2021 Microsoft CSP programme requirements
From January 2021, new requirements apply to the Microsoft CSP programme for direct bill partners. In order to qualify, they must have:
- An annual sales revenue of $300K
- An active ($15K) customer support plan with Microsoft
In addition, it is recommended that Service Providers provide at least one managed service, custom IP service, or customer solution application and have a customer billing and provisioning platform in place.
Becoming a direct billing partner
If you meet these requirements, you qualify as a Microsoft direct bill partner. If not, you are an indirect reseller and have the obligation to partner with a qualified Microsoft indirect provider. There is one exception: authorised partners under the Qualified Multitenant Hoster (QMTH) programme who provide one managed service can remain direct bill partners without the new requirements.
Smooth, successful transition to indirect reseller
As a qualified indirect Microsoft provider for many years, we offer the Insight Cloud Programme: the infrastructure, support, and services you need to transition smoothly and successfully into a CSP indirect reseller. The Insight Cloud Programme substitutes most of the direct partner benefits under the previous regulations and will help you further grow your cloud business and deliver greater value with less infrastructure and operational overhead.
The Insight Cloud Programme
The Insight Cloud Programme is a proven, comprehensive programme for Service Providers for customer ordering, billing, and license management for Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 cloud services. You can now offer solutions, support, billing and additional services to your customers from one central place. With real-time flexibility to adjust subscriptions and quantity on demand and optimise cloud spend. Always with the latest Microsoft technology plus our expert support when you need it.
Create
Create a customer offer, set the price, and own the billing terms.
Integrate
Integrate your own service offerings with Microsoft cloud services.
Manage
Stay at the centre of the Microsoft cloud customer life-cycle.
The Insight Cloud Management Platform: one portal for all.
At the heart of the Insight Cloud Programme is the Insight Cloud Management Portal (CMP), providing the infrastructure and expertise you need to successfully provision services for your customers in the cloud without complexity. In addition, you can bundle familiar Microsoft products and/or integrate with your own cloud services to differentiate in the market.
The Insight CSP includes:
- Global product catalogue
- White-label storefront for customer self-serve
- Licensing & consumption reports
- Invoices & customer statements
- Ability to manage customer licenses
- Ability to order on behalf of customers
- API data access
- Automated monthly or annual billing
We have familiarised ourselves with Insight’s CMP portal very quickly, thanks to their expert tooling and onboarding support. Microsoft 365 or Azure licenses are up and running within minutes, ready for invoicing. Chris Sauquillo
Managing Partner, Cloudacity
Our commitment to you
In modern IT, traditional licensing models are gradually being replaced by cloud consumption models. As far as Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 are concerned, more and more cloud services are only sold through Microsoft’s CSP programme. Rather than buying directly from Microsoft, Service Providers increasingly choose to partner with a qualified Microsoft CSP provider like us. We are committed to helping you succeed in the cloud.
Ease and efficiency
Direct access to quickly and efficiently buy and manage your customers’ users, licenses and cloud subscriptions from one easy-to-use portal.
Continuity
Resolve issues quickly and accurately and meet your customers’ SLAs with Insight OneCall Support, extended by 24/7/365 Microsoft Premier Support, if needed.
No-worries support
Maximise the potential of the Insight Cloud Programme and remove complexity with the assistance of our international, multi-lingual Customer Success Team.
Business growth
Provide tailored CSP offerings and enable convenient self-service to your customers through a white-label storefront, allowing you to focus on business growth instead of fulfilment.
Ongoing success
Benefit from our additional services, e.g. to optimise licensing, align cloud and data centre offerings, provide a connected workforce, apply IoT, AI, advanced analytics.
Why choose Insight?
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25 years’ Microsoft experience
Vast experience with Microsoft CSP with all the standard Microsoft CSP benefits, plus our extras under the Insight Cloud Programme: people – portal – support.
Insight Customer Success Team
Dedicated, multilingual team across Europe. Full and personal assistance with onboarding and sparring partner to identify, optimise and develop your business journey in the cloud.
Insight Cloud Management Portal
The infrastructure and our years of expertise to work successfully with Microsoft CSP to meet your internal needs and exceed your customers’ demands.
Insight OneCall Support Services
24/7 support for Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, supporting you in solving customer challenges, minimising downtime and optimising business continuity.
Additional Services by Insight
Easy access to proven services and hands-on support to ease your cloud journey, such as Microsoft Migration, Window Virtual Desktop (WVD) Discovery Workshops, Advisory Support.
Solutions for service providers
Give your business an edge over the competition with smart technology solutions that help differentiate, diversify and scale your service offerings.