What are the benefits of CSP and what essential factors should be considered when selecting a CSP partner?

Customers frequently ask us why they should consider licensing their Microsoft services through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) agreement. A CSP, or cloud solution provider, is a partnership or agreement that enables partners to manage transactions and billing on behalf of customers for services from Microsoft, focusing on cloud solutions such as Office 365 and Azure. This offers benefits such as simplicity, flexibility, and the convenience of paying only for what is used on a monthly basis, unlike traditional licensing agreements that might not offer this level of adaptability.

A Trustmarque we view a CSP agreement as a service rather than merely an agreement, as it offers support and additional services beyond the transaction of Microsoft licenses. This service ensures that customers purchase and use Microsoft technologies effectively.

So why are CSP agreements used over other licencing models?

A CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) agreement is used for several reasons, including:

• Flexibility: It allows for changes in user count or services on a month-to-month basis, providing real flexibility in usage and billing.
• Simplicity and lack of complexity: It simplifies the procurement and management of Microsoft cloud solutions, such as, Office 365 and Azure, compared to traditional enterprise agreements.
• Cost efficiency and optimisation: Offers the ability to pay only for what you use, ensuring cost efficiency and optimisation.
• Expertise and support: Access to a partner’s expertise and support for managing and optimising Microsoft cloud investments.

CSP is suitable for any organisation of any size and vertical, except where specific discounts or agreements make CSP less viable.

How important is it to choose the right CSP partner?

Selecting an appropriate CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) partner is vital since support for your Microsoft investment will be provided through your CSP partner. It is important to make sure that your partner holds the required accreditations, has credibility, and possesses the experience needed to support your Microsoft investment. For instance, Trustmarque is recognised as an AEMSP (Azure Expert Managed Services Provider), a distinction held by only a few Microsoft partners globally. The Microsoft Azure Expert MSP programme recognises Microsoft partners with the proven expertise and capability to deliver the highest quality of managed end-to-end Microsoft Azure cloud services, from initial planning and design through to implementation, operation and optimisation. If your CSP partner doesn’t have the relevant certifications it limits their capability to provide the required support for CSP services. 

What services should I expect from a CSP partner?

Customers should expect the following services from a CSP partner:

• Technical support to ensure the technology purchased is supported properly.
• Quarterly licence optimisation reporting for customers on the transform level, ensuring they’re buying what they’re using without overspending.
• Access to tools that provide visibility and optimisation of their Microsoft investments.
• Advice and guidance on Microsoft products to ensure the right technology is being purchased.
• Fast track services for M365, among other support services.

How does Trustmarque differentiate from other CSP partners?

Trustmarque’s approach to CSP is not solely transactional but deeply service-oriented, with a strong emphasis on providing value through expertise, support, and tailored services.

We believe Trustmarque differentiates from other CSP providers in several ways:

• Expertise and Accreditation: Trustmarque is one of Microsoft’s largest partners in the UK and holds multiple Microsoft certifications as well as Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (AEMSP). This demonstrates Trustmarque’s expertise and credibility in supporting customers with their Microsoft investments.
• Service-Oriented Approach: Trustmarque believe a CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) is a service, rather than just an agreement! We focus on the comprehensive support and value-added services we provide our customers, which includes technical support, continuous strategic reviews, licensing optimisation, and access to our PRISM tool for visibility and cost optimisation.
• Governance and Security: Trustmarque is experienced in working with highly regulated sectors such as the Ministry of Defence and NHS. As such our processes and governance are built to high standards of security and compliance.
• Tools and Processes: Through our unique tools such as PRISM and our CSP Trust Portal, along with our licensing expertise we can provide unique insights and optimisations for our customers.

To summarise 

To summarise, we believe a CSP is not just as an agreement but as a comprehensive continuous service that includes support, optimisation, and additional benefits beyond mere transactional relationships. As such we believe the choice of partner for CSP is crucial to getting the most from a CSP agreement due to the support and services come via the CSP partner. With the right CSP partner in place a CSP agreement will provide customers with licensing flexibility, technology expertise on demand, licensing cost optimisation and access to value-added services to not just support your Microsoft licensing and most importantly your business goals.