Microsoft CSP Partner Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you are a managed services provider (MSP), reseller, or IT services company, you may be considering becoming a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner. The Microsoft CSP program allows partners to resell Microsoft cloud services, including Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure, to their clients.
To become a Microsoft CSP partner, you need to sign a CSP partner agreement with Microsoft. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your partnership with Microsoft and sets out the responsibilities of both parties. Here’s what you need to know about the Microsoft CSP partner agreement.
Types of Microsoft CSP Partner Agreements
There are two types of Microsoft CSP partner agreements: the direct partner agreement and the indirect partner agreement. The direct partner agreement is for partners who want to resell Microsoft cloud services directly to their customers. The indirect partner agreement is for partners who want to sell Microsoft cloud services through a distributor.
Direct Partner Agreement
If you sign a direct partner agreement with Microsoft, you will be responsible for managing your customer relationships, billing, and support. You will also have access to Microsoft Partner Center, which is a portal that allows you to manage your customers, subscriptions, and billing. You will be able to set your own prices for Microsoft cloud services and bill your customers directly.
Indirect Partner Agreement
If you sign an indirect partner agreement with Microsoft, you will be working with a distributor who will sell Microsoft cloud services to you. The distributor will handle billing and support, and you will be responsible for managing your customer relationships. You will have access to Microsoft Partner Center and will be able to set your own prices for Microsoft cloud services.
Terms of the Microsoft CSP Partner Agreement
The Microsoft CSP partner agreement outlines the terms of your partnership with Microsoft, including the duration of the agreement, your responsibilities as a partner, and your rights as a partner. Here’s what you can expect to see in the agreement:
— Term: The agreement will specify the length of the partnership, which is typically one year.
— Partner Responsibilities: The agreement will outline your responsibilities as a partner, including how you will sell Microsoft cloud services to your customers, how you will provide support to your customers, and how you will manage your customer relationships.
— Microsoft Responsibilities: The agreement will outline Microsoft’s responsibilities, including providing you with access to Partner Center and support resources.
— Pricing: The agreement will specify how you will be billed for Microsoft cloud services and how you can set your own prices for those services.
— Termination: The agreement will outline the circumstances under which the partnership can be terminated, and what happens to your customers and subscriptions if the partnership is terminated.
Benefits of the Microsoft CSP Program
Becoming a Microsoft CSP partner can provide several benefits for MSPs, resellers, and IT services companies. These include:
— Revenue Opportunities: By reselling Microsoft cloud services, partners can create new revenue streams and increase their profitability.
— Customer Control: Partners can manage their customer relationships and provide a higher level of service to their clients by offering Microsoft cloud services.
— Partner Resources: Partners have access to Microsoft Partner Center, which provides resources for managing their customers, subscriptions, and billing.
— Flexibility: Partners can set their own prices for Microsoft cloud services and have the flexibility to manage their own billing and support.
Conclusion
The Microsoft CSP partner agreement is the foundation of your partnership with Microsoft. It outlines the terms and conditions of your relationship and sets out your responsibilities as a partner. Becoming a Microsoft CSP partner can provide several benefits, including revenue opportunities, customer control, and access to partner resources. If you’re considering becoming a Microsoft CSP partner, it’s important to carefully review the CSP partner agreement and understand its terms and conditions.