The vendor had proposed that the licences would not cover everyday use from the 1st July. However, partners would still be able to use licences for customer demonstrations, solution and services development and internal training.
Microsoft claimed the cost of providing such a benefit for partners was simply too costly to continue. Under mounting pressure from partners, and with the Inspire partner event due to kick off, Microsoft has decided to scrap the plans.
Gavriella Schuster, Corporate Vice President, One Commercial Partner announced the U-turn in a blog post.
"Given your feedback, we have made the decision to roll back all planned changes related to internal use rights and competency timelines that were announced earlier this month. This means you will experience no material changes this coming fiscal year, and you will not be subject to reduced IUR licenses or increased costs related to those licenses next July as previously announced."