Digital transformation has been at the spearhead of change in the workplace, especially relevant in the work from home ‘new normal’. Many organisations have stepped up to meet this unprecedented challenge; but some have not yet signed up to future proofing and protecting their business.
Eight in ten organisations fast-tracked their digital transformation programmes in 2020, according to Dell’s Digital Transformation Index 2020. In addition, 89% said the pandemic highlighted the need for a more agile and scalable IT environment.
On a similar note, direct digital transformation investment is expected to approach USD 7.1 trillion by 2023 according to IDC, and an organisation’s ability to ensure it is working with the best in class software and protocols can spell the difference between winning and losing in today’s increasingly competitive world.
To meet these demands – and help businesses transform and save on IT spending, as an Azure Expert MSP, Intwo has the unique capability to help businesses achieve more with cloud technology and support them to migrate from a traditional Microsoft Azure EA (Enterprise Agreement) model to the CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) model. This allows customers to benefit from a more cost-efficient model to purchase Azure resources and one that doesn’t require a multi-year pre-commitment.
That might sound too good to be true, but the fact is Microsoft has developed CSP – by creating a consistent and simplified purchase experience with greater flexibility in how and where they buy.
Intwo can move an EA Azure subscription to CSP without any service disruption and without any modifications to your current Azure estate.
Two of the most important benefits are firstly the fact there are no technical changes from EA to CSP required and no downtime. Secondly, you can also receive best in class support and Managed Services from an Azure Expert MSP tailored to your business need for a more agile and scalable IT environment.
However, in addition to this, with CSP you can easily up- and downscale your licenses, there’s no mandatory contract period, you can get access to MS Premier Support via Intwo in addition to receiving a competitive wholesale discount.
CSP is more than just a billing model. In addition, your CSP partner – and in our case also being Azure Expert MSP – will provide you with the ability to utilize the full potential of Azure and speed up innovation.
But what tactually distinguishes CSP from EA? There are two main distinctions: 1) Billing and contracts 2) Supporting your business.
Enterprise Agreements demand a three-year Azure consumption commitment. With the pace of innovation in the field of IT, it’s difficult to plan for the years to come.
As EA requires an upfront commitment, it’s up to you to use the credits you purchased before the end of your contract. It’s similar to a mobile phone contract that you’ll lose unused credits – although in this case you have three years before that happens. In terms of scaling resources (after a few months you might implement automatic scaling to save costs) there will never be a financial win as you already paid for the usage up front.
However, the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider programme gives you the ability to purchase and manage cloud services in a flexible manner. Intwo allows you to scale up and down your cloud services which instantly impacts finances as you only pay for what you use.
Purchasing Azure through a CSP partner, such as Intwo, will allow customers to receive a single invoice for Azure usage – in addition to the partner’s professional services.
Enterprise Agreements include limited technical support from Microsoft or the Enterprise Agreement reseller. Optionally, you can purchase a premier support contract from Microsoft. Instead of proactive support on your environment you may send requests or log a support ticket based on the challenges you are facing. One of the great upsides is that your Managed Services partner will have in-depth knowledge of your environment and can share experiences across customers.
Whether you want to focus on your core business, want to outsource your Azure estate, feel your business model will benefit from professionally managed Azure infrastructure, your MSP will help you support and further enhance your business.
It takes just five steps to move from EA to CSP. The Direct EA to CSP transition is a seamless process without any service disruption:
You’ll find more detailed information here.
At Intwo, we help organizations transform, modernize and accelerate on Azure. We are proud that we are one of the few organizations that achieved the Azure Expert MSP status.
Microsoft has certified partners as an Azure Expert MSP to distinguish partners who offer best in class managed services on Azure. In combination with our Microsoft CSP Direct services we offer our customers a packed solution from a single provider that is tailored to their business needs.
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