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Microsoft EA to CSP: Why Now’s the Time to Switch

Published 18/09/2025

Author: Andy Hallissey

Microsoft EA to CSP

Microsoft EA to CSP: Why Now’s the Time to Switch

What the end of Microsoft EA renewals means for your business and why the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model is the smarter alternative.

Microsoft is changing the way organisations purchase and manage their licences, and if your Enterprise Agreement (EA) is expiring, the clock is ticking.

For years, many organisations have relied on Microsoft Enterprise Agreements to access Microsoft 365, Azure, and other products at predictable costs. But that model has shifted: if you have fewer than 2,400 users, you can no longer renew an EA. Instead, you need to move to either a Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) or the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme.

This isn’t just another licensing hurdle. It’s an opportunity to rethink how your Microsoft investment is structured, to gain flexibility, optimise costs, and secure ongoing support rather than managing it all yourself. Let’s unpack what’s happening, what it means for you, and why moving to CSP could be a turning point for your organisation.

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What Is a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA)?

An EA is Microsoft’s traditional volume licensing programme. It’s designed for larger enterprises that want to standardise licensing across the organisation:

  • Long-term commitment (3 years), predictable pricing but little flexibility to adjust seats during the term.
  • Upfront purchasing, licences are typically bought in bulk, with limited ability to scale down if business needs change.
  • Support costs extra, unless you purchase a separate support plan, you’re largely managing licences yourself.

This model works well if you’re a large enterprise with stable user numbers and a central IT team to handle everything. But for smaller or fast-changing organisations, it can feel rigid and expensive.

What Is the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Model?

The CSP programme is Microsoft’s partner-led approach to licensing. Instead of managing everything directly with Microsoft, you work with a trusted partner who handles billing, provisioning, support, and ongoing advice.

Key features include:

  • Monthly or annual billing options, pay only for what you use and adjust licence numbers easily.
  • No minimum seat requirements, ideal for small and mid-sized businesses.
  • Built-in partner support, your CSP provider helps with setup, renewals, and troubleshooting.
  • Access to Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience (NCE), enabling a consistent way to manage Microsoft subscriptions.

In other words, CSP makes Microsoft licensing more agile, more predictable, and far better aligned to today’s changing business environments.

EA vs CSP: What’s Really Different?

While both models give you access to the same Microsoft products, the experience is entirely different:

  • Flexibility: EA locks you into a fixed term and user count. CSP lets you scale up or down as business needs change.
  • Cost Management: EA bills upfront and doesn’t easily adapt to fluctuation. CSP offers predictable monthly billing.
  • Support: EA requires separate agreements for help. CSP includes ongoing advice and partner support as standard.
  • Complexity: EA often needs in-house licensing expertise. CSP offloads this complexity to your Microsoft partner.

In short, EA is static. CSP is dynamic. If agility, cost control, and expert guidance matter to you, CSP is almost always the smarter choice.

Why Moving from EA to CSP Matters Now

If your EA has expired, or is about to, you need to act quickly. Waiting can create unnecessary risks:

  • Compliance gaps: Operating without a valid agreement could expose you to audit penalties.
  • Service disruption: If licences lapse, your Microsoft services may be interrupted.
  • Cost surprises: Delayed decisions can lead to rushed, suboptimal licence purchases.

By moving early, you can take control rather than being forced into a last-minute scramble. You’ll secure a licensing model that matches your business goals, avoids disruption, and prevents waste.

The Business Benefits of Moving to CSP

Migrating from EA to CSP isn’t just about replacing one agreement with another, it’s about unlocking better ways to manage your Microsoft estate:

  • Right-size your licences: Adjust monthly to match staff changes and avoid paying for unused seats.
  • Simplify billing: Get a single, clear invoice covering licences and any added services.
  • Gain strategic support: Your CSP partner can advise on optimisation, security, and future planning.
  • Increase cost predictability: Choose monthly or annual terms with transparent pricing.
  • Access additional services: Many CSP partners provide IT support, migration services, and tailored guidance alongside licensing.

How CPS Makes Your EA-to-CSP Migration Seamless

As both a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, CPS combines licensing expertise with hands-on support. We don’t just process your order, we become a strategic partner invested in your success.

Here’s how we make it simple:

  1. Assess your current setup: We review your licences, usage, and potential savings.
  2. Build your CSP plan: We create a roadmap aligned to your goals and budget.
  3. Manage the migration: We handle the technical work so users experience no disruption.
  4. Optimise and support long-term: We keep your licensing efficient and your services aligned to your changing needs.

With CPS, you’re not just buying licences. You’re gaining a partner who ensures your Microsoft investment delivers maximum value.

Ready to Discuss Migrating from EA to CSP?

The end of the EA era for smaller organisations is here, but it’s not bad news. The CSP model offers more flexibility, better cost control, and ongoing support to keep your Microsoft environment running smoothly.

Don’t wait until your EA lapses and risk compliance, cost overruns, or service interruptions. Start planning your move now.

Talk to CPS today to explore your options, create a tailored CSP plan, and migrate smoothly with the support of an experienced Microsoft partner.

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