> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.augmentt.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdesk.augmentt.com/getting-started/the-10-step-setup-guide/step-1.-authenticate-your-csp-partner-portal.md).

# Step 1. Authenticate your CSP/Partner Portal

Navigate to **Configuration > Integrations** and select **Connect** next to M365 CSP.

Once connected, use **Manage CSP Setup** to open the GDAP Audit tool and validate whether your tenants have the necessary GDAP permissions. A tenant showing green across the board is ready for **Create & Map Companies**.

## What to expect

Connecting takes under 5 minutes. You'll go through a series of 4 Microsoft permission prompts — this is the same whether you connect via CSP or Direct.

## CSP vs. Direct: which should you use?

**CSP (recommended default)** is one-to-many: integrate your Partner Center once and every client in it becomes available to add, instead of integrating tenant by tenant. It also unlocks the Magic Link for prospecting, and Augmentt can manage GDAP relationships for you (see Step 2).

**Direct** integration (connecting a single tenant without going through Partner Center) is the better fit when:

* You don't use Partner Center at all — common if you're a newer MSP, or if you've had a bad experience with it and don't want to go back.
* You want to build trust first — connecting one test tenant or one trusted client before granting access to your whole client base.

Nothing is lost by starting Direct: once a client is integrated, Secure and Engage behave identically regardless of which path you used, and you can convert a Direct connection to a CSP-backed GDAP relationship later without redoing the integration.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use a dedicated service account for the integration, not a named individual's account. If that person leaves the company or their password/MFA changes, a dedicated service account keeps the connection intact — no reconnection needed.
{% endhint %}

Next: Step 2. Create your GDAP relationship request


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