Microsoft is committed to helping partners and customers succeed and grow through digital transformation. Through our investment in the Cloud Solution Provider program as the primary purchasing motion for small and midsized business customers and smaller corporate customers, Microsoft is making it easier for partners to help their customers move to the cloud, take advantage of new offers, and capitalize on the growth of the modern cloud technology market. 

As of December 31, 2021, this marks the last day for commercial partners to purchase new or renew software licenses, or online services in the Open License program. Over the past 10 months, since Microsoft had made this announcement, they have announced additional changes regarding availability of expanded offers in Perpetual CSP like Education, Charity SKUs, and price changes to affect on-premises products bought through the Open License program.

Beginning September 1, 2021 and rolling out in phases, Microsoft is increasing wholesale prices to partners by 5% for on-premises products bought through the Open License program to drive further adoption of software licenses and offers in the Cloud Solution Provider program. Comparatively, partners may earn richer economics by transacting the software offers available in the Cloud Solution Provider program. 

Additionally, a reminder that a price increase of 11-33% on the Estimated Retail Price (ERP) for certain EMS products, Office Professional Plus, Office Standard (on-premises), and the individual apps was announced in February 2021, effective August 1, 2021 for EMS and October 1, 2021 for Office. Windows and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL pricing increases are effective September 1, 2021.  

For the full list of changes, please review below:

Key Dates and Milestones for Open License Program

Next Steps

As an Open Reseller through Ingram Micro Cloud, we advise you take these next three steps early to avoid business disruption:

Step 1: Join the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN)

Upon joining MPN, you’ll receive an MPN ID which will be used to enroll in the Cloud Solution Provider program. Partners in multiple regions will need to apply for multiple MPNs.

Step 2: Enroll in Cloud Solution Provider Program

Enroll as an Indirect Reseller on Partner Center. Once approved, partners can use this account to transact Microsoft Perpetual licenses and/or Online Services through CSP.

Time expectation: 1-5 business days (8% of cases go longer than 3 weeks)

Step 3: Activate your Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace Account

The first time you log into Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace, partners will be prompted to activate their account. Existing IMOnline partners can log in with the same credentials.

We can work with you to enroll your organization as a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). Please follow the above three steps or contact your local Ingram Micro Business Development Manager for support.