CSP vs Volume Licensing — what is the difference?

Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) is the modern Microsoft channel where a partner manages your subscription. Billing is monthly or annual, seats can scale up and down each month, and the partner handles support tickets. Best for cloud-first workloads (Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure) where flexibility matters.

Volume Licensing (Open Value, MPSA, Enterprise Agreement) is the traditional channel for perpetual on-premises licenses — Windows Server, SQL Server, Office LTSC. Three-year commitments are typical, with optional Software Assurance for upgrade rights. Best for perpetual server licensing where you want to own the asset.

Most organizations use both: CSP for the cloud subscriptions and Volume Licensing for the on-prem perpetual licenses.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.