Microsoft Defender for Cloud Free Trial per Plan

Important Note: The new “Trial per Plan” feature applies only to Azure. In AWS and GCP, the 30-day free trial remains once per account/project—not per plan. Below, we’ll cover how “Trial per Plan” works in Azure, the benefits it brings, and strategies for making the most of it.

Introduction
MDC is rolling out the "Trial per Plan" for Azure.  This change is designed with flexibility and customer needs in mind.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let's summarize what this blog will cover. We'll explore the essence of the new "Trial per Plan" feature, how it differs from the previous trial setup, the benefits it brings to the table, and how you can make the most out of this opportunity. This feature is poised to change the game for how businesses test and implement security measures, ensuring that each plan you explore is fully leveraged to protect your digital assets without immediate financial commitment.

The Transformation of Free Trials (Azure)

Historically, on Azure, Microsoft Defender for Cloud offered new users a 30-day free trial, commencing from the activation of their first plan. While beneficial, this model posed limitations. If a user activated the D4Servers plan and, 20 days later, decided to explore the DCSPM plan, the latter would only enjoy a 10-day free trial. Moreover, any plans activated post the initial 30-day window would incur immediate charges, potentially deterring users from exploring the full spectrum of MDC's offerings.

The "Trial per Plan" feature for Azure elegantly addresses these concerns by resetting the clock with each new plan activation. This means if you start with the D4Servers plan, you get 30 days free, and should you decide to activate the DCSPM plan later, regardless of the timing, another 30-day free trial kicks off for that specific plan.

Note: In AWS and GCP, the 30-day free trial still applies once per account (AWS) or once per project (GCP), not per plan.

Unpacking the Benefits (Azure)

1. Enhanced Flexibility and Exploration: Users can now explore the vast landscape of MDC's security solutions without the pressure of a ticking clock tied to the initial activation. This allows for a more thorough evaluation of how each plan suits your unique security needs.
2. Cost-Effective Security Trials: By offering 30 days free for each plan, businesses can stagger the implementation of different plans based on their security roadmap without financial constraints, ensuring they're only investing in what truly meets their needs.
3. Strategic Deployment: Organizations can prioritize immediate security needs with one plan and later adopt additional plans as their security posture evolves. This strategic approach to deploying MDC's capabilities ensures that businesses are always one step ahead.

Making the Most of "Trial per Plan" (Azure)

To leverage this new feature to its fullest, consider the following strategies:

• Assess Your Needs: Start with a plan that addresses your most pressing security concerns. Utilize the 30-day trial to evaluate its impact and effectiveness.
• Plan Your Security Roadmap: Outline a timeline for when you might explore additional plans. This ensures you're not only maximizing the trial periods but also systematically enhancing your security posture.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any updates or new plans introduced by MDC. New features could offer solutions to challenges you're facing or enhance your security in ways you hadn't considered.
• Feedback Loop: Utilize the trial periods to provide feedback to Microsoft. This can lead to tailored advice from their team and influence future updates, making the tool even more beneficial for your specific needs.

Conclusion: A New Horizon for Cloud Security (Azure)

Microsoft Defender for Cloud's "Trial per Plan" marks a significant milestone in the journey towards more accessible, flexible, and comprehensive cloud security. By reimagining how free trials can serve the evolving needs of businesses, Microsoft has once again demonstrated its dedication to not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of its users. As you embark on this new trial journey, remember that each step forward with MDC is a stride towards a more secure and resilient digital future.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the depths of Microsoft Defender for Cloud's offerings and unlock the true potential of cloud security, one plan at a time. Your journey towards a more secure cloud environment, supported by strategic, cost-effective explorations, starts now.