With remote work at an all-time high, an increasing number of organizations are moving to the cloud – especially the Microsoft Cloud. With modern solutions like Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365, it is easy for businesses to keep their operations running smoothly and securely from wherever they are. What’s even easier, though, is choosing to license these products through a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider.
What does a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) do?
Think of it this way. Consumers who want Nike shoes can purchase them directly from Nike or from partners like Dick’s Sporting Goods. Nike trusts the company to sell its shoes and take care of its customers. When it comes to Cloud Solution Providers (CSP), Microsoft is comparable to Nike and a CSP is comparable to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
As part of the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program (CSP), providers sell Microsoft cloud solutions to end-users (your business). CSPs transact across Microsoft cloud services through a single platform. When you work with a CSP, they own the end-to-end customer lifecycle, handling everything from start to finish. This includes deployment, training, billing, support, and more. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of working with a CSP.
Benefits of working with a CSP
- Deeper customer engagements and support
If you work directly with Microsoft and have an issue or question, you need to use their customer support services. Since availability and response times vary, it can be difficult to know when you’ll receive a response. If you work with a Microsoft CSP, they are your sole point of contact. You’ll speak directly with someone who already knows about your business and the particular services you use. If further assistance is needed, CSPs will pass the issue on to Microsoft and remain aware of the situation. Ultimately, CSPs will make sure that any questions are answered and problems are solved as soon as possible.
- Value-added services
CSPs offer more than just licensing. On top of providing customers with management and support, they can offer industry-specific solutions bundled with Microsoft products. Businesses work directly with providers to design and implement solutions that meet their unique needs. If you do not license Microsoft solutions through a CSP, you’d have to find a separate technology company to provide custom work for a higher price tag.
- Flexible Billing
Another great thing about working with a Microsoft CSP is flexible billing. Here’s how it works. Microsoft bills CSPs directly for all customer usage. Therefore, the CSP owns all downstream billing to customers. The CSP creates the offer, sets the price, and owns the billing terms with customers.
The best part: your business only pays for what you want or use. You have the flexibility to add and remove licenses as you need them. If you’re using Microsoft Azure, you pay for what you used the month prior. There are no minimum purchases or commitments and subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
The Opal Advantage
If businesses choose Opal Business Solutions as their Microsoft CSP, they can leverage the benefits of working with a Microsoft Gold Partner. Gold partners are the highest-ranking Microsoft partners and can provide customers with exclusive resources.
Partnering with a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider gives your business the opportunity to receive more than Microsoft licensing alone. You’ll have management, direct support, value-added services, and a partner that wants your business to thrive. If you’d like to learn more about making Opal Business Solutions your CSP, click below and talk to one of our experts.
