As the needs of modern businesses evolve, so does the way they manage their technology investments. One of the more significant shifts happening in the Microsoft ecosystem is the move from traditional Enterprise Agreements (EAs) to the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model. The EA has helped large businesses for many years. However, CSPs are becoming a more flexible and responsive choice for many types of businesses.

This transition is more than a licensing change. It reflects a shift in how businesses want to consume technology: with greater control, adaptability, and alignment to business needs.

What’s Driving the Shift?

Several key factors are influencing the move from EA to CSP:

  • Flexibility: Unlike the long-term, high-volume commitments required by EA, CSPs allows for month-to-month adjustments. Businesses can scale licenses up or down as needed without waiting for a renewal window.

  • Lower Commitment Thresholds: The CSP model is available to businesses of all sizes, not just large enterprises. This opens the door for smaller or more agile teams to access enterprise-grade tools without overcommitting.

  • Simplified Billing: CSP partners typically offers monthly billing rather than large upfront costs, making budgeting and cost forecasting more manageable.

  • More Responsive Support: CSP partners often provide ongoing guidance, helping businesses stay current with updates, security best practices, and new capabilities across Microsoft 365.

Beyond Licensing: Enabling Real Use

One of the challenges with traditional EA models has been low adoption. Businesses may license a broad set of tools but struggle to deploy and adopt them fully. CSPs shifts the focus toward usage and value—making sure that tools like Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, and Purview are not just licensed, but actually put to use.

This approach helps businesses:

  • Strengthen identity and access management

  • Improve device and endpoint security

  • Drive productivity through better collaboration tools

  • Support change management and user adoption more effectively

The outcome is often a more secure, productive, and modern workplace, aligned with evolving IT and business strategies.

Is the CSP Model Right for Your Business?

The answer depends on your business’s size, goals, and how you prefer to manage licensing and support. For businesses looking for a more adaptable approach that supports ongoing change and growth, CSPs offers a compelling alternative.

If your EA is nearing renewal, or if you’re exploring ways to get more value from Microsoft 365, evaluating a CSP could be a worthwhile step.

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Andrew Reade

ANDREW READE

Andrew is our Digital Marketing Manager and oversees web-based marketing strategies and content creation for the organization. As a marketing veteran, Andrew has worked with organizations of all sizes in a diverse group of industries, from Risk Management to Transportation. Joining the organization in 2021, Andrew is based in Mobile Mentor’s Nashville, TN office.