Indirect CSP (Indirect Reseller)
An indirect CSP, also called an indirect reseller, is a Microsoft partner that sells Microsoft cloud services to customers through an indirect provider (a distributor) rather than transacting with Microsoft directly. The reseller owns the customer relationship while the indirect provider supplies the Microsoft relationship, platform, and often billing support.
Key Takeaways
- Indirect resellers work through a distributor such as Pax8, Ingram Micro, or TD SYNNEX.
- The reseller owns the customer; the indirect provider supplies the Microsoft relationship.
- The model has lower direct requirements, which suits many growing partners.
- Resellers still need accurate billing and reconciliation against distributor data.
How the indirect model works
The reseller buys through an indirect provider, which handles the direct Microsoft relationship and infrastructure. The reseller sells, supports, and bills its own customers, reconciling against the distributor’s charges rather than Microsoft’s directly.
Why it matters for Microsoft CSPs
The indirect model lowers the barrier to running a CSP business, but billing accuracy still depends on reconciling distributor data to customer contracts. That reconciliation is where indirect resellers protect margin.
Indirect CSP vs indirect provider
An indirect reseller sells to end customers. An indirect provider is the distributor that supplies the Microsoft relationship to resellers. The two are different roles in the same channel.
How Work 365 supports this
Work 365 syncs with distributor data and reconciles it to customer contracts, so indirect resellers bill accurately. See Solutions for Indirect CSP Partners.
Related terms: Indirect Provider, Direct CSP, CSP Distributor, CSP.
FAQ
Who does an indirect reseller buy from?
From an indirect provider (a distributor), which supplies the Microsoft relationship.
Does an indirect reseller still handle billing?
Yes. The reseller bills its own customers and reconciles against distributor charges.
