As organisations continue to evaluate their options for Microsoft licensing, the debate around Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) vs the Cloud Solutions Partner (CSP) programme has never been more relevant.

With Microsoft’s recent announcement of significant EA pricing changes set to take effect in November 2025, businesses are facing a pivotal moment in how they procure and manage their critical software assets. These shifts in pricing structures make it essential for IT leaders to understand the advantages and drawbacks of each licensing route, especially as cost optimisation, flexibility and scalability take centre stage.

We explore the impact of these changes and uncovers why the CSP programme may now be the smarter choice for forward-thinking organisations.

What’s changing in the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement?

For years, the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement has operated on a volume-based pricing structure, rewarding organisations with substantial discounts as their license count increased. This tiered approach made the EA particularly appealing to large enterprises, who were able to leverage their scale for significant cost advantages.

However, Microsoft is now removing these volume-based pricing tiers, introducing a standardised pricing model across all EA levels. The change will be effective from November 2025. This means that regardless of how many licenses an organisation purchases, the previously scalable discounts will no longer apply. Instead, every EA customer will pay the same rate per license, levelling the playing field but fundamentally altering the value proposition for bigger businesses.

This shift is set to have an impact on large organisations that historically relied on their purchasing power to secure more favourable terms. The loss of volume discounts translates into higher costs for those with extensive licensing needs, potentially increasing the total cost of ownership for their Microsoft estate.

Due to the rise of costs, the change may prompt a reassessment of your licensing strategy towards more flexible, cost-effective alternatives.

Securing value for money through the CSP programme

With Microsoft’s recent move to standardise pricing across all EA levels removing the volume-based discounts, the CSP programme is even more valuable for organisations.

The CSP programme is Microsoft’s modern, flexible licensing model that allows organisations to purchase and manage Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365 and Copilot, through a certified partner. Like Infinity Group!

Through CSP, businesses subscribe to Microsoft services on a monthly or annual basis, with the ability to scale licenses up or down as needs change. Rather than dealing directly with Microsoft, you’ll work with a trusted partner who provides licensing management, technical support, strategic guidance and ongoing optimisation

This partner-led model ensures that organisations not only have access to the right tools, but also know how to use them effectively.

Most crucially, CSP offers a level of flexibility and responsiveness that the EA model simply can’t match, especially now that EA pricing is no longer tied to volume.

Key benefits include:

• No minimum seat requirements – perfect for growing or mid-sized businesses
• Monthly billing – improves cash flow and budgeting
• Immediate access to innovation – including Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI
• Partner-led support – Infinity Group helps you drive adoption, optimise usage and unlock real business value

Kieran Zeller, Head of Licensing, sums up what businesses should consider now: “With Microsoft moving away from volume-based discounts in its Enterprise Agreement, organisations should rethink how they buy and manage their Microsoft services. CSP offers a faster route to value, not just in cost, but in outcomes. We would advise any business to focus on adoption, optimisation and innovation, as that’s where the real return lies. CSP gives you the flexibility to evolve, and with the right partner, it becomes a strategic lever for transformation.”

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement vs CSP: key differences

Wondering how EA and CSP stack up against one another? We’ve compiled a handy table to help:

Making the right decision for your business

Microsoft’s shift to standardised EA pricing marks a turning point in how organisations should approach their licensing strategy. With volume-based discounts being phased out, the traditional Enterprise Agreement model offers less financial incentive, especially for mid-sized and growing businesses.

In contrast, the CSP programme delivers greater flexibility, faster access to innovation, and partner-led support that drives real business outcomes. Whether you’re looking to adopt Microsoft Copilot, migrate to Azure or optimise your Microsoft 365 environment, CSP enables you to do so on your terms.

Whether you’re currently on an EA or exploring your options, Infinity Group is here to help you navigate the changes and make informed decisions. Our team of Microsoft experts will work with you to assess your needs, optimise your licensing and unlock the full value of your Microsoft investment.

Get in touch today to discuss how CSP can support your goals and drive better outcomes for your organisation.