What Microsoft’s new CSP requirements mean for your business

Microsoft’s updated Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program requirements, taking effect in October 2025, will redefine who qualifies to operate as a Direct Bill partner. For many in the channel, this raises one critical question: what’s next?

The truth is most partners will need to re-evaluate their current model. At SoftwareOne (formerly Crayon), we’ve already helped hundreds make that transition – including Cegid, a global provider of cloud business solutions.

What’s changing in the CSP program

Starting October 1, 2025, the bar to remain a Direct Bill partner will be significantly higher.

Microsoft’s updated requirements include:

• A minimum of $1 million USD in annual CSP billed revenue
• 12 months of experience as an indirect reseller before applying for Direct Bill
• At least one active Microsoft Solutions Partner designation
• Operational and billing capability validation via automated testing
• Full compliance with Microsoft’s Partner Center security protocols
• An active ASfP or PSfP support plan.

These changes are about building a more capable, compliant, and cloud-ready partner ecosystem. But for many partners – especially those below the revenue or resource thresholds – it means adapting, fast.

Why Cegid made the switch – and how SoftwareOne helped

Cegid, a leader in business management software, serves thousands of customers across finance, retail, and HR. When the CSP program changes were announced, its leadership team acted quickly.

It saw the opportunity to simplify operations, remain aligned with Microsoft’s direction, and avoid future risk. Cegid partnered with SoftwareOne to manage the transition from Direct Bill to indirect reseller, without impacting service quality or customer confidence.

Here’s what that looked like:

• Tenant and subscription migrations completed securely and on time
• Cegid’s brand kept front and center with white-labeled support
• Billing and provisioning automated through SoftwareOne Cloud-iQ
• Onboarding tailored to their business model and customer commitments
• Microsoft compliance ensured – without disruption to customers.

The result? A future-proof CSP strategy, built for growth.

Our approach to CSP transitions

We’ve helped hundreds of partners navigate this situation. Our transition model is based on repeatable processes, personalized onboarding, and a long-term view of partner success.

Here’s what partners can expect:

• Structured tenant and subscription transition
• White-label delivery that keeps your brand in the spotlight
• Onboarding designed to accelerate time-to-value
• Access to SoftwareOne Premium Support, we resolve most issues in-house and facilitate faster escalation with Microsoft as needed, all at a lower cost than the Microsoft Support package.
• Automation and control via SoftwareOne Cloud-iQ (or integrated APIs)
• A partner success team focused on business outcomes – not just compliance.

Whether you're considering moving to indirect or just need clarity, we’re here to help.