How to review invoices and invoice data from Microsoft?

Introduction

This article provides an overview of the invoicing process and timeline across different Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider platforms: Legacy, Azure NCE, M365/D365 NCE, and the Platform NCE. It compares key invoicing elements including Offers, Invoice Date, Billing Period, Invoice files, and Reconciliation Files to help you understand the differences and requirements for each platform.

In this article:

• Understanding offer types
• Invoice date and timing
• Billing period structure
• Invoice file generation
• Reconciliation file overview

Understanding offer types

Each platform supports different types of Offers that determine what products and services are available for invoicing.

Legacy platform offers include:

• M365, D365, and Power Platform subscriptions
• Consumption-based offerings such as Azure services

Azure NCE platform offers include:

• Azure plan services
• Azure Reserved Instances
• Server Subscriptions
• Marketplace offerings

M365/D365 NCE platform offers include:

• M365, D365, and Power Platform subscriptions
• Standard License-Based Subscriptions

Platform NCE offers include:

• Azure plan services
• Azure Reserved Instances
• Server Subscriptions
• Marketplace offerings
• M365, D365, and Power Platform subscriptions

Invoice date and timing

The Invoice Date varies significantly between platforms and affects when you can expect to receive billing information.

Legacy platform: The invoice date varies based on each Partner's Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider account Billing Cycle Day. Each partner may have a different billing date depending on their account configuration.

Azure NCE and M365/D365 NCE platforms: Invoices are generated by the end of the 8th calendar day (UTC). This date remains consistent across all partners using these platforms.

Platform NCE: Invoice dates are determined by the partner's configuration within the Platform. Partners have flexibility to set their preferred invoicing schedule based on business requirements.

Billing period structure

The Billing Period defines the timeframe for which charges are calculated and invoiced.

Legacy platform: Billing periods vary by partner. For example, a partner with a January 15th invoice date would have a December 15th to January 14th billing cycle. Each partner's cycle aligns with their specific Billing Cycle Day.

Azure NCE platform: Uses a standard calendar month billing period, running from the 1st day to the last day of each month.

M365/D365 NCE platform: Follows a calendar month structure, with billing periods running from the 1st day to the last day of each month.

Platform NCE: Operates on a calendar month basis, with billing periods spanning from the 1st day to the last day of each month.

Invoice file generation

Invoice files are generated according to specific timelines and formats for each platform.

Legacy platform invoice files:

• One consolidated invoice per billing period
• Generated within 3 days after the partner's Billing Cycle Day (SLA requirement)
• Issued in the Partner's preferred currency

Azure NCE invoice files:

• One invoice generated in partner currency
• Available by the end of the 8th calendar day (UTC)
• Single file covering all Azure NCE services

M365/D365 NCE invoice files:

• One invoice generated in partner currency
• Available by the end of the 8th calendar day (UTC)
• Single file covering all M365/D365 services

Platform NCE invoice files:

• Invoice generation linked to Invoice Contract split enablement
• Format and timing dependent on Vendors operated within the platform
• Customizable based on partner configuration

Reconciliation file overview

Reconciliation Files provide detailed transaction data for billing verification and accounting purposes.

Legacy platform reconciliation files:

• Two separate files generated:
  • One License-Based Subscription reconciliation file
  • One Usage-Based Subscription reconciliation file
• Files contain historical billing period data

Azure NCE reconciliation files:

• Single unified reconciliation file for all modern offerings
• Includes data for both open and closed billing periods
• Covers all Azure-related services and transactions

M365/D365 NCE reconciliation files:

• Single unified reconciliation file for all modern offerings
• Includes data for both open and closed billing periods
• Covers all M365 and D365 related services

Platform NCE reconciliation files:

• One consolidated reconciliation file
• Format and content aligned with platform configuration
• Provides comprehensive transaction details across all services

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of invoicing processes across Legacy, Azure NCE, M365/D365 NCE, and the Platform NCE platforms. Understanding the differences in offer types, invoice dates, billing periods, invoice files, and reconciliation files helps partners effectively manage their billing operations. Each platform has unique characteristics designed to support specific service offerings and partner requirements.