In this eye-opening presentation, we'll delve into the often-misunderstood realm of "free" licensing for the Power Platform, a crucial component of digital transformation in modern enterprises. Despite the allure of cost savings, the reality of free licenses, mainly those "seeded" through M365, E3, and E5 plans, is fraught with limitations and hidden costs that can significantly impact business operations' long-term viability and security.

Understanding the concept of free licensing and its apparent benefits sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the critical aspects often overlooked by organizations. A significant focus will be on the limitations caused by the exclusion of Dataverse, a cornerstone for high security and governance within the Power Platform ecosystem. We will highlight through real-world examples the operational and financial implications of relying on low-security, low-governance solutions like SharePoint, which increase the risk profile and contribute to the accumulation of massive technical debt.

By comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for organizations leveraging free versus paid licensing, we will expose the hidden expenses associated with maintenance, security breaches, and system inefficiencies often accompanying solutions built using free licenses. By contrasting these with the long-term benefits and value of investing in Managed Environments and premium connectors through paid licensing, attendees will better understand how to maximize return on their Power Platform investments. This presentation will equip CxO-level managers and decision-makers with the insights and strategic frameworks necessary to reassess their licensing strategies. The session advocates for leaders to take a more informed and strategic approach to leveraging the Power Platform, ensuring organizations can fully capitalize on its capabilities to drive business transformation and growth.