Should I Move Directly to Microsoft or Use a MSP/CSP?

Quick Answer: There isn’t one right answer. The best choice depends on how involved you want to be in managing your Microsoft 365 environment. Microsoft has a very good support ticket system, and I’ve helped many clients submit support requests directly through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. If you have a technical issue, Microsoft can often help resolve it. However, if you’re completely locked out of your account, you’ll usually need to make a phone call, and depending on the situation, resolution can take time.

If you prefer to manage your own Microsoft 365 environment and you’re comfortable learning the administrative side of things, purchasing directly from Microsoft may be the right fit for you. You’ll have full control of your tenant and direct access to Microsoft’s support channels.

On the other hand, if you want someone else to help manage Microsoft 365, a CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) or MSP (Managed Service Provider) can be a great option. Some MSPs fully manage your entire technology environment. They may install management software on your computers, monitor your systems, provide help desk support, and handle everything from security to user onboarding. Others simply provide Microsoft 365 licensing and are available when you need assistance.

Ask questions before signing anything so you understand exactly what services are included.

For example:

Is there a contract? If so, how long is it?
Are there monthly minimums?
Will software be installed on my computers?
Do they only manage Microsoft 365, or my entire IT environment?
What happens if I want to leave later?
How do I request support?
Are emergency requests included?

A MSP/CSP can often provide the best of both worlds by giving you access to Microsoft 365 licensing along with a support team that already knows your environment. I’ve worked with businesses that have two or three employees and absolutely benefit from having a CSP because of compliance requirements, security concerns, or simply because they don’t want to deal with Microsoft administration themselves. I’ve also worked with companies that prefer buying directly from Microsoft because they enjoy having complete control and don’t mind opening support tickets when needed. Neither option is wrong.

I always tell clients that the real question isn’t: “Which option is cheaper?” It’s: “How much support do I want when something goes wrong?” If you’re comfortable being your own IT department, Microsoft direct may work well for you. If you’d rather have someone to call who already understands your setup and can guide you through problems, a CSP or MSP may be worth every penny. The goal isn’t just choosing where to buy your Microsoft 365 licenses. The goal is deciding how much responsibility you want to take on yourself versus how much you want someone else to handle. And honestly, that’s usually the answer that makes the decision clear.

To read my full article with all 18 answers, please click here https://callthatgirl.biz/how-to-leave-godaddy-for-microsoft-365-without-losing-email-data-or-users

Reminder: I am not a paid partner of either company GoDaddy or Microsoft btw. I’ve been working in IT for 30 years and have owned my own business since 2007. I’m a Microsoft Outlook Expert/365 Consultant and recently awarded MVP from Microsoft. I’m just telling you what I know based on my 19 years of experience supporting clients with email, Hosted Exchange, Exchange online and Microsoft 365 and of course, GoDaddy throughout the years. I have used AI for some of this article. I always tell my readers so they know they are not reading a long AI generated article. Enjoy and I hope this helps!

If you want to talk to my rep about transferring your GoDaddy acccount to Microsoft, or need my help with your transition, please use the form below. A 10-min consult with me will help give you more information before you start your journey.

Should I Move Directly to Microsoft or Use a MSP/CSP?