What to Expect (and What to Demand) When You Switch to a New CSP

If you’re thinking about switching your Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), you’re probably not doing it because everything’s going perfectly.

Maybe you inherited them during a merger or role change—and you’re not even sure who your contact is.

Whatever the reason, I talk to customers every day who are in exactly that spot. They’re ready for a new CSP because their current partner isn't adding value. Or worse, they’re about to leave their Enterprise Agreement (EA) and don’t want to repeat the same cycle—this time with less control.

The good news? You have options.

The better news? Switching CSPs doesn’t have to be disruptive—if it’s done right.

Read The Ultimate Guide: What is Microsoft CSP?

What a Bad CSP Relationship Looks Like

Here’s what I hear from customers coming to us from another CSP:

• “We were told they’d help us optimize, but they just sent us quotes.”
• “We don’t even know what SKUs we’re using—or what we’re paying for.”
• “We still have third-party tools that our Microsoft licensing could replace, but no one told us."
• “When we have questions, they route us through a portal or get back to us days later—if at all.”

That’s not how licensing should work. A good CSP doesn’t just manage transactions. They help you manage your environment.

What Should Actually Happen When You Transition to a New CSP

At Synergy Technical, we treat a CSP transition as a chance to reset—not just the billing, but the entire approach.

Here’s what we do with every new customer:

1. Review what you’re currently licensed for
   • We check for duplication, unused SKUs, and gaps that need attention.
2. Map what you’re using to what you’re paying for
   • If you’ve got shelfware, we’ll identify it. If you’re under-licensed, we’ll flag it.
3. Explain what’s included in your licensing—and what isn’t
   • We’re on the front lines answering, “Do we already have this in Microsoft?” every day. (And often, you do.)
4. Loop in the right experts—fast
   • Whether it’s security (Terry), support and delivery (Clay), or licensing strategy (Lucy or Don), you’re not waiting for a callback. You’re getting answers.
5. Act like a real partner—not a billing system
   • We’re here to support you long-term, not just at renewal time.

For Customers Leaving the EA Model

If you’re coming out of an Enterprise Agreement, switching to CSP can feel like losing a safety net. But here’s the truth: most of the support you thought you were getting in your EA wasn’t proactive anyway.

What you need now is a CSP that:

• Gives you clear visibility into what you own
• Helps you take advantage of the built-in value in your Microsoft stack
• Responds with urgency, not excuses
• Makes licensing something you feel confident in—not something you dread

A Final Thought

If your CSP just sends you invoices, you’re not getting what you’re paying for.

If your EA is ending, you don’t have to settle for less—you can expect more.

Switching to the right CSP partner should feel like upgrading your entire Microsoft relationship. That’s what we aim to deliver every day.

And if you’re ready to make that move, we’re ready to show you exactly what it should look like.

By John Opgenorth, Account Manager, Synergy Technical

Ready to transform your licensing strategy? Contact us today to schedule a consultation, learn more about the Microsoft CSP licensing benefits, or start optimizing your Microsoft cloud services with a trusted partner by your side. Let’s modernize your cloud journey together!