Insights
SPLA Compliance: why it matters more than ever
Microsoft has announced price increases for the SPLA licensing program. Find out which products are affected and how Crayon can help you adapt before new prices take effect in January, 2025.
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
Vendor Announcements
Alert! Microsoft Announces SPLA Pricing Changes
Microsoft has announced price increases for the SPLA licensing program. Find out which products are affected and how Crayon can help you adapt before new prices take effect in January, 2025.
Webinars Series
How to get started with VMware Cloud Foundation
Walk through the features of VMware Cloud Foundation and why it is a key tool for Crayon’s cloud partners.
Webinars Series
Microsoft CSP Updates: November 2024
Tune into our latest CSP Updates session for important changes to pricing, promotion and discount offers and a focus on Secure Productivity with MDR ContraForce.
Training
How to make the Azure Migrate and Modernise program work for you
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Training
Understanding and choosing Wasabi consumption models
Which Wasabi consumption model is the right fit for various scenarios? We explore the options.
Insights
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Case Studies
Cytrack builds channel growth with Crayon
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Guides and eBooks
The Future of Operations Data Companion
Dive into the detail of planned cloud adoptions for SMBs across the APAC region and where they need help from their tech service partners.
Podcast
The High-Performance Partner Podcast Episode 2
Dr. Joe and his guests discuss how high-performance culture helps partners to position on value, earn trust and build stronger customer relationships.
Sales and Marketing
Webinar: How to monetise Security as a Managed Service
Pricing models, service definitions and competitive accelerators. Our latest webinar breaks down how to build a successful MSSP business.
Engage
Microsoft CSP Masters Program
Running builds, support and pre-sales for Microsoft? The CSP Masters Program is for you! get the details for the Sydney enablement workshop in October.
Blogs
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From scrappy start-up to part of a global cloud powerhouse, disruption is in our DNA.
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
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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 Migrate & Modernise (AMM) – FY2024
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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