Insights
Microsoft’s Channel Evolution
We explore the evolution of Microsoft's channel strategy over the past ten years, and what can be learned by viewing it through a Value Cycle lens.
In plain language, this means that the discounts that could be obtained under an Enterprise Agreement (EA) will disappear at the next renewal after November 1, 2025.
This applies to all EA levels, A to D (from companies with 500 to 15,000+ employees), meaning from the smallest to the biggest EAs in the market. For on-premise products, there seem to be no changes for now, as there are no good alternatives under MCA-E or CSP.
In this blog post, we share our thoughts on what it means for Crayon and SoftwareOne partners.
For a CSP Partner, these changes mean that over the coming years, there will be a smorgasbord of opportunities to help customers with Enterprise Agreements to save money by utilising the CSP program.
With EA Online Services discounts going away, CSP partners will finally compete on equal footing when it comes to price.
This removes one of the biggest barriers in conversations with larger customers and opens the door for meaningful discussions about value, where we can empower you as our partner.
Between now and November 2025, there’s a clear opportunity to engage EA customers before their renewals. By showing how CSP can offer the same pricing with more flexibility, partners can position themselves as a smarter, more flexible, and better choice.
A great window of opportunity has opened up for you to work with customers in a more integrated way.
CSP isn’t just about matching EA costs – it’s about adding more value. The tech landscape has become more complicated so customers need a trusted partner to guide them along the journey.
By combining licensing with governance, cost optimisation, security, and managed services, partners can deliver a complete solution that helps customers get more out of their technology investments.
Many companies may be affected by the end of volume discounts under Microsoft EA and may need to transition to CSP.
Few will want to face weeks or months of disruption because of licensing changes.
With Crayon as your cloud distributor of choice, they won’t have to.

This change affects all EA levels, from small enterprises to the largest global accounts.
It is a compelling entry point for CSP partners to target accounts that were once out of reach.
We equip our CSP partners with the insights, tools, and global capabilities needed to seize the EA-to-CSP opportunity.
Read more about the EA to CSP opportunity and keep up to date with all the big announcements by visiting our Microsoft Change Compendium.
Microsoft’s programs are changing – but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be disruptive.
At Crayon, we’ve built the people, platforms, and experience to guide partners through this evolution.
If you want to stay competitive in the Microsoft ecosystem, now is the time to act.
Open to exploring what Crayon can do for you? Simply leave a few details with us, and our team will be in touch to discuss your needs.
Thank you for your enquiry about the Online Service pricing updates. One of our experts will reach out soon to discuss your needs in the CSP program.
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