Microsoft CSP vs direct licensing: what actually changes for customers
Choosing between CSP and direct licensing isn’t about “better” or “worse”. It’s about control and operational preference.
What CSP actually is
CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) is a reseller-led model for purchasing and managing Microsoft licences.
You still use the same products. What changes is how they’re bought and managed.
Key differences that matter
Billing
CSP: consolidated, often monthly, more flexible
Direct: rigid terms, annual or multi-year commitments
Flexibility
CSP: easier to scale up or down (within limits)
Direct: better for long-term, stable environments
Support
CSP: reseller often handles first-line commercial support
Direct: vendor-led, more formal escalation paths
Procurement overhead
CSP: lighter, faster
Direct: heavier contracts, more internal review
When CSP makes sense
CSP fits when:
Headcount fluctuates
You want predictable monthly spend
Procurement bandwidth is limited
You value external licensing oversight
When direct licensing makes sense
Direct works when:
You have stable, long-term usage
You want direct vendor leverage
You’re comfortable managing renewals internally
The mistake to avoid
Treating CSP as “just cheaper Microsoft”.
It’s a commercial and operational choice, not a discount vehicle.
Written by AmperStack, a procurement-led software licensing reseller focused on reducing cost, risk, and friction in enterprise SaaS buying.
