End of an “EA-ra” but Microsoft CSP opportunities await

Change is never easy, but it feels even more daunting when an entire way of doing business is getting replaced. And that’s what Microsoft is doing – as of 1st January 2025, a subset of Enterprise Agreement (EA) customers has been instructed to choose between an MCA-E (Microsoft Customer Agreement for Enterprise) or a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) approach for future licensing. It’s the first wave of Microsoft turning the page on EA’s – the goal being to eventually move all previous EA customers into the subscription models that have served the rest of the market so well in recent years. While it may feel like a period of uncertainty for customers making the transition, it’s also a chance to reimagine how your business uses key technologies, rethink Microsoft licensing for a cloud-first future and explore the potential of the broader Microsoft technology stack. 

Curtain call for EA’s

The EA was once the steadfast choice for enterprise organisations – a three‐year commitment that provided predictable licensing and security. Yet, as business needs have progressed and agility becomes paramount, these long‐term agreements have stifled innovation. Microsoft has made it clear: the era of the EA is drawing to a close in favour of more dynamic ways of doing business that are flourishing elsewhere.  

Two paths have emerged from this announcement. For most enterprise organisations, however, the partner‐led Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model is the way forward, while the MCA-E model is designed for the very largest enterprises (3000+ users) who want to transact directly with Microsoft. 

Embracing a new licensing landscape

The CSP model is built on flexibility. Unlike the EA which is focused on upfront commitments and costs, plus a pretty rigid contract – CSP allows you to pay-as-you-go, easing budget pressures and aligning your expenditure with actual software and technology usage. This flexible approach is particularly relevant for those looking to migrate on-premises workloads into the cloud, a move that Microsoft is keen to encourage for legacy EA customers. 

What makes CSP even more attractive is the opportunity to obtain robust support from an expert partner. As a partner-led model, it enables authorised providers like Servium and Advania, to continually work closely with you. Rather than leaving you to figure out new-world licensing challenges on your own, we’re here every step of the way – from billing and provisioning to ongoing management. Given Advania’s day one heritage in Microsoft cloud services, we’re perfectly aligned with the cloud-first world that EA customers are now stepping into. 

Opportunities amid change

Moving away from the EA model unlocks several key benefits for enterprises. Not only can you better manage your budget by spreading costs over time, but you can also free up your own resources to reinvest in innovation and growth. The shift to CSP isn’t solely about easing financial pressures – it’s an invitation to tap into the full breadth of Microsoft technologies. Beyond Microsoft 365, there’s vast potential in leveraging Azure and other offerings from Microsoft’s portfolio. With the added advantage of welcomed Microsoft funding programmes and commercial support that we can help to negotiate, the transition can be both cost-effective and transformative. 

Of course, such a shift does present challenges. Leaving behind a long-standing EA means unpicking licensing types, harmonising requirements with new commercial models and understanding the nuances of CSP. It requires expert guidance for sure. But the Servium-Advania focus on the cloud and the services we have developed for customer enablement and exemplary support are poised to help you drive value from the move. 

Life after EA

The truth is the world after EA is actually filled with many new possibilities. Now, you can embrace a future where your IT investments are more closely aligned with your business needs and you pay based on these demands. This is the time to explore innovative solutions, integrate more deeply with Microsoft’s stack, and cultivate a more agile operational environment. 

Quick start to CSP

Transitioning from an EA to CSP might seem complex on the face of it, but our structured approach makes the process much easier: 

1. Initial consultation 

We begin by getting to know your current environment. Through a one-to-one consultation, we assess your existing licensing, identify your on-premises workloads, and pinpoint immediate “wins” as you move to CSP. 

2. Evaluate and model costs 

Next, we carry out a detailed cost evaluation. By comparing your current EA expenses with the projected costs under CSP, we demonstrate before and after financial commitment and discuss potential Microsoft funding programmes. 

3. Plan your transition 

With a clear financial and operational picture in hand, we co-create a tailored migration plan. This blueprint outlines how to transition both your licensing and any systems you wish to move to Azure. 

4. Execute with managed services 

Our managed services then guide you through the actual transition. From the initial planning to the live migration into Azure, we ensure a smooth, efficient process that meets your immediate needs while positioning you for long-term growth. 

5. Engage for long-term innovation 

Our journey doesn’t end once the migration is complete. We continue to support you through ongoing managed services that help your IT team to further harness Microsoft innovation and offload admin tasks. 

What now?

We’re passionate about guiding legacy EA customers through this period of change. With Advania’s deep expertise in Microsoft Cloud and our sustained, collaborative approach, we’re committed to helping you embrace the full benefits of the Microsoft ecosystem. If you’re exploring your options as an EA customer, now is the perfect time to connect with us. Reach out to your Servium Account Manager or get in touch with one of our experts to understand more about how we can help.