For years, the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement operated on a volume-based pricing structure, rewarding organisations with substantial discounts as their licence count increased. This tiered approach made the EA particularly appealing to large enterprises, who were able to leverage their scale for significant cost advantages.

However, Microsoft has now removed these volume-based pricing tiers, introducing a standardised, single-level pricing model across all EA levels. Regardless of how many licences an organisation purchases, the previously scalable discounts (Levels B-D) no longer apply. Every EA customer pays the same rate per licence, levelling the playing field but fundamentally altering the value proposition for bigger businesses.

This shift impacts large organisations that historically relied on their purchasing power to secure more favourable terms. The loss of volume discounts translates into higher costs for those with extensive licensing needs, potentially increasing the total cost of ownership for their Microsoft estate.

With costs rising, many organisations are reassessing their licensing strategy and considering more flexible, cost-effective alternatives – such as CSP or the new MCA‑E (Microsoft Customer Agreement for Enterprise) for certain scenarios.

The CSP programme is Microsoft’s modern, flexible licensing model that allows organisations to purchase and manage Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365 and Copilot, through a certified partner – like Infinity Group!

Through CSP, businesses subscribe to Microsoft services on a monthly or annual basis, with the ability to scale licences up or down as needs change. Rather than dealing directly with Microsoft, you’ll work with a trusted partner who provides licensing management, technical support, strategic guidance and ongoing optimisation.

This partner-led model ensures that organisations not only have access to the right tools, but also know how to use them effectively.

Most crucially, CSP offers a level of flexibility and responsiveness that the EA model simply can’t match, especially now that EA pricing is no longer tied to volume.

Key benefits include:

• No minimum seat requirements – perfect for growing or mid-sized businesses
• Monthly billing – improves cash flow and budgeting
• Immediate access to innovation – including Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI
• Partner-led support – Infinity Group helps you drive adoption, optimise usage and unlock real business value
• 3-year terms now available—matching EA’s long-term stability
• Price parity with EA for most workloads

Kieran Zeller, Head of Licensing, sums up what businesses should consider now: “With Microsoft moving away from volume-based discounts in its Enterprise Agreement, organisations should rethink how they buy and manage their Microsoft services. CSP offers a faster route to value, not just in cost, but in outcomes. We would advise any business to focus on adoption, optimisation and innovation, as that’s where the real return lies. CSP gives you the flexibility to evolve, and with the right partner, it becomes a strategic lever for transformation.”

In contrast, the CSP programme delivers greater flexibility, faster access to innovation, and partner-led support that drives real business outcomes. Whether you’re looking to adopt Microsoft Copilot, migrate to Azure or optimise your Microsoft 365 environment, CSP enables you to do so on your terms.

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Whether you’re currently on an EA or exploring your options, Infinity Group is here to help you navigate the changes and make informed decisions. Our team of Microsoft experts will work with you to assess your needs, optimise your licensing and unlock the full value of your Microsoft investment.