- Cispe members get access to Microsoft Software on a PAYG CSP-HOSTER program
- Privacy and sovereignty benefits also come with the latest update
- It is unclear if this is drawing a line under the two-year battle
In a major victory for European Sky providers, CISPE members can now offer Microsoft software under a pay-as-you-go model via Microsoft CSP-Hoster program, with license costs set to be closer matched to these offers on Microsoft’s own Azure platform.
The news comes after several obstacles in Cispe’s fight with the tech giant, but with the group’s members, who are now able to host workloads without sharing customer data with Microsoft, the latest development marks an important customer’s benefit.
However, some ongoing questions and limitations persist, even after two years of fighting, including enforcing Entra ID with Microsoft 365 – no alternative identity management is allowed.
Cispe wins big against Microsoft
Cispe described the victory as a “landmark agreement” that has cost, privacy and sovereignty.
When generally available, Microsoft 365 Local will activate the implementation of local (sovereign) European Sky Infrastructure, while customers no longer have to pay more money to access Microsoft software on non-Microsoft platforms.
Despite reaching some agreements over the past two years, Cispes has continued lobbying business produced even more results.
“The agreement we entered into with Microsoft marks a significant breakthrough in our many years of efforts to ensure that there are plans on the level,” explained CISPE secretary secretary Francisco Mingorance.
“For corporate customers, the new programs directly address previous concerns from CISPE members and allow European companies to choose from a wide range of cloud solutions that meet their sovereignty, compliance and financial needs.”
The news comes only a few days after we were told that Microsoft was managing a counterroposal after not complying with a previous deadline to settle the saga.
Techradar Pro Have asked Microsoft to comment on the development, but we did not receive an immediate answer. We also asked Cispe if this marks the end of the battle.
