PSA
Professional services automation (PSA) is software that manages the delivery of professional services, including projects, ticketing, time tracking, and services billing. MSPs and IT service firms use PSA to run their service operations, often alongside a CSP billing platform.
Key Takeaways
- Manages projects, ticketing, time, and services billing.
- Used by MSPs and IT service firms.
- Handles services delivery, not Microsoft subscription billing.
- Often paired with a CSP billing platform.
How PSA works
PSA tools track service work from ticket to delivery to billing, so service firms can run projects and bill time and materials. They are built around services delivery rather than reselling Microsoft subscriptions.
PSA vs CSP billing platform
A PSA bills services, time, and projects. A CSP billing platform bills Microsoft subscriptions, Azure usage, and reconciliation. Many partners use both, with the CSP platform handling the Microsoft side.
Why it matters for Microsoft CSPs
Partners often need both a PSA for services and a CSP billing platform for Microsoft subscriptions. Understanding the split avoids expecting a PSA to handle CSP-specific billing.
How Work 365 supports this
Work 365 handles the Microsoft CSP billing that PSA tools are not built for, and works alongside them. See the CSP Billing Platform.
Related terms: Managed Service Provider, CSP, Billing Automation.
FAQ
What does PSA stand for?
Professional Services Automation.
Does a PSA handle CSP billing?
Not the Microsoft-specific parts. A CSP billing platform handles subscriptions, Azure usage, and reconciliation.
