The way organisations invest in Microsoft technology is evolving—and fast. With the arrival of 3-Year Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) SKUs, Microsoft is making a significant move that reshapes how businesses manage cost, scale transformation, and future-proof their cloud strategies.
But this isn’t just about new SKUs. It’s about a new way to think about Microsoft licensing—and how your strategy can be the difference between good and great.
At Cisilion, we help clients go beyond transactional licensing. Our consultative approach ensures you align your technology choices to your business outcomes—using insights, data, and deep Microsoft knowledge to maximise every investment.
Let’s break down what this change means, why it matters now, and how we help you make it work.
Microsoft’s Modern Mindset: From Software to Strategic Platform
Microsoft today isn’t just about Word, Excel, and Teams. It’s the engine behind secure collaboration, AI productivity, and hybrid working across every major industry. With over 345 million Microsoft 365 commercial users, and rapid Copilot rollout underway, Microsoft’s platform is central to digital strategies across legal, finance, healthcare, government, and beyond.
But as technology accelerates, the licensing model must evolve with it. Traditional Enterprise Agreements (EAs) have served well—but they can be rigid, complex, and misaligned with today’s need for adaptability and ongoing value.
That’s where the new 3-Year CSP SKUs come in.
What’s New: Microsoft 3-Year CSP SKUs at a Glance
Available from June 1, 2025, Microsoft is introducing 3-Year term options in the CSP channel for key products, including:
- Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 (with or without Teams)
- Teams Enterprise
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security and Compliance (from July 1, 2025)
These SKUs provide:
- Price lock for 36 months
- Flexible billing (annual or upfront)
- Ability to mix monthly, annual, and 3-Year terms under the same tenant
It’s the best of both worlds: long-term pricing certainty (like EA) with the flexibility and simplicity CSP is known for.
Why Now: The Bigger Industry Picture
This move isn’t happening in a vacuum. It directly responds to what organisations are telling Microsoft—and partners like us:
- 65% of CIOs rank price stability among their top three concerns in 2025 (Gartner)
- 1 in 3 enterprises are rethinking EA strategy due to underutilised entitlements and evolving AI needs (IDC)
- 70% of organisations plan to rebalance long-term and consumption-based cloud investments by 2026
Put simply: businesses want control, flexibility, and confidence—without compromise. The 3-Year CSP SKU is designed to meet that moment.
Real-World Impact: What This Means for You
Here’s how these new SKUs are already landing across industries:
Financial Services & Insurance (FSI)
In an industry governed by compliance, cost control, and emerging AI regulation, predictability is priceless. With global operations and complex IT estates, FSI firms benefit from locking in Microsoft 365 E5 for risk, compliance, and AI-readiness—while avoiding unexpected licensing costs due to currency shifts or headcount changes.
With 3-Year CSP SKUs, FSI leaders gain:
- Stable licensing for secure collaboration and analytics platforms
- Flexible rollout of Copilot and advanced security under predictable spend
- Optionality to balance long-term commitments with agile frontline needs
Legal
Legal firms face increasing pressure to modernise IT securely while staying compliant and cost-conscious. With many transitioning from EA, the new 3-Year CSP terms enable:
- Predictable cost planning for large-scale M365 deployments
- Flexibility to scale Teams or Copilot access per practice or region
- A streamlined model that simplifies procurement and forecasting
Firms gain greater control over user licensing, with the ability to lock in mission-critical tools—while maintaining agility for project-based roles or regional changes.
Public Sector (Healthcare & Local Government)
Procurement cycles in healthcare and government can be complex. Budgets are fixed, priorities are urgent, and every pound needs to deliver maximum value.
With 3-Year CSP SKUs, public sector organisations can:
- Secure strategic pricing over multiple budget years
- Pay annually rather than upfront—improving cash flow control
- Plan transformation initiatives around predictable licensing costs
Whether rolling out M365 E5 to frontline NHS teams or deploying Teams Enterprise for virtual council services, 3-Year CSP unlocks the financial and operational flexibility these sectors urgently need.
Why Cisilion: Strategy First, Always
Our approach is consultative, not cookie-cutter. We start with your business goals, your challenges, and your industry context. Then we align the right licensing and architecture to deliver real, lasting value.
What You Can Expect:
Wraparound Consultation:
- From EA exit strategy to hybrid licensing environments, we guide you through every option—with clarity and confidence.
Solution Design With Impact:
- We look at how licensing decisions affect your infrastructure, security posture, user experience, and digital roadmap.
Microsoft-Funded Enablement:
- We unlock Microsoft-funded workshops that support secure deployment, Copilot readiness, and operational excellence—at no cost to you.
Real-Time Optimisation:
- Licensing isn’t one-and-done. We monitor, analyse, and optimise usage so you continue getting maximum value throughout your agreement.
In short: we make licensing strategic. So you can focus on outcomes—not overhead.
The Takeaway: More Than Just a New SKU
Microsoft’s 3-Year CSP SKUs are more than a pricing change—they’re a signal. A signal that flexibility, predictability, and scalability are no longer trade-offs. They’re the new standard.
But success lies in how you approach it. The real opportunity isn’t in the SKU itself—it’s in what it enables: smart planning, cost control, and secure, scalable cloud innovation.
Whether you’re moving away from EA, rebalancing your estate, or just exploring your options—Cisilion is here to help you design the right model for your business.