The Azure Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) is being mentioned more by the Licensing Solutions Partners (LSP) when discussing Microsoft renewal options. At The SAM Club we have been asked several times – what the difference is between the Azure Cloud Solutions Provider and the Enterprise Agreement (EA). Recently Microsoft have produced a PDF to help differentiate between the options.
Having analysed this further, we have the following observations which should be considered:
- The EA is now for a minimum of 500 Users. Organisations that are below 500 Users with an existing EA which expires before 30th June 2019 are allowed to renew their EA one more time.
- The CSP doesn’t provide a from SA SKU. For example, an organisation that is licensed for Office Pro Plus and Enterprise CAL Suite with SA wouldn’t gain a price reduction for owning these products with current SA.
However there may be an option/benefit to resell the existing Microsoft Licenses when moving to Office 365 for example. - A CSP allows the LSP to determine their own pricing and can provide support for an inclusive / additional fee. Are you reviewing your options adequately?
- Do you have seasonal staff increases? The CSP option allows for the number of licenses to be trued up or down on a monthly basis.
- Price Protection – The CSP only provides for 12 months whereas the EA is for the 3 year term.
- The EA allows for On-premises Server Installation Rights with Microsoft 365 E3/E5: Exchange, SharePoint, Skype for Business Servers. This is not available via the CSP for Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans.
If you are unsure which agreement is best for your organisation, or would like an independent view of your options, then please do not hesitate to contact The SAM Club.
