SaaSplaza, Microsoft’s First Direct/Indirect CSP for Dynamics AX, Sets Ambitious First Year Goals Built On Channel Trust

SaaSplaza, which offers cloud services for Dynamics, has announced that Microsoft has cleared the firm to become the first Microsoft partner to work as both an Indirect Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and a Direct CSP.

The firm's dual status means SaaSplaza will be providing Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions to end-customers directly and through its own network of affiliates. While this approach is not typical, SaaSplaza CEO Berend-Jan Van Maanen and CTO Dik van Brummen explained to MSDynamicsWorld.com why they are confident the company's experience, reputation, and approach can overcome any questions about how they will operate and how they plan to deliver value to prospective partners.

As the CSP Indirect Provider (formerly known as a 2-Tier CSP), SaaSplaza will transact AX deals on behalf of affiliates and handle the management of Dynamics AX after deployment on Microsoft Azure. The company's affiliates can sell the new AX via SaaSplaza without making the commitment to become a CSP partner themselves. Instead, they can focus on the scope and value of Microsoft cloud solutions, along with their own industry expertise and other value-added offerings rather than on transacting the software.

At the same time, SaaSplaza has also been cleared to sell AX directly to customers, alongside its affiliates.

"You can bet that in three to five years, the majority of Microsoft products and services will go through this channel," van Brummen predicts, referring to Direct and Indirect CSPs. But he believes Microsoft has been selective in designating firms to participate in the ...