In April 2019, Microsoft introduced a capacity storage model. However, some businesses may still be on the legacy data model – we explain why.
As we covered in our original post when the change was announced, the new capacity storage model was introduced to more fairly charge for the data that organisations were using. Gone was the single total capacity and in came new capacity metrics for database, files and logs. New instances (now called environments) would no longer cost extra – if you had the extra storage capacity, you were entitled to create new environments freely as required.
How can I tell which capacity model is applied to my organisation?
By visiting the Capacity page of the Power Platform Admin Center, you will be presented with differing screens depending on your model
Legacy Storage Model
You can see the prominent banner informing you that you are on the legacy capacity model. On the left side, you can see your total data usage; the breakdown of database, file and log is also displayed, but this is just for information purposes.
New Storage Model
The layout for the newer capacity model gives you the storage breakdown for database, file and log storage
Why am I still on the legacy model?
If your organisation is currently paying for any of the following licences, you will retained on the old model:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Additional Non-production Instance
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Additional Test Instance
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Instance
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Storage Add-On
As these licences are no longer available for purchase, when the time comes for your renewal, you would cancel the existing licences and move to the newer storage model. If, on the new model, you were short on storage space, you could then purchase additional database, log or file storage as required.
Will I have to pay more when I move to the new model?
This will depend on how you are currently using your environments; if you have been storing many files in your Dynamics 365 system(s), you may well end up paying less than before. One additional benefit of the newer model is that unused database storage can be used to cater for a lack of sufficient file or log storage: 
You can see that although log storage is over capacity, there is enough database storage remaining to make up the shortfall.
What happens if I breach my storage limits?
A number of key operations will no longer available until enough data has been freed up:
- Create a new environment (requires minimum 1GB capacity available)
- Copy an environment
- Restore an environment
- Convert a trial environment to paid (requires a minimum of 1GB capacity available)
- Recover an environment (requires a minimum of 1GB capacity available)
- Add a Dataverse database to an environment
This applies to both legacy and new storage capacity models. For advice on how to free up database, file and log storage, check our extensive guide for assistance.
Summary
It is always important to monitor your organisation’s data usage – partly to ensure that you are not overspending, but also to ensure that you are not prevented from performing vital tasks such as a system restore. If you are an existing Strategy 365 client and wish to discuss your organisation’s data usage and options, get in touch with one of our experts today.
