based Tier 1 Microsoft Partner, the assessment highlights issues familiar to IT and finance teams in South Africa. Licence inefficiencies, unmanaged shadow IT, weak automation and misaligned security controls can inflate operating costs and expose organisations to cyber risk.
For companies that subscribe to Microsoft 365 across multiple business units or functions, an independent review can be a low‑risk way to check whether existing technology is being used strategically. The prioritised report that Clarity promises could help IT managers and finance directors make targeted changes without the need for immediate capital expenditure.
What businesses should consider before signing up
- Confirm the scope of the read‑only connection and which tenant(s) will be examined.
- Check which licence types and applications are included in the review.
- Understand what follow‑up services — if any — are charged, and whether recommendations require third‑party tools.
Clarity said the assessment includes a ranked set of practical recommendations. The firm positions the service as a way to “unlock more value from the technology they already own before investing in anything new.”
How to use the findings
Organisations that receive a report should prioritise low‑cost, high‑impact fixes first — for example, reclaiming unused licences, consolidating overlapping applications or enabling built‑in automation features. Security weaknesses flagged in the assessment should be addressed promptly, given the potential regulatory and operational consequences of breaches.
It is worth noting that a vendor‑conducted assessment may identify opportunities to buy managed services or licences; organisations should therefore treat the report as one input among several when deciding on changes. WE NEWS does not give financial advice; companies should consult their own advisers when evaluating software, security or procurement decisions.
| Assessment element | Typical output |
|---|---|
| Licensing review | List of underused licences and optimisation suggestions |
| Security check | Configuration gaps and recommended mitigations |
| Automation & AI readiness | Opportunities for workflow automation and Copilot preparedness |
| Delivery time | Typically 72 hours |
For firms conscious of controlling IT budgets this financial year, a short, free assessment can be a pragmatic first step. It allows CFOs and IT leaders to see whether savings or efficiencies are achievable from work already on their balance sheet, rather than immediately committing to fresh expenditure on licences or third‑party platforms.
Businesses interested in the Clarity Microsoft Value Assessment should contact the vendor to clarify applicability to their region, tenant set‑up and any data‑handling questions before proceeding.
