Due to some changes in tax laws, our partner is taking time to deliver renewal keys of our Office 365 subscriptions (Office 365 Enterprise E3 plan). We don't expect the keys to be delivered before the expiry date (Sunday) passes.

According to this article, the subscription is placed in a "Expired" state and users generally continue to have full access to documents.

Our main concern is whether email will be delivered to our Inboxes from external senders during this "grace" period? Does anyone have real experience with this scenario? Can we risk keeping the subscription in expired state for 3 days or should I go ahead and purchase subscription at retail price?

@bigbear
Not their fault. In India we moved to a new indirect taxation system and is considered a big overhaul of billing systems. A lot of small businesses have been having troubles so I don't blame them. In fact, I heard one partner say that Microsoft didn't process any requests between 1st July and 15th July.

We have 5 users on the plan purchased via this channel. Other 3 users will be unaffected as they have direct online subscriptions. However, one critical account is on this E3 plan. I intend to switch over just that one account to direct plan to be safe.

@gjacobse
Yes that is link I included in my question. I just hope email access doesn't simply mean read access like when Word goes into read-only mode. I wanted to simply confirm.

Thanks.

Due to some changes in tax laws, our partner is taking time to deliver renewal keys of our Office 365 subscriptions (Office 365 Enterprise E3 plan). We don't expect the keys to be delivered before the expiry date (Sunday) passes.

According to this article, the subscription is placed in a "Expired" state and users generally continue to have full access to documents.

Our main concern is whether email will be delivered to our Inboxes from external senders during this "grace" period? Does anyone have real experience with this scenario? Can we risk keeping the subscription in expired state for 3 days or should I go ahead and purchase subscription at retail price?

@scottalanmiller said in Office 365 through partner without delegated Admin:

The problem is is that you get less control, no mobility, and potentially fewer features. When something goes wrong you can be totally dependent on them.

By "them", do you mean resellers? If so, I agree.

I was just trying to figure out avoiding retail prices but it seems there is no solution for me right now.

@scottalanmiller said in Office 365 through partner without delegated Admin:

No, there are no cheaper rates from partners. Full Office 365 is a set price, there is no bargaining or discounts.

Ah, that clarifies it. So only resellers can give discount. I don't regret buying retail (monetarily). As a former engineer within Office 365 team, I wasn't too worried about technical support.

Thank you.

(First time poster, apologies for mis-categorization)

I have repeatedly seen recommendations that purchasing Office 365 licenses via partners is a good deal. I have been purchasing direct retail from Office 365 website for last 3 years and am up for renewal next week.

I have been talking with CSPs. For CSP channel, the process typically involves giving delegated administration rights to the partners. I believe that this allows them to see email(s) via Exchange administration page. Maybe the partners I am talking to aren't showing alternative approaches. CSPs have billing via them not direct.

Is it possible to get cheaper rates without delegating administration? What channel should I be looking at? As I don't need 5 or more licenses, I don't qualify for Open Licensing program. My company is based out of India.