Moving from EA to CSP: What Small Businesses Need to Know

by TechNet UC

For small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Microsoft has been a long-standing partner in driving productivity, collaboration, and digital transformation, but a big change is coming that is transforming how SMBs license their software. Recently, Microsoft announced that the minimum size organizations that Enterprise Agreements (EAs) are provided to will move to workforces 2,400 and up (originally 500). The transition begins November 1, 2025, and means SMBs who previously relied on EAs with Microsoft suddenly must rely on Cloud Solutions Providers (CSPs) for their licensing needs. 

While this may seem like stressful news for businesses who’ve utilized EAs, the technology landscape is changing quickly and the Cloud Solution Provider program is becoming the go-to model for SMBs looking for more flexibility and savings that could meet or exceed Enterprise Agreements. In short, this change could lead to better results for your team and less spend of your tech budget long-term.

If you’re a business owner trying to understand what this shift truly means, you’re not alone. This guide will help you navigate the transition from EA to CSP, cover what benefits it offers, and how a trusted Microsoft solutions partner can make the process as easy as clicking a button.

Understanding Enterprise Agreements

An Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a volume licensing program from Microsoft designed primarily for large organizations with 2,400 or more users or devices. Under an EA, businesses can license Microsoft software at scale, often with multi-year contracts and discounts based on volume.

While EAs can offer predictable pricing and access to a wide range of Microsoft products, they come with challenges for SMBs:

Complexity: EAs are structured for large organizations. Negotiating and managing these agreements often requires dedicated IT and procurement resources.

Limited Flexibility: EAs are multi-year agreements, meaning you’re locked into specific terms and products for the duration of the contract. Scaling licenses up or down mid-term can be cumbersome.

Upfront Commitment: Often, EAs require an upfront or annual financial commitment that may not be feasible for smaller businesses with fluctuating needs.

These limitations have prompted many SMBs to explore alternatives, especially as cloud services continue to grow in importance.

Enter the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program

The Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program is Microsoft’s cloud-first licensing model designed to provide businesses with flexibility, scalability, and direct support through a partner. Unlike EAs, CSP agreements are month-to-month, allowing SMBs to scale licenses as needed without long-term financial commitments.

Some key benefits of CSP include:

Flexibility: Add or remove licenses on a monthly basis. This is ideal for growing businesses or those with seasonal fluctuations.

Simplicity: CSP consolidates billing and support through a single partner, reducing administrative burden.

Direct Support: Your CSP partner acts as an extension of your IT team, providing expert guidance, troubleshooting, and proactive solutions.

Access to Microsoft Cloud Solutions: Beyond traditional software like Office 365, CSP partners can provide access to Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and other cloud-based solutions tailored to your business needs.

In short, CSP gives SMBs the benefits of enterprise-grade Microsoft solutions without the constraints and complexity of an EA.

How the EA to CSP Transition Works

Switching from EA to CSP may seem daunting, but the process can be straightforward when guided by an experienced partner, who ensures that your transition is smooth, your licenses are optimized, and your team experiences little to no downtime. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Assessment

Your CSP partner will review your current EA licenses, usage patterns, and business needs to determine the optimal transition strategy.

Step 2: Planning

Together, you’ll map out the migration timeline, identify any potential challenges, and select the right CSP licenses for your business.

Step 3: Migration

Licenses are transferred from EA to CSP. The process can often be done with minimal disruption to end users and includes specialized training sessions, so your team can hit the ground running.

Step 4: Optimization

Once migrated, your CSP partner continues to monitor usage, manage licenses, and recommend adjustments as your business evolves.

Why Partnering with a Top Microsoft Solutions Provider Matters

While CSP offers incredible flexibility, navigating the licensing, migration, and optimization process can be complex. That’s where an industry-leading expert team like TechNet UC comes in.

Our mission is to help businesses maximize the value of their Microsoft Solutions by delivering innovative, customized IT strategies. We combine deep technical expertise with a human approach, ensuring that SMBs gain the licenses they need along with a strategic technology partner that’s available to answer questions at any time.

Here’s how we set ourselves apart:

1. Human Connection

In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy to feel lost in automated systems and faceless support tickets. At TechNet UC, we prioritize personal connection. We don’t just provide IT solutions; we become an extension of your team. Our software engineers are based in the U.S. and our responsiveness, compassion, and stress-free approach ensure your business gets the support it needs when it matters most.

2. Adaptability

No two businesses are the same, and neither are their technology needs. Our team customizes solutions to fit your unique goals and evolves with your business as it grows. From scaling licenses to implementing new Microsoft cloud solutions, we make sure your IT infrastructure is always aligned with your objectives.

3. Challenging the Status Quo

We encourage businesses to think beyond traditional IT solutions. At TechNet UC, we innovate and create bridges between Microsoft products and efficient, sustainable deployment. With our guidance, you can leverage technology to transform operations, boost productivity, and achieve better outcomes—all without added cost.

By working with TechNet UC as your CSP partner, your business benefits from both cutting-edge Microsoft solutions and personalized support that keeps your operations running smoothly day and night.

Let’s Take the First Step To Sustainable Tech Growth

Transitioning from EA to CSP is truly a strategic opportunity to modernize your IT, reduce complexity, and unlock new growth potential. By working with a dedicated CSP partner like TechNet UC, SMBs can make this move with confidence, knowing they have expert guidance every step of the way.

If your business is still under an EA or considering a move to Microsoft cloud solutions, now is the perfect time to evaluate the benefits of CSP. The flexibility, cost-efficiency, and support you gain can make a tangible difference in how your business operates and grows.

The best part? TechNet UC is here to ensure your transition is smooth, your licenses are optimized, and your IT strategy aligns with your business goals. With our focus on human connection, adaptability, and one-on-one training close to home, we make sure your technology works overtime for you, not the other way around.

Book your consultation to speak with our certified Microsoft specialists and get started on your CSP journey today.