Most companies treat CSP relationships like a billing upgrade. Fewer realize they’re sitting on untapped Microsoft funds that could pay for their next migration, PoC, or workshop – if only someone asked for them.
These incentives don’t show up on invoices or pricing calculators. But when claimed at the right time, they can drastically reduce your Azure costs and accelerate delivery. Let’s look at what’s available, why it’s missed, and how to unlock it.
You might still be paying Azure retail prices
Many mid-sized companies assume that buying Azure through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) guarantees lower prices. That’s only true if the CSP passes on their discount.
CSP partners purchase Azure at wholesale rates with built-in margin flexibility. Microsoft lets them decide how much of that margin they retain and how much they use to benefit the customer.
Some partners keep the margin. Others reinvest it to deliver client-side value.
At Simform, we use our CSP margin to offer up to 8% off on Azure usage for qualified customers. Some partners may tie discounts to multi-year commitments or bundled services, but these are typically negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Why does it get missed?
Most onboarding conversations stop at “you’ll get a consolidated invoice.”
Finance teams don’t always benchmark CSP pricing, and engineering leaders may not see the billing. Thus, the assumption becomes that CSP = cheaper even when that’s not true.
How to unlock it?
Ask directly: What percentage discount are we getting on Azure consumption vs MSRP?
If the answer is vague or zero, push to renegotiate. Even a 5% discount on a $20K/month bill saves $12K annually with zero engineering effort.
If your usage is steady, request tiered pricing (e.g., 7% off at $15K/month, 10% at $25K). Some CSPs, like Simform, also offer usage-based rebates if you cross thresholds mid-quarter.
Stay updated with Simform’s weekly insights.
Microsoft will fund your migration, if you ask
Microsoft provides migration funding through Azure Migrate & Modernize and End Customer Investment Funds (ECIF). Partners nominate customers for funding in the Partner Center under these combined programs.
These cover costs like:
- Initial assessments and planning
- Workload migration (VMs, databases, app services)
- Licensing and tooling (Azure Migrate, etc.)
You don’t need an enterprise contract to qualify. Microsoft allocates these funds based on future Azure consumption potential, even if your current spend is modest.
For example, an ISV planning to move 20 workloads into Azure App Service could get ECIF-backed partner engineering hours to build a deployment pipeline, or Azure Migrate & Modernize funding to cover early infrastructure costs. But these offers depend on visibility and timing.
Why does it get missed?
These aren’t visible in the Azure portal or partner brochures. Unless your CSP knows how (or bothers) to apply for them, the opportunity slips by. And if your project scope isn’t clearly defined, it may never be surfaced for nomination.
How to unlock it?
Tell your CSP early: We’re migrating [specific workloads]; can you nominate this project in Azure Migrate & Modernize for funding? Make sure the project has a scoped plan and projected usage. Funding usually covers pre-migration work, not retroactive spending.
Push for specificity. A good CSP will:
- Frame the opportunity for Microsoft (e.g., expected Azure spend, workloads in scope)
- Submit the funding request (typically a Statement of Work tied to Azure ROI)
- Coordinate any assessments or credits tied to the migration timeline
Azure will fund your PoC, only if your CSP sets it up correctly
Microsoft can cover Azure usage during a proof-of-concept, only if your CSP sets it up properly through the Azure Access CSP Credit Offer.
Microsoft allows CSPs to spin up temporary, Microsoft-funded subscriptions for eligible proof-of-concept projects. It’s meant to help customers trial new Azure services before committing.
This can include running workloads in Azure for weeks at zero cost while testing feasibility, performance, or integration needs.
Use cases often include:
- Evaluating Azure AI services
- Testing containerized workloads on AKS
- Running performance benchmarks for lift-and-shift candidates
Why does it get missed?
This program isn’t publicized to customers, and most CSPs won’t offer it unless asked. It requires upfront coordination and a clearly defined PoC scope; many partners skip it simply because it’s extra work.
How to unlock it?
If you’re planning a new workload, ask: Can we run this as a PoC under Microsoft-funded Azure Access CSP credits?
Define the goal, timeline, and service scope early; your CSP can submit this for approval before provisioning. Once approved, you’ll get a temporary subscription, with Microsoft covering usage during the evaluation phase.
Note: This only applies to pre-production trials, not production rollouts or replatforming efforts already in motion.
Microsoft-funded workshops exist, but they’re tied to future Azure spend
Microsoft funds training sessions and technical workshops as real pre-sales enablement for Azure projects. Microsoft will often cover the cost if your CSP ties it to a projected workload.
Programs like Azure Immersion Workshops and ECIF-backed engagements allow CSPs to deliver:
- Hands-on analytics or AI solution labs
- Cloud security or modernization workshops
- Architecture design sessions scoped to your use case
Microsoft funds these only when the engagement is tied to a forecasted Azure deployment. For example, partners may receive ECIF funding when proposing a workshop for a customer planning a migration to Azure Synapse or launching a data estate modernization initiative.
Why does it get missed?
These aren’t open enrollment sessions. They require the CSP to submit a Statement of Work tied to a potential Azure workload. The opportunity never materializes if your project scope isn’t documented or your CSP isn’t part of Microsoft’s Immersion program.
Also, most teams don’t realize these workshops are funded from the same pool as project delivery, not a separate training budget.
How to unlock it?
If you’re exploring a new use case (AI, modernization, analytics, etc.), ask: Can we access Microsoft-funded workshops or training for this project?
A good CSP will scope a quick Statement of Work, apply for ECIF, or connect you to a certified partner to run an Immersion Workshop. These sessions often come with no cost and help de-risk early-stage planning.
CSP relationships must reach where funding, credits, and support programs align with your roadmap to de-risk decisions, accelerate delivery, and give your teams more room to build.
PS: This deep dive explains how engineering-led CSPs help unlock these incentives and why they’re more than just a billing alternative.
