Cloud licenses: "With a Microsoft CSP partner, you can save up to 20 % in costs"

Wiebke, you are responsible for the CSP business at Dataciders. What exactly is behind the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program - and why is it so relevant right now?

The Microsoft CSP program enables companies to procure cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, Power Platform or Copilot directly via an authorized partner. The special feature: Companies benefit from flexible terms, personal support and transparent license management.

CSP is particularly relevant right now because many traditional discount and volume models are coming to an end, price increases are imminent and many organizations need to realign their licensing strategy. Depending on the initial situation, CSP can save up to 20% compared to the list price. There is also a self-service portal and the option to escalate support cases directly to Microsoft via our distribution.

At Dataciders, we go one step further: we combine licensing with specific data and AI roadmaps so that licenses are not planned in isolation, but always in the context of value creation.

For which companies is the CSP model particularly suitable? Are there typical industries or company sizes?

CSP is suitable for companies of all sizes across all sectors - from SMEs to large companies. Organizations that want flexibility in terms, predictable conditions and a fixed point of contact will benefit in particular. This applies to classic mixed scenarios with Microsoft 365, Azure, security add-ons or Copilot licenses.

We serve clients from a wide range of sectors such as industry, energy, trade, the public sector and non-profit.

Our added value: We incorporate best practices from data governance, security and analytics directly into the license and platform strategy.

What challenges do customers face when they come to us - e.g. in terms of licensing, costs or support? 

Many companies are currently struggling with the growing complexity of their Microsoft environment. The license landscape is often unclear: due to changing models such as Enterprise Agreement (EA), New Commerce Experience (NCE) and CSP, many do not know which structure really fits. Added to this is cost control - over- or incorrect licensing is not uncommon and leads to unnecessary additional costs.

Another problem is the lack of transparency: without a central platform, there is no overview of users, subscriptions and contract terms. At the same time, support is often limited - direct customers of Microsoft or large distributors usually only receive standard support, not individual support.

Compliance and security also pose major challenges. Many organizations are unsure how to implement Microsoft guidelines such as MCA, GDAP or Purview in a legally compliant manner.

We support companies in overcoming these hurdles: with clear advice, personal support and a self-service portal for full transparency. In addition, we combine license optimization with security hardening (e.g. Purview/Compliance, M365 Security) and cost control in Azure and data workloads - not just a "bill of materials", but operational benefits.

What are the specific advantages when companies switch to Dataciders as a CSP partner - especially in comparison to direct contracts or other resellers?

Our customers benefit from attractive conditions (up to 20% cheaper than the list price, depending on the initial situation), flexible terms and the ability to scale licenses quickly. Instead of anonymous tickets, we provide a dedicated contact person and personal support - including escalation options directly to Microsoft.

Our self-service license portal offers IT and procurement full transparency at all times. Importantly, we not only offer licenses, but also integrate data and AI services such as Fabric, Copilot, Power BI and Purview directly into the projects. This creates measurable business impact more quickly. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we bundle the latest innovations and best practices for our customers.

How do we help companies switch or renew their Microsoft licenses?

We start with a free initial consultation and an individual potential check to identify savings and optimization opportunities. We then design legally compliant and transparent contract and migration models and handle the entire onboarding process in the CSP - including client takeover.

Our self-service platform enables central administration, clear role allocation and comprehensive reporting. During operation, we offer qualified support with a direct escalation path to Microsoft. On request, we can combine a change or extension with security and compliance assessments (e.g. with Purview or Priva) as well as use case designs for Copilot or Fabric.

What makes Dataciders special as a CSP partner - and what additional services do we offer around Microsoft Cloud, such as security, AI, migration or license consulting?

Our approach is holistic: from consulting and contract design to license sales, integration and operation - everything from a single source. We bring in data and AI excellence, for example with solutions such as Fabric, Copilot, Power BI or Azure AI Foundry for analytics, automation and AI applications. Security and compliance are firmly integrated with us, e.g. through data classification and governance with Purview or Priva. Thanks to our partner ecosystem (including Microsoft, Databricks and SAP), we offer maximum scalability and integration.

The result: licenses, projects and operations are handled by one contract, one team and one platform - which significantly reduces time and operating costs.

What developments do you expect in the CSP market in 2026?

I expect to see further standardization towards cloud subscriptions and price transparency - optimization will become more important than chasing one-off discounts. Licenses will be bundled even more with services such as security, data and AI, and pay-as-you-grow models will prevail. Copilot licenses will continue to drive demand for adoption-related consulting.

Topics such as governance and FinOps - i.e. cost control, data quality and compliance - are increasingly coming into focus.

Your specific tip at the end: What should companies do now if they want to optimize or reorganize their Microsoft licenses?

My advice: Book a free initial consultation now and clarify your current license picture and potential savings. Then determine the appropriate terms and license mixes (monthly, annual, multi-year; Business, Enterprise, Frontline; Copilot, Power Platform, Security Add-ons) - always with a view to your own roadmap and planned projects.

The self-service portal and governance should be activated and support and escalation channels clearly defined. And: use quick wins! Parallel to license optimization, security hardening (e.g. with Purview or Priva), reporting (Power BI) and automation/AI (Copilot, Fabric) can be started - this way the license value is quickly realized.

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Would you like to strategically optimize your Microsoft Cloud licenses and reduce costs at the same time? Get a free consultation now - for more transparency, personal support and measurable business added value.

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