{"id":71114,"date":"2025-11-27T09:03:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T08:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/?p=71114"},"modified":"2026-01-27T10:00:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T09:00:53","slug":"what-is-a-microsoft-lsp-and-why-do-i-need-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/what-is-a-microsoft-lsp-and-why-do-i-need-them\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Microsoft LSP and Why Do I Need Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When navigating Microsoft licensing and cloud services, organizations often underestimate the <strong>role<\/strong> and <strong>value<\/strong> of a certified <strong>Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP)<\/strong>. <strong>LSPs<\/strong> are <em>authorized experts<\/em> who help customers <strong>purchase, optimize, and manage complex Microsoft agreements<\/strong> accurately.<\/p>\n<p>Below is <strong>what<\/strong> an LSP truly is, what it <strong>does,<\/strong> and why working with a qualified LSP provides <strong>advantages<\/strong> that no \u201cindependent licensing advisor\u201d can match.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-71115 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP-800x480.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP-800x480.png 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP-500x300.png 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP-150x90.png 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-27-Website-Microsoft-LSP.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Introduction to Microsoft LSP: Who Are the LSPs?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Licensing Solution Providers (LSP)<\/strong> are organizations <strong>certified by Microsoft<\/strong> to <strong>support customers with licensing, agreements, and cloud subscriptions<\/strong>. Only Licensing Solution Providers (LSPs) can <strong>manage and sell via Volume Licensing programs<\/strong>, such as Enterprise Agreement (EA) and Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA). There are only about <strong>100 LSPs worldwide<\/strong>, and <strong>no new ones will be onboarded<\/strong>.<br \/>\nLSP must <strong>uphold intense requirements<\/strong>, as Microsoft regularly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>audits compliance<\/li>\n<li>tests licensing knowledge<\/li>\n<li>checks for thresholds<\/li>\n<li>validates processes and systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Only partners meeting these strict criteria <strong>gain access to<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>official Microsoft price lists<\/li>\n<li>program and offer guides<\/li>\n<li>Enterprise Agreement (EA)\/Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)\/Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE)\/Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) enrollment and change tools<\/li>\n<li>partner-only roadmap changes<\/li>\n<li>licensing escalation channels<\/li>\n<li>Microsoft personnel for correspondence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<h2><strong>Do I need an LSP?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>If your organizations meets one of the following, you should contact a LSP:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Companies with or intending a Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement (<strong>EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<li>Organizations with <strong>&gt;250 employees<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Businesses preparing for <strong>renewal or cost optimization<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Regulated<\/strong> or <strong>audited<\/strong> industries<\/li>\n<li><strong>Multi\u2011country<\/strong> or <strong>complex<\/strong> license environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Why do I need an LSP?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Direct Microsoft Enterprise Agreements are signed between Microsoft and the customer with a Software Advisor<\/strong> authorized as <strong>Microsoft Licensing Solution Partner (LSP)<\/strong>. A Licensing Solution Partner (LSP) is a Microsoft Partner who is named as the <strong>Partner of record<\/strong> in Microsoft Enterprise agreements consisting of Enterprise Agreement (EA) enrollments, Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) enrollments, or Server and Cloud Enrollments (SCE). This Microsoft Licensing Solution Partner (LSP) acts as a <strong>Software Advisor<\/strong>, <strong>consults your organization concerning Microsoft licensing and negotiates with Microsoft to get you the best offer for your EA.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-56237 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071.jpg\" alt=\"woman consulting a man, holding a laptop\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8071-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Roles of an LSP?<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Your \u201cgo\u2011to\u201d contact for new Microsoft agreements<\/h3>\n<p>LSPs guide you through Volume Licensing, which is the umbrella term for Microsoft licensing programs such as EA, EAS, MPSA and SCE.<br \/>\nThe LSP&#8217;s role includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>interpreting complex licensing rules<\/li>\n<li>comparing licensing options across licenses and licensing programs<\/li>\n<li>preparing simulations<\/li>\n<li>ensuring correct program enrollment<\/li>\n<li>helping you avoid compliance pitfalls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. Adjusting agreement details<\/h3>\n<p>LSPs can process:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>user count adjustments<\/li>\n<li>licensing changes<\/li>\n<li>pricing updates<\/li>\n<li>program transitions (EA vs. CSP comparison, leading to a merge or transition or no change, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>license reductions and true-ups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These changes require access to Microsoft systems &#8211; something so-called independent advisors do not have.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Ordering Microsoft licensing and cloud services<\/h3>\n<p>Before placing orders, an LSP validates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>user counts<\/li>\n<li>entitlement needs<\/li>\n<li>correct SKUs<\/li>\n<li>long-term cost impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Orders must follow Microsoft program rules to avoid costly errors.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Ensuring invoice accuracy and license compliance<\/h3>\n<p>A qualified LSP helps you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>understand entitlements and consumption<\/li>\n<li>avoid over-licensing<\/li>\n<li>prevent surprise cost increases<\/li>\n<li>anticipate upcoming licensing or program changes<\/li>\n<li>get the best contract conditions and save costs long-term<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-56149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9533-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Do LSPs have inside information? Yes \u2014 and it benefits you.<\/h2>\n<p><strong>LSPs receive<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>partner-only program updates<\/li>\n<li>licensing roadmap information<\/li>\n<li>retirement and pricing change notifications<\/li>\n<li>technical and contractual briefings<\/li>\n<li>info from Microsoft personnel<\/li>\n<li>early access to licensing and program adjustments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is structured, Microsoft-controlled data provided to ensure customers receive correct and timely guidance. Only Microsoft Partners can access these.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A good LSP translates these changes<\/strong> into <strong>actionable planning and recommendations for customers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Why Today\u2019s LSP Model Aligns More With Customer Interests<\/h2>\n<p>In October of 2024, Microsoft significantly reduced financial incentives for LSPs, effectively paying the LSP little to no money for the management of volume licensing contracts.<\/p>\n<p>This change has reshaped the partner landscape:<br \/>\nMany <strong>LSPs<\/strong> now <strong>charge service fees directly to customers<\/strong> to cover the work involved in licensing support, negotiation, optimization, documentation, and lifecycle administration. Instead of being paid by Microsoft for selling more licenses, LSPs increasingly rely on <strong>customer-paid services<\/strong>. This has created an important shift:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The financial relationship is <strong>now between the LSP and the customer<\/strong>, not between the LSP and Microsoft.<\/li>\n<li>Because customers pay for licensing expertise, LSPs are incentivized to <strong>optimize<\/strong>, not sell.<\/li>\n<li>Customers gain clearer expectations, transparent deliverables, and measurable outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In practice, this means that a modern LSP has a much stronger alignment with customer interests than the old commission-based model. Today\u2019s LSPs must demonstrate real value through expertise, accuracy, scenario modeling, and risk reduction, because the customer, not Microsoft, is the one funding the service.<\/p>\n<p>For organizations, this shift results in a <strong>healthier partner relationship<\/strong>:<br \/>\nYour LSP\u2019s success now depends on <strong>how well they represent your interests<\/strong>, not how many licenses they can sell.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What About \u201cIndependent Licensing Experts\u201d?<\/h2>\n<p>Independent advisors are unregistered, self-acclaimed experts that take a fee for consulting businesses on Microsoft licensing. They highlight their neutrality, but neutrality does not replace certification or authority.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Independent advisors can:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>explain high-level licensing concepts<\/li>\n<li>provide external opinions<\/li>\n<li>run workshops<\/li>\n<li>comment on cost-saving opportunities that they can&#8217;t execute<\/li>\n<li>use info they find on the internet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Independent advisors CANNOT:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>create or manage or change EA\/EAS\/MPSA\/SCE contracts<\/li>\n<li>get up-to-date information on licensing<\/li>\n<li>access Microsoft resources<\/li>\n<li>provide official Microsoft quotes<\/li>\n<li>access Microsoft price lists<\/li>\n<li>apply promotions or validate eligibility<\/li>\n<li>perform contractually binding adjustments<\/li>\n<li>escalate into Microsoft partner channels<\/li>\n<li>formally talk to Microsoft personnel to resolve issues<\/li>\n<li>guarantee compliance with Product Terms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Neutrality is not a substitute for authority, data accuracy, or execution capability.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-56161\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9744-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>LSP vs Independent Advisor vs SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT<\/h2>\n<table width=\"613\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Topic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Independent Licensing Advisor<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT (LSP + Extended Expertise)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Certification &amp; Audit<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>No certification or audit required<\/td>\n<td>Certified and audited by Microsoft; must meet strict partner requirements<\/td>\n<td>Fully certified LSP + internal quality standards; continuous audits and training<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Access to Official Microsoft Resources<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>No \u2014 relies on public documents and unofficial sources<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 price lists, Product Terms, program guides, offer guides, roadmap updates, licensing workspaces<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 full access to Microsoft resources + deep interpretation of rules and connections<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Authority to Execute Licensing Actions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>No \u2014 cannot execute or adjust contracts<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 can issue official quotes, execute EA\/CSP\/MCA changes, apply promotions<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 complete execution capabilities with additional advisory depth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Role in Enterprise Agreements<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Not involved; cannot transact<\/td>\n<td>Required for EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA transactions and renewals<\/td>\n<td>Full EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA lifecycle support, including setup, management, optimization, and corrections<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ability to Apply Promotions &amp; Validate Eligibility<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>No \u2014 cannot verify eligibility or apply offers<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 can validate and process promotions directly with Microsoft and in portals<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 validates promotions and models long\u2011term financial impact<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Licensing Knowledge<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Varies widely; depends on individual consultant; outdated<\/td>\n<td>Trained on official Microsoft partner content + contract expertise<\/td>\n<td>Every expert studied <strong>397+ Microsoft licensing documents<\/strong> in 2025 alone and completes regular certifications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Neutrality of Advice<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>High neutrality, but no execution power<\/td>\n<td>Can vary by LSP; some focus mainly on transactions<\/td>\n<td>Neutral, scenario\u2011based recommendations across all buying programs; customer-first approach;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Knowledge of Internal Program Changes<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>No \u2014 relies on public announcements<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 receives partner\u2011only updates and roadmap changes<\/td>\n<td>Yes \u2014 partner updates + internal interpretations + proactive risk alerts for customers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Optimization Capability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Cannot verify results against Microsoft systems<\/td>\n<td>Good, depending on the LSP<\/td>\n<td>Strong: scenario modeling, right\u2011sizing, multi\u2011year simulations, cross\u2011vendor cost reduction, cross-buying program cost optimization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ability to Reduce Licensing Costs<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Can make recommendations, can&#8217;t execute<\/td>\n<td>Possible, depending on expertise<\/td>\n<td>Proven optimization success across all customers with ROI exceeding 1000% in many cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Execution &amp; Administration<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>None<\/td>\n<td>Full: quoting, renewals, adjustments, term changes, escalations<\/td>\n<td>Full execution + documented processes + end\u2011to\u2011end lifecycle management across buying programs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Multi\u2011Vendor Perspective <\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Depends on consultant<\/td>\n<td>Typically focused on Microsoft only<\/td>\n<td>Strong multi\u2011vendor expertise; reduces licensing overlap across Microsoft and other publishers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dependency<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Advisors rely on LSP for final execution<\/td>\n<td>Customers rely on LSP for EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA accuracy<\/td>\n<td>Customers get both: independent\u2011minded advice + execution capability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Customer Relationship Model<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Advisory only<\/td>\n<td>Varies by LSP<\/td>\n<td>Long\u2011term partnership model with continuous monitoring, updates, and guidance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (<strong>LSP<\/strong>) is a <strong>certification held by a very limited number of selected Microsoft partners<\/strong> worldwide, which makes them the <strong>Software Advisor<\/strong> and <strong>contract managing intermediary<\/strong> between the <strong>customer and Microsoft<\/strong> in <strong>volume licensing contracts<\/strong> (EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA). They are <strong>mostly paid by the customer<\/strong> to <strong>optimize and manage such contracts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As an LSP,<\/strong> <strong>SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT<\/strong> provides the <strong>certified authority<\/strong> to execute Microsoft agreements correctly, and enhances this with <strong>deep licensing analysis<\/strong>, <strong>scenario modeling<\/strong>, and <strong>ongoing optimization<\/strong>. This combination ensures your licensing is <strong>audit-proofed, optimized, and ready for future changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/contact\/\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a><strong> today to save costs on your Microsoft licensing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-56085\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-9009-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What is a Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>An LSP is a certified Microsoft partner authorized to manage Enterprise Agreements (EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA), provide official licensing guidance, issue Microsoft quotes, and maintain licensing compliance using Microsoft\u2019s official price lists and Product Terms.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why does my organization need an LSP?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You need an LSP because only LSPs can execute contractual changes, apply promotions correctly, validate eligibility, manage EA renewals, and ensure your licensing aligns with Microsoft\u2019s rules. Without an LSP, EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA changes cannot be processed.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How many Microsoft LSPs exist worldwide?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There are roughly <strong>40\u2013100 certified LSPs worldwide<\/strong>. Microsoft has not added new LSPs in years and operates a closed program with strict certification and audit requirements.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Can an LSP reduce my Microsoft licensing costs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>. LSPs optimize licensing by removing unused licenses, modeling E3\/E5 and add\u2011on combinations, preventing tier jumps, evaluating program alternatives (like combining different licensing programs saving you money and giving you flexibility), and ensuring compliance with Microsoft rules. This often results in significant long\u2011term savings.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What information and tools does an LSP have access to?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>LSPs receive Microsoft\u2019s official price lists, Product Terms, program guides, offer guides, partner\u2011only roadmap updates, and EA\/SCE\/MPSA enrollment tools. They also have escalation channels and access to Microsoft personnel.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What is the difference between an LSP and a reseller?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Resellers<\/strong> can sell Microsoft products, but <strong>cannot manage Enterprise Agreements<\/strong>. <strong>Only LSPs<\/strong> are certified to execute EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA changes and have the access to do that. This means you need an LSP anyway.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What happens if I don\u2019t use an LSP for my Enterprise Agreement?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You risk incorrect licensing, lost promotions, compliance issues, and contract errors. EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA agreements require a registered LSP to manage changes and validate licensing accuracy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\"mainEntity\": [\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What is a Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP)?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"A Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP) is a certified Microsoft partner authorized to manage Enterprise Agreements (EA, EAS, SCE, MPSA), provide official licensing guidance, issue Microsoft quotes, and ensure compliance using Microsoft's official price lists, Product Terms, and contract tools.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"Why does my organization need an LSP?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Organizations need an LSP because only LSPs can execute contractual changes, validate eligibility, apply promotions, manage EA renewals, and ensure licensing accuracy according to Microsoft's rules. EA, EAS, SCE, and MPSA agreements require a registered LSP for any official changes.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"How many Microsoft LSPs exist worldwide?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"There are roughly 40\u2013100 certified Microsoft Licensing Solution Providers worldwide. Microsoft operates LSP as a closed program and has not added new partners in several years.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"Can an LSP reduce my Microsoft licensing costs?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Yes. LSPs reduce licensing costs by removing unused licenses, optimizing E3\/E5 and add-on combinations, preventing tier jumps, evaluating program alternatives, and ensuring compliance with Microsoft's rules. These optimizations can deliver significant long-term savings.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What information and tools does an LSP have access to?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"LSPs have access to Microsoft\u2019s official price lists, Product Terms, program guides, offer guides, partner-only roadmap updates, EA\/SCE\/MPSA enrollment tools, escalation channels, and Microsoft personnel for contract resolution and licensing guidance.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What is the difference between an LSP and a reseller?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Resellers can sell Microsoft products, but only LSPs are certified to execute and manage Enterprise Agreements (EA, EAS, SCE, MPSA). An LSP is required for contract creation, modification, validation, and compliance activities.\"\n}\n},\n{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What happens if I don\u2019t use an LSP for my Enterprise Agreement?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Without an LSP, organizations risk incorrect licensing, missed promotions, compliance issues, contractual errors, and failed EA\/EAS\/SCE\/MPSA changes. Microsoft requires a licensed LSP to manage and adjust these agreements.\"\n}\n}\n]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When navigating Microsoft licensing and cloud services, organizations often underestimate the role and value of a certified Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP). LSPs are authorized experts who help customers purchase, optimize, and manage complex Microsoft agreements accurately. Below is what an LSP truly is, what it does, and why working with a qualified LSP provides [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":33016,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[339,19,422,329],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-microsoft-cloud-solution-provider","category-microsoft-enterprise-agreement","category-microsoft-product-terms","category-microsoft-products-and-services-agreement"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71114"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71124,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71114\/revisions\/71124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}