5 Things to Know About the Microsoft CSP Program

Does the cloud still feel like uncharted territory to you? If it does, you’re not alone. Many businesses are still wary of this new frontier. After all, losing control of your clients’ systems in an invisible environment isn’t the most comforting thought–if you’re unfamiliar with the benefits.

Fortunately, functioning in the cloud has been made easier with Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program; a resource built to equip technology solution providers (TSPs) with the tools and best practices needed to build reliable revenue streams with a cloud services practice area.

The benefits of the CSP Program widely vary based on your level of involvement, but here are some of the highlights to introduce you to this unique opportunity for cloud-bound TSPs.

1. What is the CSP Program?

You’ve got to keep your business up with the times if you want to maintain your status as a trusted adviser. The CSP program helps you do this and build recurring revenue by combining your existing services with Microsoft cloud products to effectively (and profitably) support and bill your customers.

2. What do you need to do to participate?

You’ll have to provide your clients with one unified invoice for Microsoft Cloud Services, and you’ll also be expected to provide support, in addition to other beneficial services like managed services and project implementation.

3. What are the participation benefits?

It’s no longer a question of if your clients will ask about the cloud–it’s when. But if the growing demand for cloud services isn’t enough to convince you that it’s time to expand your business, then maybe this will:

According to a 2013 IDC Successful Cloud Partners study, spending for public IT cloud services reached $47.4 billion that year, and it’s anticipated to reach over $127 billion by 2018. That same research also proved that cloud-oriented TSPs have 1.5 times higher gross profit percentages, and 1.6 times recurring revenue.

4. Will the selling method change?

The short answer is yes. If you let your customers purchase directly through Microsoft, you’re diverting revenue away from your business. Joining the CSP Program and building a profitable cloud services practice area will require you to change your provisioning, support, and billing processes to accommodate selling cloud service bundles.

5. Is the CSP program incentivized?

Absolutely! Microsoft partners are rewarded in tiers for driving activation and enablement of a resale channel and for the sale of online services.

Now’s the time to establish a profitable cloud services practice area and tap into the benefits of this burgeoning territory–and you don’t have to go it alone!

At ConnectWise, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain your status as a trusted tech adviser. Take advantage of our vast network of industry professionals, superior partner support, and our suite of business management tools, including ConnectWise CloudConsole™.