Answer 8 questions to determine which Microsoft licensing agreement — Enterprise Agreement, MPSA, or CSP — is most cost-effective for your organisation.
3
Agreement Options
8
Questions
3 min
To Complete
Question 1 of 8Microsoft Licensing Advisory
Question 1 of 8
👥
How many users/devices does your organisation need to licence?
EA requires minimum 500 users/devices. Below this threshold, MPSA or CSP may be more appropriate.
500+ users — EA eligible
250-500 users — EA possible with commitment
100-250 users
CSP or MPSA typically more suitable
Under 100 users
Question 2 of 8
☁️
What is your cloud vs on-premises mix?
EA is strongest for mixed environments. CSP is designed for cloud-only. MPSA works for on-premises volume purchasing.
Mostly cloud (M365, Azure)
CSP may be simpler and cheaper
Hybrid — significant cloud and on-premises
EA typically strongest for hybrid
Mostly on-premises with cloud planned
Primarily on-premises, limited cloud
Question 3 of 8
💰
What is your approximate annual Microsoft spend?
Higher spend unlocks better EA discount levels. Lower spend may not justify EA complexity.
$1M+/year — significant EA discount leverage
$500K-$1M/year
$100K-$500K/year
Under $100K/year
CSP or MPSA likely more cost-effective
Question 4 of 8
🔄
How much does your Microsoft licence demand fluctuate?
EA locks in a 3-year commitment. CSP offers monthly flexibility. MPSA sits in between.
Stable — predictable headcount and usage
EA commitment is low risk
Moderate variation — seasonal or project-based
Significant fluctuation — M&A, restructuring
Highly variable — unpredictable demand
Monthly CSP flexibility may be essential
Question 5 of 8
📜
How important is price predictability vs flexibility?
Price lock essential — budget certainty is priority
EA provides 3-year price protection
Price lock preferred but some flexibility needed
Flexibility more important than price lock
Maximum flexibility required — monthly scaling
Question 6 of 8
🤝
Do you have a strong relationship with a Microsoft LAR/reseller?
CSP is managed through a reseller. EA is direct with Microsoft. The quality of your partner affects CSP experience.
Strong LAR relationship — excellent support
Good relationship — adequate support
Limited relationship — basic transactional
No established partner relationship
Question 7 of 8
📦
Do you need Microsoft on-premises server products (Windows Server, SQL Server, BizTalk)?
On-premises server licences with SA are most cost-effective through EA or MPSA. CSP does not offer on-premises perpetual licences.
No — cloud only, no on-premises servers
Minimal — a few legacy servers
Significant — major on-premises server footprint
EA or MPSA required for server licensing
Extensive — large on-premises with SA requirements
Question 8 of 8
📅
When is your current agreement expiring?
Agreement transitions require planning. Switching from EA to CSP (or vice versa) has commercial and technical implications.
More than 12 months away
6-12 months away
3-6 months away
Imminent or expired
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