The Ultimate Guide: What is Microsoft CSP?

Modern organizations are navigating an era of rapid digital transformation, where the demand for cloud solutions and efficient software licensing is at an all-time high. However, managing IT resources effectively often feels like a daunting challenge, with businesses grappling with cost unpredictability, compliance requirements, and the need for scalable solutions.

The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) licensing program offers a powerful solution, enabling businesses to purchase, manage, and optimize Microsoft cloud services through trusted partners. By replacing traditional licensing bottlenecks—such as rigid contracts and limited flexibility--the Microsoft CSP partnership empowers businesses to take charge of their IT strategies with customizable, subscription-based solutions. This approach not only simplifies the management of cloud services but also enables businesses to scale their technology as demands evolve.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider licensing program. From improving cost efficiency to enhancing operational flexibility, you’ll gain a clear understanding of why buying from a Microsoft CSP should be a cornerstone for businesses aiming to modernize and streamline their IT operations. Whether your organization is seeking greater agility, improved cost management, or a reliable partner to support your cloud journey, Microsoft CSP holds the key to achieving your goals.

Table of Contents

1. What is Microsoft CSP?
2. How CSP Works (Step-by-Step Guide)
3. What is a Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA)
4. Microsoft CSP Subscription and Perpetual License Availability
5. Microsoft CSP Billing and Flexibility (2025 Updates)
6. Direct CSP vs. Indirect CSP
7. Benefits of Microsoft CSP
8. Disadvantages of Microsoft CSP
9. Microsoft CSP vs. Enterprise Agreement (EA)
10. Migrating to CSP from an Enterprise Agreement
11. Case Study: Successful CSP Licensing Transition
12. Conclusion
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microsoft CSP Licensing

What is Microsoft CSP?

The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partnership is a licensing and services model developed by Microsoft to provide businesses with a simplified way to access and manage their cloud solutions. Through the CSP licensing program, organizations can work directly with trusted, Microsoft-certified partners to procure, configure, and optimize services like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Purview, and more, all tailored to their unique operational needs.

The primary objective of the CSP program is to streamline how businesses acquire and manage Microsoft licenses. By partnering with certified CSP, organizations benefit from a centralized point of contact for support, billing, and service adjustments, eliminating the complexities often associated with traditional licensing. This model is designed to offer flexibility, allowing businesses to adjust their subscriptions as requirements change, ensuring they pay only for what they need.

Microsoft introduced the CSP program in response to the increasing demand for more adaptable and scalable licensing options. Historically, organizations relied on traditional Enterprise Agreements (EA) or other static models that required long-term commitments and offered limited flexibility. While these models worked for some, they often left smaller businesses or rapidly growing organizations struggling to find solutions that aligned with their dynamic needs.

The Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider licensing program bridges this gap by empowering businesses of all sizes to access Microsoft’s full suite of cloud solutions without being tied to inflexible contracts. Its focus on adaptability, ease of management, and customer-centric support has made CSP a cornerstone for modern IT licensing strategies. By leveraging the CSP licensing program, organizations not only gain access to world-class technology but also ensure that their licensing strategies align with their operational goals, driving greater efficiency and long-term success.

How CSP Works (Step-by-Step Guide)

A Microsoft CSP partner provides a clear and structured way for organizations to procure and manage cloud services. It is crucial for businesses to understand the step-by-step process of how a CSP operates and know how to fully leverage its benefits. By knowing how licenses are tailored, managed, and supported through a Microsoft-certified CSP partner, organizations can make informed decisions, streamline IT operations, and ensure they are optimizing costs while meeting their unique needs.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the process, designed to help you understand what a CSP partner offers:

Step 1: Partner with a Certified CSP

The first step is choosing a certified Microsoft CSP partner. These partners are carefully vetted by Microsoft to deliver expertise, ongoing support, and personalized solutions. Partner selection is critical, as the CSP becomes the central resource for managing licenses, addressing technical challenges, and optimizing costs.

Step 2: Identify Licensing and Service Needs

The next step is to work with your chosen CSP partner to assess your business requirements. Many organizations struggle to identify their exact licensing needs, which is why a CSP’s expertise is invaluable. A trusted CSP will guide you through an assessment process to understand your business goals and objectives. Based on this evaluation, they will align the appropriate Microsoft products (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure) and licenses to ensure they meet your operational needs and support future growth.

Step 3: Subscription Setup and Management

The chosen CSP partner works closely with the organization to set up subscriptions tailored to its needs. This process includes configuring cloud services, provisioning licenses, and integrating Microsoft solutions into the organization’s workflows. CSP partners also provide tools for managing subscriptions, ensuring services align with evolving requirements.

Step 4: Direct Billing and Proactive Support

Unlike traditional licensing models, CSP streamlines billing and support. Organizations receive consolidated invoices directly from the CSP, simplifying financial management. Additionally, CSP partners offer first-line support, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and efficiently without navigating complex channels.

Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance and Scalability

One of the standout features of CSP is its flexibility. Businesses can scale licenses up or down as their needs change, ensuring they only pay for what they use. CSP licensing partners continuously monitor and maintain services, providing recommendations to optimize performance and cost efficiency.

To better visualize the CSP process, here’s a simplified flow of how it works:

Through this model, the Microsoft CSP partner eliminates the traditional complexities of IT licensing and cloud management. It provides businesses with a streamlined, customer-centric experience, enabling them to focus on innovation and growth instead of administrative hurdles.

What is a Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA)?

The Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) is the foundational contract used within the Microsoft CSP partnership, providing businesses with a streamlined and modern framework for accessing and managing Microsoft cloud services. Unlike outdated licensing models, the MCA emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and transparency, ensuring businesses can efficiently align their subscriptions with their evolving needs without being bogged down by administrative complexity.

At its core, the MCA is a non-expiring agreement that applies standardized terms across all Microsoft cloud products and services, such as Azure and Microsoft 365. It eliminates the need for lengthy renewals and rigid commitments, making it an ideal solution for businesses requiring agility and scalability.

Important Distinction: The MCA should not be confused with the Microsoft Services Agreement (MSA). While the MSA governs personal services like Outlook and OneDrive, the MCA is specifically for businesses and governs enterprise-grade cloud solutions through a direct contract with Microsoft.

Key Elements of the Microsoft Customer Agreement

1. Flexibility: The MCA allows businesses to adjust their subscriptions and services as their needs evolve. This flexibility is particularly important for organizations experiencing growth, seasonal changes, or fluctuating resource demands, as it eliminates the rigidity of long-term contracts.
2. Transparency: The agreement provides clear, straightforward terms that are easy to understand. This transparency fosters trust and ensures businesses are fully aware of their commitments, costs, and the scope of services they are accessing.
3. Simplified Terms: By consolidating terms into a single agreement, the MCA reduces administrative overhead. Customers no longer need to navigate a maze of separate contracts for each Microsoft service, which streamlines the onboarding and service management processes.

Microsoft CSP Subscription and Perpetual License Availability

A Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses by offering two primary licensing options: subscription-based licenses and perpetual licenses. This dual approach enables organizations to choose the licensing model that best aligns with their operational demands, financial strategies, and long-term goals.

Subscription-Based Licenses

Subscription licenses are at the heart of the CSP licensing program and are ideal for businesses that value flexibility and scalability. These licenses are based on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing organizations to adjust their usage in real-time.

Key Features of Subscription Licenses

• Scalability: Businesses can easily add or remove users, services, or licenses as their needs change. This makes subscription licensing particularly beneficial for growing organizations or those with fluctuating workloads.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The subscription model eliminates the upfront cost of traditional licensing, replacing it with predictable, recurring payments that align with the organization’s usage.
• Agility: Subscription licenses are well-suited for businesses that operate in dynamic environments or require short-term access to services for specific projects or seasonal spikes.
• Always Up-to-Date: Organizations benefit from the latest updates and features, as subscription licenses ensure continuous access to Microsoft’s most current technologies.

Perpetual Licenses

For organizations that prefer long-term ownership of software, perpetual licenses are also available within the CSP program. These licenses provide businesses with the ability to purchase software outright, granting them indefinite usage rights without the need for recurring payments.

Key Features of Perpetual Licenses

• One-Time Payment: Perpetual licenses require an upfront investment, which can be a financial burden for some organizations. Unlike subscription-based models, this payment does not include ongoing updates or support, requiring additional costs for upgrades to newer versions.
• No Expiration: Perpetual licenses do not expire, providing continuity in usage. However, this also means they do not receive regular updates, leaving the software static and potentially vulnerable to compatibility issues as technology evolves.
• Limited Use Cases: Perpetual licenses may suit organizations with minimal IT needs or reliance on legacy systems, but they fall short for businesses that require agility, scalability, and access to the latest tools and security enhancements.

While perpetual licenses may seem appealing for their simplicity, the lack of updates, evolving security risks, and potential for obsolescence make them a less strategic choice for most businesses. Subscription-based models through the Microsoft CSP licensing program offer a more dynamic, secure, and cost-effective approach, ensuring your organization stays current and competitive.

Microsoft CSP Billing and Flexibility (2025 Updates)

Microsoft’s licensing updates, slated for April 2025, introduce new options for managing subscriptions while highlighting the key differences between monthly and annual plans. Here are some of the key changes for 2025:

• Pricing Updates: Microsoft will adjust CSP pricing to align with market demands and regional factors, ensuring greater transparency and predictability.
• Flexible Commitment Terms: Businesses can choose from expanded short-term or long-term agreements tailored to their goals.
• Streamlined Billing Cycles: New billing options will allow organizations to synchronize payments across subscriptions, simplifying financial planning.

These updates are designed to give businesses more control over their IT budgets and improve adaptability. Whether managing costs or scaling services, the 2025 CSP changes provide the tools organizations need to align their licensing with strategic goals. Partnering with a trusted Microsoft CSP ensures a seamless transition and maximizes these benefits.

Check out our latest blog to learn more about these updates.

Direct CSP vs. Indirect CSP

The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program offers two distinct models for businesses to access cloud services: Direct CSP and Indirect CSP. Each model is designed to meet the unique needs of organizations based on their size, resources, and desired level of engagement with a CSP. Understanding the differences between these two approaches is essential for selecting the right fit for your organization.

Direct CSP

Direct CSPs, also referred to as Tier-1 CSPs, manage every aspect of the customer relationship independently. This includes billing, technical support, and the delivery of Microsoft licenses and services. Organizations working with a Direct CSP benefit from a more direct engagement with their provider, enabling them to establish a one-on-one partnership.

Direct CSPs take full ownership of customer interactions, managing every aspect of the relationship, including onboarding, license management, and ongoing support. They handle all invoicing directly, offering a straightforward and transparent billing process. Additionally, technical support and issue resolution are managed in-house, ensuring faster response times and a more personalized experience for customers.

Indirect CSP

Indirect CSPs, or Tier-2 CSPs, operate in partnership with distributors (also called Indirect Providers) who handle much of the backend operations. In this model, the Indirect CSP acts as an intermediary between the customer and the distributor, providing licensing and support services while leveraging the resources and expertise of the distributor.

Indirect CSPs operate through partnerships with distributors, who manage billing, licensing, and backend support. This model enables greater scalability, as distributors provide the necessary resources to accommodate growth. Indirect CSPs focus on customer-facing activities such as consultation, training, and basic support, while relying on distributors to handle more complex technical issues.

Choosing the Right Model

The decision between Direct and Indirect CSP largely depends on your organization's size, complexity, and resource requirements:

• Direct CSPs are best suited for enterprises seeking close relationships with their provider and requiring high-touch, customized support. These providers are often able to deliver a faster, more tailored experience due to their direct control over all aspects of the relationship.
• Indirect CSPs are ideal for SMBs or organizations with limited IT resources, as the distributor partnership reduces the operational burden. This model offers scalability and cost efficiency while still providing access to Microsoft’s cloud services.

Benefits of Microsoft CSP

The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program offers numerous advantages for businesses, making it an attractive licensing and service model for organizations of all sizes. From small businesses to large enterprises, CSP provides flexibility, cost-efficiency, and enhanced support to meet diverse operational needs. Here are the major benefits of CSP:

No Minimum User/Seat Requirements

One of the notable features of the CSP licensing program is its accessibility for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Unlike other licensing models that may require a minimum number of users or seats, CSP allows organizations to start with as few licenses as needed. This makes it an ideal solution for startups, small teams, or businesses looking to adopt Microsoft cloud services without overcommitting.

No Lengthy Contract Commitments

CSP’s flexibility eliminates the need for long-term contractual obligations. Businesses can adapt their licensing needs on a monthly or annual basis, avoiding the constraints of multi-year agreements. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations experiencing growth, restructuring, or seasonal fluctuations, as it allows them to scale up or down as needed without being locked into rigid commitments.

Flexible Payment Options

The CSP program offers a variety of payment plans to suit different financial strategies. Businesses can choose from monthly billing for maximum flexibility, annual billing for predictability and potential cost savings, or prepaid options for a one-time payment structure. These flexible payment models ensure that organizations can align their IT budgets with their unique cash flow and operational requirements.

Greater Engagement and Support

The Microsoft CSP licensing partnership offers businesses a significant advantage in support compared to Enterprise Agreements (EA). With CSP, organizations gain access to a dedicated support network provided by their chosen partner, ensuring personalized, responsive service tailored to their needs. Unlike EA’s basic Microsoft support or costly Premier Support tiers, CSP partners offer built-in support without additional high annual costs.

For instance, Premier Support under EA can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually, with contracts starting at $25,000 for Core Support and increasing significantly for Advanced or Performance levels. By contrast, CSP customers benefit from proactive, hands-on assistance included as part of their licensing agreement, eliminating the need for such large-scale investments.

This enhanced level of support means quicker issue resolution, tailored recommendations for optimizing cloud solutions, and a collaborative approach to managing IT needs—all without the added complexity or expense of Premier Support. For businesses seeking a cost-effective and highly engaged support model, partnering with a CSP is the clear choice.

Discounts and Pricing Structures

CSP pricing often includes discounts and promotional offers, particularly for bulk purchases or long-term commitments. This cost-efficiency is especially advantageous for businesses that require a significant number of licenses or are scaling operations. CSP partners may also provide customized pricing structures, ensuring businesses maximize value from their licensing investments.

The Microsoft CSP licensing delivers a robust, customer-focused approach to licensing and cloud service management. With no minimum requirements, flexible payment options, and enhanced support, CSP empowers businesses to adopt Microsoft solutions at their own pace and scale. Whether you’re a small business looking for an accessible starting point or a larger enterprise seeking tailored pricing and engagement, CSP offers the tools and resources needed to succeed in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Disadvantages of Microsoft CSP

While the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program offers numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize its limitations to provide a balanced perspective. Certain organizations, particularly those with complex licensing needs or legacy dependencies, may find some aspects of CSP less suitable for their operations. Below are the key disadvantages of the CSP program:

No Software Assurance (SA)

Software Assurance (SA) is a Microsoft licensing feature that offers additional benefits, such as access to upgrades, training resources, and planning services. For organizations that rely on SA to support their long-term IT strategies, the absence of SA in the CSP licensing program can be a limitation. Without SA, CSP customers miss out on features like:

• Upgrade Rights: Access to new versions of licensed software without purchasing additional licenses.
• License Mobility: The ability to move licenses across servers, an important consideration for businesses with hybrid IT environments.

Organizations requiring these features may need to explore alternative licensing models or supplemental solutions to address these gaps.

No “From SA” Pricing

Microsoft’s "From Software Assurance" (From SA) pricing allows organizations to transition from traditional licensing models to cloud subscriptions at a reduced cost, leveraging their existing SA benefits. CSP customers, however, are not eligible for this pricing model. As a result, organizations moving to CSP may face higher initial costs compared to those transitioning through Enterprise Agreements or other models with "From SA" pricing.

For businesses heavily invested in SA, this can make the move to CSP less cost-effective in the short term, especially when upgrading or adopting cloud-based solutions.

Desktop Virtualization Rights

One limitation of the Microsoft CSP licensing program is its restrictions around desktop virtualization, particularly for organizations with complex or on-premises virtualization needs. While CSP provides access to cloud-based virtualization solutions like Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), certain rights available through traditional licensing models, such as Enterprise Agreements (EA), may not be fully included.

For example, CSP customers can access AVD by acquiring eligible licenses like Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5, or Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5. However, organizations relying heavily on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) in on-premises environments may face challenges, as these scenarios often require additional licensing considerations not inherently covered under CSP.

Additionally, Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) rights for running virtual desktops on-premises or on third-party servers are typically tied to Software Assurance (SA), which is not included in CSP licenses. This can result in organizations needing to explore supplemental licensing options to maintain compliance.

While CSP offers robust support for cloud-based virtualization, businesses with advanced desktop virtualization needs, particularly those managing on-premises infrastructure, should carefully assess their licensing requirements. Working with a knowledgeable CSP licensing partner can help navigate these complexities and identify solutions that align with both compliance and operational goals.

Microsoft CSP vs. Enterprise Agreement (EA): Key Differences

When deciding between the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program and an Enterprise Agreement (EA), businesses must consider how each licensing model aligns with their size, needs, and operational priorities. CSP is designed for flexibility and scalability, while EA is tailored to large enterprises with standardized IT environments and long-term commitments. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between the two models:

Commitment and Flexibility

The Microsoft CSP licensing program prioritizes short-term flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their licenses up or down as needed. This makes CSP an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or organizations experiencing growth or seasonal fluctuations. With no long-term obligations, CSP customers can opt for monthly or annual commitments, providing greater adaptability.

Conversely, the Enterprise Agreement (EA) is built on long-term commitments, typically spanning three years. EA agreements require organizations to maintain a minimum of 500 users or devices (250 for government customers) and are best suited for enterprises seeking consistent, organization-wide licensing. While this rigidity may seem limiting for smaller businesses, it provides predictability and stability for large organizations with standardized IT needs.

Pricing and Discounts

CSP offers pay-as-you-go pricing, making it ideal for businesses with dynamic budgets or unpredictable growth. It provides tailored pricing models for SMBs, but these often lack the bulk discounts associated with EA.

In contrast, EA customers can take advantage of significant pricing discounts for bulk purchases, making it a cost-effective option for enterprises meeting the required minimum thresholds. Additionally, EA includes benefits like Software Assurance (SA), which adds value through upgrade rights and training resources.

Partner Relationship

With CSP, businesses partner with Microsoft-certified providers who offer personalized support and tailored solutions. This close relationship ensures that CSP customers receive proactive assistance, customized recommendations, and ongoing support to optimize their cloud investments.

EA customers generally work directly with Microsoft or through large resellers. While this provides access to extensive Microsoft resources, the relationship tends to be less personalized compared to the CSP model, focusing more on standardized licensing agreements than individualized service.

Billing and Payment Options

CSP provides businesses with flexible billing structures, including monthly, annual, or prepaid payment options. This versatility is particularly beneficial for organizations with fluctuating cash flows or short-term project needs.

In contrast, EA follows a more rigid payment structure, often requiring annual or upfront payments over the three-year agreement. While this model ensures predictability for enterprises with stable budgets, it lacks the payment flexibility CSP offers.

Additional Services

Cloud Solutions Providers often go beyond licensing to offer value-added services, such as training, consulting, and cloud optimization recommendations. These services are particularly beneficial for SMBs that may lack in-house IT expertise, as the CSP licensing partner becomes a strategic extension of their team.

EA customers benefit from Microsoft's extensive suite of products and services, but additional support or consulting typically comes at an extra cost or requires engagement with third-party providers.

Migrating to CSP from an Enterprise Agreement

Transitioning from a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) to the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program is an increasingly popular choice for organizations seeking greater flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. While the migration process may seem complex, with proper planning and a trusted CSP, businesses can make the shift seamlessly while unlocking significant benefits.

The Migration Process

Migrating from an EA to CSP begins with a comprehensive review of your organization’s existing licenses, services, and overall IT strategy. The first step is to assess current usage, identifying areas where licenses can be optimized or scaled. Next, your CSP licensing partner works with you to map these needs onto CSP’s subscription-based model, ensuring the right mix of services for your business. Once the mapping is complete, the transition involves transferring licenses and reconfiguring services, all while minimizing disruption to your operations.

CSP partners play a critical role throughout the migration, providing hands-on support to manage licensing changes, ensure compliance, and facilitate integration with Microsoft’s cloud offerings. They also assist with onboarding users, implementing configurations, and providing training to ensure your team is fully equipped to leverage the new model.

Benefits of Migrating to CSP

For many organizations, migrating to CSP delivers immediate and long-term advantages. One of the most significant benefits is cost savings, as CSP eliminates the need for upfront, multi-year commitments and replaces them with pay-as-you-go billing. This not only reduces financial strain but also ensures businesses only pay for what they use.

Scalability is another critical advantage. Unlike EA’s rigid structure, CSP allows organizations to scale licenses up or down as business needs change, providing agility to adapt to growth, restructuring, or seasonal demands. Additionally, CSP’s streamlined management model simplifies administrative tasks, offering centralized billing, reporting, and technical support through a dedicated partner.

CSP also enhances service flexibility, granting access to monthly and annual billing options, as well as the ability to adjust licensing on-demand. This level of adaptability empowers businesses to align their IT costs with operational realities, driving efficiency and financial predictability.

Key Considerations for a Smooth Transition

To ensure a smooth migration from EA to CSP, organizations must plan carefully. One important factor is timing. Transitioning licenses as your EA contract approaches renewal is ideal, as it minimizes overlap and avoids penalties for early termination. Working closely with your CSP partner is also critical, as their expertise will help you navigate potential challenges, such as data migration, compliance requirements, or changes in service configurations.

Another key consideration is user adoption. Migrating to CSP often involves changes to subscription terms and service availability, so it’s essential to communicate with your teams and provide adequate training to ensure a seamless user experience. Your CSP partner can assist by offering onboarding programs, guidance, and support throughout the process.

Finally, organizations should ensure their new CSP model is aligned with future business goals. Whether your focus is on reducing costs, enhancing agility, or scaling for growth, working with a trusted CSP partner ensures your IT strategy evolves alongside your organization.

Case Study: Successful CSP Licensing Transition

“This engagement resulted in a detailed licensing strategy tailored to Pace Industries' operational and financial objectives. Synergy Technical provided a structured approach to license management, presenting options that balanced cost savings with software requirements. Pace Industries received a comprehensive roadmap for their EA renewal, ensuring alignment with current and future licensing needs.”

Conclusion

Ready to transform your IT strategy? Contact us today to schedule a consultation, learn more about the Microsoft CSP licensing benefits, or start optimizing your Microsoft cloud services with a trusted partner by your side. Let’s modernize your cloud journey together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microsoft CSP Licensing:

• What is the Microsoft CSP program?
  • The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program allows businesses to purchase, manage, and optimize Microsoft cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Azure through certified partners. It offers flexible licensing, tailored support, and scalable solutions for organizations of all sizes.
• How does CSP billing work?
  • CSP billing is designed to be flexible, with options for monthly, annual, or prepaid payment structures. Businesses only pay for the licenses and services they need, and CSP partners manage invoicing directly, simplifying financial management.
• Who can benefit from CSP licensing?
  • CSP licensing is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), startups, and growing enterprises that require flexibility in scaling their licenses. It’s also a great option for organizations looking for personalized support and streamlined billing processes.
• Can I switch back to an Enterprise Agreement after joining CSP?
  • Yes, it is possible to switch back to an Enterprise Agreement (EA) if your business outgrows CSP or requires long-term commitments for cost-saving benefits. However, transitioning back may require reevaluating your licensing needs and aligning with EA’s terms and minimum requirements.
• How do I choose between direct and indirect CSP partners?
  • Direct CSP partners manage all aspects of billing, licensing, and support, making them a good fit for organizations seeking a close, one-on-one relationship. Indirect CSP partners work with distributors, offering scalability and additional resources. Choose based on your organization’s size, support needs, and budget.
• What happens if I need to scale my licenses up or down with CSP?
  • One of the key benefits of CSP is its scalability. You can add or remove licenses at any time, adjusting your subscription to match your current business requirements. This flexibility ensures you only pay for what you use.
• Does CSP include Software Assurance (SA)?
  • No, Software Assurance is not included in CSP. However, CSP offers alternative benefits, such as flexible billing and scalability, that may outweigh the need for SA for many businesses. If SA features are essential, other licensing models like Enterprise Agreements might be more suitable.
• What types of services are available under CSP?
  • CSP covers a wide range of Microsoft cloud services, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and additional tools like Power Platform. These services are offered on a subscription basis and can be tailored to meet your organization’s specific needs.
• Can I migrate from another licensing model, like Open Licensing, to CSP?
  • Yes, organizations can migrate from other licensing models, including Open Licensing, to CSP. Your CSP partner will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment with your business goals.
• How do I find the right CSP partner?
  • When evaluating CSP partners, look for certifications, proven expertise in Microsoft licensing, a strong support network, and the ability to tailor solutions to your needs. A good CSP partner acts as a trusted advisor, offering proactive recommendations and scalable solutions to help your business succeed.