Finding the Right Microsoft Partner: Why Expertise Matters (and How to Spot It)
Navigating the vast Microsoft Partner ecosystem can feel like a maze. You’re not just looking for a partner who ‘meets the criteria’, you need a guide with deep expertise and a proven track record. That’s where Microsoft Specialisations act as a beacon, highlighting the partners who truly know their stuff.
Choosing the right Microsoft partner, particularly when seeking Microsoft Data Experts, means going beyond basic requirements. It’s about finding a specialist with proven, in-depth expertise in your unique solution area. Microsoft Specialisations clearly distinguish partners who possess demonstrable technical capability and a history of successful outcomes.
What makes a Strong Microsoft Partner?
Microsoft Solutions Partners must show a high degree of alignment with Microsoft’s go-to-market strategy across six pillars: –
These six pillars are the base foundation for a Microsoft Solutions Partner, showing the partner has a “rubber stamp” from Microsoft.
These pillars show that a partner has technical capabilities and are dedicated to continuous training and skilling of their staff to validate this expertise. All of this is based on what Microsoft calls a ‘Partner Capability Score’. The Partner Capability score is a framework made up of a partner’s skilling, performance and customer success.
Once a partner earns Solution Designation, they can pursue the coveted Microsoft Specialisations.
Why Microsoft Specialisations Matter
Microsoft Specialisations differentiate partners in the market. They aren’t just badges; they’re your shortcut to finding Microsoft Data Experts. They’re awarded to exceptional partners who demonstrate deep knowledge and experience in specific areas, passing rigorous audits.
There are 31 Specialisations across the six Designation pillars. To obtain a specialisation, partners must pass a rigid external audit which includes a partner demonstrating:
Expertise in Specific Solutions: The partner must demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their selected Microsoft technology or service.
Customer Success and Proven Impact: Microsoft requires evidence of successful customer engagements and the ability to deliver impactful, real-life results using their technology stack. This could include case studies or customer testimonials.
Certifications and Up-Skilling: Companies must have employees who hold specific Microsoft certifications related to the specialisation. These certifications confirm that the company has qualified experts who can deliver the solutions effectively.
Ongoing Commitment to Quality: Microsoft expects partners to continue developing their expertise and to stay current with updates, new features, and their ever-evolving technologies. This includes maintaining the aforementioned certifications and completing ongoing training.
Benefits for You – Why Choose a Specialised Microsoft Data Expert?
Microsoft Specialisations set partners apart from others in the market. If a customer’s chosen partner holds a specialisation, a customer can be confident that the partner has demonstrated their deep expertise and knowledge across the Microsoft products and services. This means they know they’re getting best practice, guidance and the skills to make sure the products fit the customer’s specific needs.
Customers will benefit from a partners access to the latest tools, updates and resources from Microsoft to ensure they’re always working with the most up to date and cutting edge technology.
By selecting a partner with a particular specialisation, a business knows that Microsoft partner has had to demonstrate consistent success with solutions. This lowers project risks and helps a business maximise their investments with expert guidance and reliable results.
What are the benefits of a Microsoft Specialisation to a Partner?
Microsoft Specialisations highlight a partner’s expertise and credibility, especially in the competitive data landscape.
Benefits include:
Competitive Edge
As mentioned before, Specialisations set partners apart and show who really knows what they are doing. Specialisations highlight the expertise a partner holds above the competition.
Enhanced Trust
A lot of hard work and effort goes into getting the badge – and keeping it. The rigorous third-party audit process a partner has to go through to acquire their Specialisation boosts their credibility and enhanced trust with potential (and existing) customers.
Microsoft Incentives
Get your project off the ground faster! Microsoft offers financial incentives to Specialised Partners, such as Simpson Associates to support them with customer proof of concepts and deployment of their solutions. This helps the partner and thier customers get going with their projects, leading to quicker ROI and tangible results.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Microsoft Solutions Partner, particularly a Microsoft Data Expert, is crucial to maximising the value of your tech investment.
Partners with Microsoft Specialisations have demonstrated exceptional expertise, a proven track record of customer success, and a commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements. This not only gives customers confidence in the partner’s ability to deliver results but also ensures access to the latest tools and best practices.
By partnering with a specialised partner and a Microsoft Partner of the Year award winner like Simpson Associates, businesses can minimise risk, accelerate project success, and achieve greater returns on their investment.
How can Simpson Associates Help You – Your Data Journey Starts Here
Simpson Associates is your trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data & AI, Infrastructure and Digital & Application Innovation. We hold Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Azure and Migrating Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure.
Discover how our skills and specialisations can help you on your data journey, from Data Strategy to AI.
Let us guide you on your data journey. Contact us for a consultation or use our live chat!
Blog Author: Kay Dobson, Partner Manager at Simpson Associates.
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