Blogs
Attaining a Security SPD
In the second article in our Security SPD series, Michael Brooke offers tips to help partners gain the insight track from start to finish.
Microsoft Licensing
Licensing can be complex but we’re good at making sure partners connect to the right agreements.
Microsoft CSP
The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program (CSP) enables partners to directly manage their entire Microsoft cloud customer lifecycle. Partners in this program utilise dedicated in-product tools to directly provision, manage, and support their customer subscriptions. Partners can easily package their own tools, products, and services, and combine them into one monthly or annual customer bill.
This program helps Microsoft partners become their customers’ trusted advisors. With Microsoft CSP, partners can own and manage the end-to-end relationship with their customers.
How Crayon helps with CSP
Expertise
A team of experts with deep domain knowledge in all Microsoft platform offerings and licensing agreement structures.
Commercial Updates
Guidance to navigate ongoing changes and updates to Microsoft licensing agreement structures and terms such as the transition from legacy billing to New Commerce Experience (NCE).
Project Support
Services to support your Microsoft cloud projects, including Azure Migrations, Business Central Implementations, and Support-as-a-Service.
Consolidated Billing
Use of the PRISM or Cloud- iQ platforms for integrated procurement, billing, and provisioning, to simplify management of your recurring subscription revenues.
Microsoft SPLA
The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) is the licensing program for service providers and independent software vendors that want to license the latest eligible Microsoft software products to provide software services and hosted applications to end customers.
SPLA Benefits
Hosted Services
SPLA enables you to offer hosted services (such as cloud-based applications) to end customers legally.
Cost Effective
Instead of large upfront costs, SPLA operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You pay only for the licenses you use each month.
Flexibility
SPLA allows you to license Microsoft software products on a monthly basis, which is ideal for dynamic workloads or seasonal demand.
Latest Software Versions
SPLA provides access to the latest eligible Microsoft software versions, ensuring your services are up to date.
SPLA use case examples
Application Services Providers
These providers can use SPLA to offer software services to their customers.
Platform Infrastructure Providers
SPLA enables these providers to host infrastructure services for their clients.
Business Process Outsourcers (BPO)
BPOs can utilise SPLA for their software services.
PC Rental Companies
SPLA allows PC rental companies to license Microsoft products for their rental services.
Franchisees and Franchises
Franchise businesses can benefit from SPLA when providing software services.
Streaming Media Providers
SPLA supports streaming media services.
How Crayon helps with SPLA
Self Service
Self-service partner portal environments for easy and efficient monthly reporting.
Licensing Expertise
Dedicated solution & licensing resources across all programs; VL, SPLA, CSP etc.
Consolidated Audit and Reporting
SPLA Reporting tool for license optimisation and audit defence.
Strategy Oversight
SPLA strategy workshops for partners. Facilitation of resulting formal agreements with Microsoft.
Sales Enablement
Enabling confident sales discussions and licensing negotiations.
Facilitation
Introductions to other service providers for joint offering exploration.
Microsoft LSP
Crayon is one of the few Microsoft distributors to also be appointed as a Microsoft Cloud LSP (Licensing Solution Provider).
This means we can provision Enterprise Agreements in addition to SPLA licenses. Partners can leverage our LSP status to resell the solution licenses their customers need, without the overheads of running a comprehensive licensing management practice in-house.
We’ll facilitate your sale, ensure the correct licensing program is purchased by the right party and provide ongoing management and renewal of licensing agreements.
Server and Cloud Enrolment
Enrolment for Application Platform (EAP), Enrolment for Core Infrastructure (ECI), and Enrolment for Windows Azure (EWA) have now been consolidated and replaced with the Server & Cloud Enrolment (SCE) agreement.
SCE offers programmatic discounts, favourable EA terms, flexible licensing options (mix of subscription and perpetual licensing) and the ability to purchase Azure Cloud Services.
SCE is designed with hybrid cloud in mind, making it a very effective ultimate licensing agreement for End User Customer, Independent Software Vendors (ISV), and Managed Services Providers.
How Crayon helps with LSP
Vendor comparison
We analyse the overall value proposition across licensing options, contract terms, and service levels so you can leverage an optimal mix of Microsoft and other third-party providers.
Product selection
We assess business requirements and usage scenarios, identify cost-effective licensing paths, advise on product bundles, so you can streamline product selection, maximise value and control costs.
Contract analysis
We examine licensing terms, metrics, cost structures and compliance obligations to help you optimise licensing costs, align software deployments with business needs, and proactively manage licensing risks.
Interpret agreement options
We find hidden value and eliminate potential risk from the fine print, so you have clarity on usage scenarios and rights, pricing tiers and compliance obligations.
Compliance assurance
We run the processes needed to interpret complex licensing metrics, advise on renewals and recommend adjustments so you can confidently navigate complex licensing frameworks, ensure legal adherence and reduce audit risk.
Non-Profit Licensing
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact (TSI) is a unique initiative dedicated to supporting Not for Profit organisations and the Crayon partners that enable them.
This initiative is accessed through the Tech For Good program, and provides affordable access to technology and tools that help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their missions.
Partners that join this program are empowered to develop solutions for non-profits using custom offerings such as the Microsoft Nonprofit Operations Toolkit, Fundraising and Engagement for D365 Sales and Volunteer Management and Volunteer Engagement.
All profit from Nonprofit SKUs is re-invested into the Microsoft TSI initiative.
Related Resources
Blogs
Microsoft Security SPD
In the first of a 3-part series, Michael Brooke explains why the buying signals from the market make Security SPD attainment worth a close look for partners.
Training
Project Online Retirement
The sun is setting on Microsoft Project Online, with Microsoft announcing it will be fully retired on September 30, 2026. Get the need-to-know information to plan for this change and position alternatives with your customers.
Press Release
Nitro Partner Awards 2026: Crayon earns multiple honours
Crayon wins 2026 Nitro APAC Reseller of the Year, with team leaders honoured for supporting partners and accelerating digital document adoption.
Press Release
CRN Asia Channel Leaders
Crayon's Warren Nolan and Harith Ramotheram have earned recognition in the 2026 CRN Asia Channel Leaders list for driving partner growth and innovation in our region.
Blogs
Copilot for All
Learn how Microsoft’s strategic Copilot for All framework combines with Crayon’s inhouse AI expertise to drive practice development and revenue growth for partners.
On Demand Webinars
Data Protection Webinar
Watch the on‑demand webinar on turning data risk into revenue. Learn how partners use data protection maturity models to drive recurring revenue and customer trust.
On Demand Webinars
Accelerate Your Security Practice with Microsoft SPD
Join our team for a business and technical deep dive into the Microsoft Security SPD and why attaining it is great for business.
Business
AvePoint Partner onboarding content
AvePoint Partner onboarding content packs are now available from Crayon to help fast track confidence and success for your team.
On Demand Webinars
Copilot Partners: Unlock your opportunities
Our latest On-Demand webinar provides a practical, execution focused walk through the full Copilot partner journey, from early adoption to advanced scenarios.
Training
Modern Work Solution Partner Designations Webinar
In our latest webinar, our in-house Modern Work experts Jye Wong and Ksenia Turner will run you through a practical refresher on Solution Partner Designations; what they are, why they matter and how to get started.
Guides and eBooks
Data Protection Playbook #3
As SMBs mature in the Data Protection lifecycle, they need help to optimise spend, reduce the compliance burden and ensure results align to business objectives. The third installment of our Data Protection Playbook series provides practical guidance for partners on how to address emerging pressure and connect ongoing investment to measurable business value.
Training
Copilot Agents: Level up from chatbots
Copilot Agents: what are they and how do they differ from AI assistants and chatbots? Our in-house Copilot expert Ksenia Turner explains the use cases and service opportunities for partners.
Blogs
Proving Data Protection Compliance
Fragmented data protection systems and processes create compliance proof-gaps for SMB customers. Scott Hagenus, Director, Cybersecurity here at Crayon explains.
Guides and eBooks
Data Protection Playbook #2
How can partners help their SMB customers to move from silos of security and continuity to a more cohesive, measurable and insurable data protection framework? The second edition in our Data Protection Playbook series maps out their journey, and yours.
Blogs
Data Protection Partner Playbooks for SMB Customers
As cybersecurity and continuity converge in platforms and in practice, partners need new playbooks to address modern Data Protection standards. Our in-house cybersecurity pre-sales lead, Michael Brooke explains why.
Insights
Data Protection Resource Round-Up
Data Protection priorities are shifting for SMBs. Ramp up your ability to respond with curated insights, articles and resources to help you guide every customer conversation with confidence.
Insights
M365 Copilot Hub
All the latest insights, articles and resources on M365 Copilot, curated into one place.
Partner Spotlight
Crayon Expertise: Why Bigfish is hooked
Bigfish Technology saved AU$20,000 on its annual Microsoft licensing after one call with Crayon and has since built a strong partnership that enabled Bigfish to get access to Crayon’s expertise and vendor ecosystem.
Blogs
Data Protection for SMBs
From rethinking backup to governance frameworks and behavioural analytics, what's involved in building a complete Data Protection strategy for SMB customers?
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.
Guides and eBooks
The Microsoft Fabric Partner Guide
The Microsoft Fabric Partner Guide curates our recent articles, videos and resources to accelerate Crayon partner learning.
Insights
Cybersecurity Resource Round-up
Support your cybersecurity game plans with our top picks of new and updated risk and resilience resources.
MSPs and CSPs
ONGC secures critical national program for Ability First
Discover how Crayon's partner ONGC helped Ability First to secure its mission to transition young people with disabilities out of unsuitable care settings.
MSPs and CSPs
OPC secures happiness at Ronald McDonald House
Crayon's partner, OPC worked with Ronald McDonald House to reduce its cybersecurity risk and focus internal teams on delivering happiness to seriously ill kids.
MSPs and CSPs
humanIT delivers digital transformation for WEstjustice
Explore how Crayon's partner, HumanIT worked with WEstjustice on a transformational program to support vital legal services for the community.
MSPs and CSPs
ECLEVA solution for non-profit delivers productivity dividend
Company Announcements
Crayon and rhipe Complete Brand Integration: Unified Strength for Unlimited Opportunities
Crayon's continued integration of rhipe delivers new programs and services that raise the bar on value delivery for our APAC partners.
Vendor Announcements
Azure Accelerate
Nominate your customers for the Azure Migrate & Modernise program, and we'll help you assess eligibility for a funded migration to Azure cloud.
Blogs
Is Cloud Value at a Crossroad for SMBs?
Insights on the direction of SMB cloud adoptions across the region, and the capabilities they most value in their technology service providers.
Talk to us today about the Microsoft programs
Contact us to learn how to sign up to the Microsoft partner programs, or to speak to one of our experts about how you can enhance your business with Microsoft CSP, SPLA, LSP or TSI. Submit your details here and a member of our team will reach out to you.
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