Key Takeaway:
- Transitioning from SPLA licenses to Azure licenses may not necessarily hurt profitability if Azure license policies are properly used. Hosting and CSP partners must consider the various licensing models available, including SPLA, 1-year and 3-year commitment CSP Subscription licensing, and Azure PAYG licenses, in order to choose the most cost-effective option for their needs.
- Microsoft has been billing licenses based on core numbers since 2018, which can be complicated for Windows Server. The licensing of the OSE and physical processors per host must also be considered. Prices mentioned are partner net USD prices based on Amsterdam price level.
- Changes to SPLA include the availability of Azure DevOps Server 2022, clarifications regarding BYOL in Product Terms for SQL Server Technology and Failover nodes, and the expansion of hosting rights for Microsoft 365 Apps and Windows 11. End-clients with Windows Server subscriptions or Software Assurance can now license virtual machines based on virtual cores. CSP partners can buy Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on behalf of customers directly in Partner Center and migrate SPLA-licensed VMs to Azure with minimal effort.
Introduction to transitioning from SPLA to CSP
With the increasing use of cloud computing, many service providers are transitioning from SPLA to CSP licenses. In this section, we introduce the transition process and explore the intricacies of understanding Microsoft licensing policies for Azure. Gain valuable insights into the licensing policies, and make the transition process less daunting with our informative sub-sections.
Understanding Microsoft licensing policies for Azure
Microsoft’s Azure is a cloud-based platform that offers scalable and cost-effective computing resources. Licensing options must be known to use Azure.
| Licensing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| SPLA | Hosting providers license |
| CSP Subscription | Partners & resellers tailor solutions |
| PAYG Licenses | Pay as you go |
SPLA licenses are for hosting providers offering customers remote access to their data center infrastructure. CSP Subscriptions let partners & resellers customize services and solutions for clients. Azure PAYG licenses let users pay only for what they use.
Microsoft updated Windows 11 and SQL Server licensing. This allows customers to run software on hosters’ multitenant servers and license virtual machines for Windows Server. To transition from SPLA to CSP, VMs with Windows Server and SQL Server can be migrated to Azure via Partner Center.
Understanding Microsoft licensing policies for Azure can be complex. Consult experts to naviagte these policies.
Comparison of SPLA, CSP Subscription licensing options, and Azure PAYG licenses
As a hosting partner, it is important to consider your licensing options when migrating from SPLA to CSP Subscription or Azure PAYG licenses. In this section, we will be discussing the key differences between these options and how they affect your profitability as a hosting partner, particularly in terms of volume advantage. Let us dive right in and explore the various licensing options available to you.
Volume advantage for hosting partners’ profitability
Hosting partners can increase profits with a “volume advantage”. Microsoft Azure has different licensing options, like CSP subscriptions and PAYG licenses. CSP Subscriptions are competitively priced and include value-added services, such as billing support. To understand the volume advantage, a comparison table of SPLA, CSP Subscriptions and PAYG licenses has been created.
Microsoft has revised and upgraded the CSP program, allowing more use rights to customers on hosters’ multitenant servers. SPLA licensed VMs with Windows Server and SQL Server can be migrated to Azure, with cost-effective licensing options through Partner Center.
It is important to stay informed about the latest advancements in Azure DevOps Server 2022 and BYOL clarified in SPLA Product Terms, in order to maximize the volume advantage for hosting partners’ profitability.
Changes to SPLA with the availability of Azure DevOps Server 2022 and BYOL clarified in Product Terms
Changes to SPLA licensing have occurred – Azure DevOps Server 2022 and BYOL are now available. Those with Software Assurance on Azure DevOps Server 2019 can transition to Azure DevOps Server 2022.
BYOL allows customers to bring their own licenses to Azure and use them on virtual machines.
Microsoft suggests they seek advice from trusted advisors to comprehend the new licensing specs and avert potential risks.
In short, Azure DevOps Server 2022 and BYOL have been clarified in Product Terms. Customers with active Software Assurance on their Azure DevOps Server licenses can move to Azure DevOps Server 2022. BYOL is also allowed.
Be mindful and seek advice from trusted advisors to understand and abide by the latest licensing terms.
On-premise and cloud licensing options with CSP
Software licensing can be intimidating. But, cloud technology has made it easier with lots of licensing alternatives. CSP, or Cloud Solution Provider, is one model, offering both on-premise and cloud-based solutions.
CSP licensing provides a range of models: on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid. Companies can select the best option for them. With CSP, you can mix both on-premise and cloud licensing. This means a bespoke solution tailored to unique business needs.
CSP is also customizable. You can personalize your licensing package for greater control and cost-effectiveness. Gartner’s report on CSP states it’s a top pick due to its flexibility and customizability. It lets companies transition to cloud-based solutions while still controlling their on-premise solutions. With CSP, you can choose the best licensing model for you.
Major revisions and upgrades to outsourcing and hosting terms for CSP program
Microsoft has upgraded their Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program hosting and outsourcing terms. This shows their commitment to providing the best service for partners and customers.
Recent modifications to the CSP program bring it up-to-date with modern cloud computing. The hosting and outsourcing terms are also revised to match industry standards.
These changes were made with consultation from CSP partners. This ensures their needs are considered and the new terms reflect their real-life experiences. The changes are expected to strengthen the relationship between Microsoft and their CSP community.
The revised terms offer advantages to CSP partners. They can customize their offering to meet customer needs. It also makes understanding their responsibilities and obligations easier.
Expanded use rights for customers to run software on hosters’ multitenant servers with Windows 11 and license virtual machines for Windows Server
Customers can now enjoy extended use rights with Windows 11 and Windows Server. This transition from SPLA to CSP gives greater flexibility and accessibility. Customers can now access the same licensed software on multiple devices and virtual machines. The table below shows the use rights:
| Use Rights | Description |
|---|---|
| Software on Shared Servers | Customers can run software on hosters’ shared servers with Windows 11. No separate licenses for each device needed. |
| License Virtual Machines | Licensed virtual machines for Windows Server. Allows access to the same software on multiple virtual machines. |
This shift to CSP brings transparency, predictability, and cost savings. The expanded use rights can lead to improved efficiency and productivity. Accessing multiple devices and virtual machines is now easy and cost-effective.
Migrating SPLA-licensed VMs with Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure and switching to CSP through Partner Center
Migrating SPLA-licensed VMs featuring Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure and transitioning to CSP via Partner Center can be a tricky process. Careful attention is essential for a successful transition.
Start by assessing your IT infrastructure needs. Identify the applications that should move to Azure. Then, find out the product licenses used for each server. Review the CSP program’s licensing options. Make sure you have the right Azure subscriptions.
Follow this 3-step guide:
- Prepare for migration: review pre-migration checklist. Ensure licensing agreements are compliant.
- Perform the migration: create Azure VMs. Transfer data. Make sure SQL Server licensing matches CSP terms.
- Switch to CSP: after VMs migrate, move subscriptions to CSP. Start managing licenses via Partner Center.
Be mindful of the differences between SPLA and CSP licensing models. Ensure your licenses match the model you’re transitioning to. Also, decide which support plan is right for your needs. They differ for SPLA and CSP.
Pro Tip: Have the correct Azure subscriptions before migrating VMs. Avoid any interruption to services.
Cost-effective and predictable licensing options for Windows Server and SQL Server licenses through Partner Center.
Partner Center has cost-effective and predictable licensing options for Windows Server and SQL Server. Switching from SPLA to CSP, which Partner Center offers, has great advantages. CSP has a modern licensing program, flexible billing solutions, and lower costs. In contrast, SPLA has complex licensing, less flexible billing, and higher costs.
Partner Center knows that flexible licensing options are vital for managing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses, while staying compliant and avoiding extra costs. Switching to CSP offers cost savings, flexible billing, and ensures Microsoft licensing requirements.
To sum up, Partner Center’s CSP has cost-effective and predictable licensing options for Windows Server and SQL Server. Get a better licensing solution, switch to CSP now!
Five Facts About Making the Transition from SPLA to CSP:
- ✅ Many Hosting and CSP partners are concerned about losing margin during a transition to Azure due to parting with SPLA licenses. (Source: The Cloud Lab)
- ✅ However, a transition to Azure does not necessarily hurt profitability if Azure license policies are properly used. (Source: The Cloud Lab)
- ✅ Microsoft has been billing licenses based on core numbers since 2018, which can be complicated for Windows Server. (Source: The Cloud Lab)
- ✅ CSP Subscription licensing 1-year commitment, CSP Subscription licensing 3-year commitment, and Azure PAYG licenses are compared with SPLA license model. (Source: The Cloud Lab)
- ✅ CSP Partners can sell subscriptions to customers but cannot deploy them on shared hardware used for providing hosted services for end customers. (Source: Microsoft Partner Community)
FAQs about Making The Transition From Spla To Csp
What is the difference between SPLA and CSP licensing?
SPLA (Service Provider License Agreement) is a licensing program for service providers, while CSP (Cloud Solutions Provider) is a licensing program developed purely for Microsoft cloud technologies. CSP has recently been updated to include on-premise licensing rights for Windows Server & SQL Server. Microsoft is expanding the CSP platform, which may become the main vehicle for licensing their technologies.
What are the benefits of using CSP instead of SPLA?
The benefits of using CSP instead of SPLA include expanded use rights that allow customers to run their software, including Windows 11, on hosters’ multitenant servers and more easily license virtual machines for Windows Server. CSP partners can buy Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on behalf of their customers directly in Partner Center, and new functionality in Partner Center allows partners to migrate SPLA-licensed VMs with Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure and switch to CSP with minimal effort.
What are CSP software subscriptions licensed by end customers for?
CSP software subscriptions can be licensed by end customers for use on their own dedicated servers or in Azure. However, customers can only use licenses on dedicated servers in a partner-hosted datacenter if the hosting partner is an eligible “authorized outsourcer.” There are no plans to make Datacenter edition available as a CSP software subscription.
What are the different license models compared in the reference data?
The different license models compared in the reference data include SPLA, CSP Subscription licensing 1-year commitment, CSP Subscription licensing 3-year commitment, and Azure PAYG licenses. Prices mentioned are partner net USD prices based on Amsterdam price level.
What benefits do the revisions and upgrades to outsourcing and hosting terms aim to achieve?
The revisions and upgrades to outsourcing and hosting terms aim to benefit partners and customers globally and enable new scenarios for how they can license and run workloads with infrastructure outsourcers. The changes make it easier for customers to bring their software to the partner’s cloud, ensure partners have access to the products necessary to sell cost-effective solutions that customers want, and empower partners to build hosted solutions with speed and scale. Expanded use rights allow customers to run their software, including Windows 11, on hosters’ multitenant servers and more easily license virtual machines for Windows Server.
How can customers move their VMs to Azure?
Customers can move their VMs to Azure by buying Windows Server and SQL Server licenses for 1 year or 3 years through Partner Center or by using Azure Marketplace images with pay-as-you-go licenses. The option with software subscription upfront purchase is more cost-efficient and provides more predictability than per-hour billing. New functionality in Partner Center allows partners to migrate SPLA-licensed VMs with Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure and switch to CSP with minimal effort.