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Microsoft Is Changing the Rules. XTIUM Helps You Stay Ahead.

 

Microsoft is eliminating direct EA discounts — but with XTIUM, you can retain pricing advantages and gain a partner who supports you.

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Why This Matters Now

The Microsoft EA/CSP program is shifting. Organizations that once bought directly from Microsoft — and received pricing concessions for doing so — may now lose those discounts unless they move to an authorized partner.

And for many teams, dealing directly with Microsoft hasn’t been easy: Long support queues, Limited visibility, Reactive escalation processes, No personalized guidance.

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What's Changing and Why

What You Get with XTIUM

EA vs. CSP

What you keep, gain & lose

Financial Impact

FAQs

This is your moment to choose a CSP and gain both, savings and support.

Everything you need to know:

Topic Key Point
Effective Date November 1, 2025
Impact Timeline This change impacts you at renewal or when you add new Online Services starting Nov 1
Financial Impact 7-21% increase (if purchased from Microsoft directly) depending on current pricing level
Who's Affected Commercial EA, MPSA, OSPA customers globally (except Gov/Edu)
EA Eligibility Organizations under 2,400 seats are being directed away from EA to CSP or MCA-E
On-Premises NOT affected - volume discounts remain for perpetual licenses
Why Choose a CSP You get competitive pricing with EA. XITUM also offers flexibility, support, expertise and additional services
Critical Deadline Your renewal date – find a CSP for better pricing and services

XTIUM: Your New Microsoft Home

As a Tier 1 Direct Microsoft CSP Partner, XTIUM provides what most organizations have never experienced with Microsoft:
Real humans. Real guidance. Real accountability.

Full administrative control through XTIUM’s direct CSP portal
Fast provisioning and seat management in real time
Consolidated billing and usage reporting
Reduce unnecessary licensing spend before renewal
Centralized updates and identity/security integration
Access to Microsoft support escalations via the Tier 1 channel
Licensing optimization assessments
Bundle licensing with managed services for comprehensive value
Option to add services such as Copilot, Security, Enterprise Service Desk

Transitioning Is Easy

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Fill out form

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Quick licensing review with you

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Start Migrating your EA account behind the scenes

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Keep your Microsoft services — with better support

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Expand services

(if needed)
Gain a partner who’s invested in your success. “Same Microsoft. Better experience.”

 What Changes When You Move to XTIUM 

KEEP:

  • Your Microsoft products
  • Your licensing options
  • Enterprise-grade security
  • Familiar tools and workflows

GAIN:

  • Retained discounts depending on license mix
  • Direct access to XTIUM’s Microsoft engineers
  • One accountable partner
  • Faster support & escalation
  • Guidance for AI, Copilot, Teams, and M365 roadmap 

LOSE:

  • Slow support queues
  • Unclear billing
  • “You’re just a ticket number” experiences

Why Mid-Market Organizations Are Moving Now

Predictable licensing + clear billing

Your IT and finance teams see usage, billing, and provisioning in one place.

Faster, more personalized support

Our Microsoft specialists respond, guide, and escalate — quickly.

Strategic AI & M365 roadmap support

We don’t just “sell licenses.” We help you modernize your workforce.

Comparison At a Glance: EA vs. CSP

Factor Enterprise Agreement CSP (via XTIUM)
Starting Price Level A (List Price) Level A (List Price)
Volume Discount Eliminated for Online Services Partner-negotiated discounts available 
Term Length 3-year commitment Monthly or annual
Minimum Seats ~2,400+ (new threshold) No minimum
License Flexibility Annual true-ups only Monthly adjustments
Support Model Direct with Microsoft XTIUM mannaged services
Negotiation Leverage Requires large commitments Partner advocates for you

Financial Impact Analysis

The financial impact varies significantly based on the customer's current pricing level.
Example: A Level D customer with a $30 million annual EA spend on Online Services could face an additional $3.85 million to $6.3 million per year - that's $11.5 million to $18.9 million over a three-year EA term for the same products and quantities.

Estimated Cost Increase by Level & Organization Size

Organization Size Likely Current Level Approximate Increase  $30M Annual EA  3 Year Impact
< 500 seats N/A (Below Threshold
500 - 2,399 seats Level A 0% Minimal direct impact, may lose EA eligibility Minimal direct impact, may lose EA eligibility
2,400 - 5,999 seats Level B +7% +$2.1M/year +$6.3M
6,000 - 14,999 seats Level C +15% +$4.2M/year +$12.6M
15,000+ seats Level D +12.83% to +21% +$3.85M - $6.3M/year +$11.5M - $18.9M

FAQs

No. Licensing, tools, admin controls — all remain identical.

In many cases, yes. Microsoft’s new structure pushes discount availability to partners. XTIUM will walk you through available pricing models. XTIUM offers additional managed services, which if bundled with this could result in additional discounts

Typically 1–3 business days with no downtime.

Put some clear and concise content in here. Keep your reader in mind. What are they trying to do? What are they hoping to learn? Why are they reading this? Help them out and use the tone and voice of your organization.

Yes — with added visibility and support via XTIUM’s CSP portal.

No — you gain faster escalation through XTIUM’s Tier 1 access.

No tenant rebuild, no service disruption.

All covered under XTIUM’s CSP offering.

No — monthly billing and flexible terms are available.

XTIUM can be your Microsoft licensing partner while your MSP continues handling IT.

Yes — AI strategy, security, DaaS, SD-WAN/MNS, MDR, and more.

RESOURCES

Download our quick guides for answers to all of your Microsoft questions.

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