Transition to Microsoft CSP with ALSO
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Transition from EA to CSP
Hassle-free transition and best-in-class cloud marketplace
Microsoft's January 1, 2025, changes to the Enterprise Agreement (EA) program will require a shift for many customers, creating a significant business opportunity for Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs). While exceptions exist, continued EA participation will only be advantageous in rare circumstances, and most organizations will find renewals no longer viable. To clear up misconceptions about CSP, the differences in pricing are usually because current CSP or EA rates are being compared with outdated EA prices. Furthermore, Microsoft has confirmed that service downgrades will not be enforced when transitioning between EA and CSP, ensuring identical end-user experiences. Moreover, reseller incentives within the EA program have been substantially reduced or eliminated. Moving to the CSP model through the ALSO Cloud Marketplace (ACMP) can provide benefits like enhanced flexibility, potential cost savings, and specialized support. Utilize our detailed guide and timeline to facilitate a smooth transition.
Benefits of Transitioning from EA to CSP
Flexibility:
The Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program offers partners the ability to choose between two flexible options: making monthly adjustments to licensing or securing pricing for 12 months. Unlike the rigid three-year terms of the Enterprise Agreement (EA), CSP allows you to scale licenses up or down based on your clients' current needs. Alternatively, for those seeking more price stability, the 12-month price protection option provides a secured rate while also requiring a commitment. This flexibility empowers customers to align their licensing approach with their business priorities.
Cost-Effectiveness:
With CSP, partners can offer a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the financial strain of upfront costs and reducing waste from underutilized licenses.
Access to Innovations:
CSP ensures that partners and their clients have instant access to new Microsoft tools and features, fostering growth and innovation.
Simplified Billing:
Billing and management of subscriptions are handled by the CSP partner, making it easier to manage and predict costs for your clients.
Dedicated Support:
CSP partners provide dedicated support, helping clients navigate any issues and optimize their use of Microsoft products.
By transitioning to the CSP model, partners can enjoy greater flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced support, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
How to Get Started
Engage with ALSO Experts
As a partner, connect with Microsoft certified experts to receive personalized guidance and support. Their extensive experience ensures a smooth transition and helps you maximize the value of your Microsoft services.
Plan the Transition
Collaborate with ALSO to plan the transition. Identify which subscriptions and services will be moved and set a timeline to minimize disruption for your clients.
Transfer Subscriptions
a. Azure Subscriptions: Initiate the transfer process with ALSO, moving your clients' Azure subscriptions from EA to ACMP. Be aware that any quota increases applied to the EA subscription will reset to default values.
b. Other Services: ALSO will assist in transitioning other services like Microsoft 365 for your clients.
Ensure that billing information is updated to reflect the new ACMP arrangement. Set up monthly billing and understand the new cost structure to better manage your clients' expenses
Ongoing Management
Test and Validate
After the transfer, test the services to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Validate that all resources and subscriptions have been successfully moved for your clients.
Update Billing Information
Work with ALSO for ongoing management and support. Optimize your clients' usage and ensure they are getting the most out of their Microsoft services.
By following these steps and leveraging the support from ALSO Cloud Marketplace (ACMP), you, as a partner, can successfully transition from EA to ACMP, gaining greater flexibility and cost efficiency in your licensing arrangements.
Steps for Partners
Expert-Guided Transition
ALSO streamlines the transfer of CSP subscriptions via our ALSO Cloud Marketplace (ACMP). While Reservations and NCE license-based offers are handled efficiently through our platform, we recognize that migrating Azure subscriptions—especially transitioning from Enterprise Agreement (EA) to CSP—is a process that requires careful attention. With our specialized Microsoft expertise, we provide expert-guided transition services, ensuring that every migration is tailored, compliant, and executed with precision.
Unlock Exclusive Benefits with ALSO
By becoming a partner with ALSO you get access to dedicated support and have lower operational burdens. Make the switch and up your competitiveness.
ALSO Cloud Marketplace
Our cloud marketplace revolutionizes and simplifies cloud business. You’ll never need to develop, maintain, or pay for your provisioning platform again. With your customizable ALSO Cloud Marketplace, you’ll be up and running in no time. ACMP includes intuitive tools for a smooth transition to Microsoft New Commerce with expanding features for upgrades, subscription pauses, and auto-renew.
Financial Services
Efficient payment processing and uncomplicated online services. Our flexible financing is the freedom you need.
ALSO Premium Support
Great support doesn’t need to cost you 16 500 EUR per year. We have the best possible support contract with Microsoft that will save you thousands. And If you want to keep your direct support line with Microsoft, you can do that, too.
Optimized billing
Enjoy clear and transparent billing with ALSO. You'll always know what's coming in, what's going out, and exactly where you stand in your cloud business. You’ll always know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and exactly where you are in your cloud business.
Microsoft Azure Deployment
30+ BI reports. AZURE plan insights, security reports and scores, seat and usage reports, and much more.
Exceptional value-added services
Our international team of experts assist you every step of the way, including Azure deployment and consultancy, marketing support, and access to comprehensive learning and certification platforms.
Microsoft E-Learning Portal
Our e-learning portal provides you a wealth of learning content, material and exam preparation – including how to achieve more in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP). It’s all easily accessible and curated for your needs. You’re sure to find the right course to supercharge your professional journey.
Marketing Services
Access an array of lead-generation campaigns, customizable assets, and co-funded programs to take existing customers further and bring in new customers. ALSO’s individualized Marketing Support Plans accelerate your business's growth.
Consultancy Services
Empowering Microsoft partners to build profitable cloud businesses by offering expert guidance, and resources for navigating through the cloud market. Our consultancy services aim to optimize sales strategies, enhance technical knowledge, and identify growth opportunities for your business.
Key Changes to Microsoft's Enterprise Agreement Effective January 1, 2025
Discontinuation of Certain EAs:
Microsoft will begin notifying some customers that their cloud EAs can no longer be renewed under the existing framework. This primarily affects organizations in the Level A tier, which generally—but not exclusively—includes those with up to 2,400 users. Eligibility is not solely based on size; organizations with over 2,400 users may still need to transition to CSP, except under specific conditions. Examples, among others, include partially onsite requirements, operation in sectors like offshore industries, or non-profit organizations with complex needs exceeding standard grant licensing.
Shift to Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA):
The EA will be replaced by the MCA, which offers more flexibility and is better suited for modern, cloud-focused environments
Price Increases:
Customers may see price increases of up to 30% over the next few year. This is particularly impactful for those with perpetual use rights and Software Assurance on additional products like SQL and Windows Servers
New Commerce Experience (NCE):
The NCE will be integrated into the CSP program, providing a more streamlined and flexible licensing process
These changes reflect Microsoft's strategic pivot towards a more cloud-oriented future, emphasizing flexibility and scalability.
References
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Non-profit organizations currently perform about 80% of their Microsoft business through EA, but Microsoft plans to dramatically reduce this channel in favor of the CSP model. Here are some key benefits for non-profits transitioning to CSP:
- Cost Savings: Discounts up to 75% on core products and 60% on premium offerings.
- Value-Added Services: Access to consulting, deployment, migration, management, training, and support.
- Enhanced Security & Compliance: Bundled security suites to meet compliance and accelerate AI initiatives.
- Improved Engagement & Scalability: Proactive account management, flexible IT solutions, and 24/7 support.
Non-Profit Impact & Benefits