In early 2025, Microsoft transitioned its large enterprise clients from third-party resellers to a direct sales model, leaving many businesses without the independent guidance they previously relied upon. Recognizing this gap, industry veterans Neil Lomax and Chris Brown launched Onyx, an AI-powered startup, to assist companies spending over £1 million annually on IT services.
Onyx's AI-Driven Solution
Onyx offers an AI system that assesses licensing and cloud service options, providing recommendations validated by a team and backed by an insurance policy. This approach ensures businesses receive tailored advice on software and cloud service licensing and pricing, helping them avoid overpayments and suboptimal service choices.
Expansion Plans
Beyond Microsoft's services, Onyx plans to extend its offerings to other major vendors, including SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and IBM. This expansion aims to provide comprehensive support to businesses navigating complex IT service landscapes across multiple platforms.
Addressing Challenges with Microsoft's New Model
Microsoft's new MCA-E deals lack standardized discounts, making it challenging for businesses to negotiate favorable terms. Onyx addresses this issue by offering independent guidance, ensuring companies can secure optimal deals and maintain efficient IT operations.
Founders' Expertise
Neil Lomax and Chris Brown bring extensive experience in the IT industry to Onyx, positioning the startup to effectively support businesses transitioning from Microsoft's enterprise networks.
In summary, Onyx emerges as a crucial ally for businesses adapting to changes in Microsoft's enterprise services, offering AI-driven, independent guidance to optimize software and cloud service investments.
