Microsoft 365 - Advantages of Working with a Microsoft Certified Partner

After researching, reading and discussing options with leadership teams, many organizations have decided to move to Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365).

Quick Overview of Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service offering a broad and deep array of applications providing increased productivity and collaboration of teams, secure cloud storage, Exchange email services, and also many Microsoft Office tools that users know and love. In addition, Microsoft 365 automatically stays up-to-date with the latest features, fixes, and security updates, because it is a subscription-based service.

Cloud-based storage provides organizations with a cost-effective, safe way to store data and gives opportunities for users to collaborate on documents in real time. Unlike physical servers, customers do not need to upgrade their infrastructure when utilizing cloud-based services, like Microsoft 365. Costs come from a consumption-based model, meaning customers pay for only the services they use.

Microsoft 365 offers different tiers of services to best fit different needs: Enterprise, Business, Education, and Personal/Family.

Buying from a Microsoft Partner is Better for Businesses

Microsoft has a lot of customers due to their many excellent offerings, brand recognition, and a broad adoption of their products and services. With a lot of customers, come a lot of questions, issues, and requests for help. Supporting all those customers can be a challenge.

Each organization that purchases an Education, Business, or Enterprise subscription license has different requirements too. Configuring Microsoft 365 to meet those needs can be challenging and Microsoft does not help businesses set up their software.

To handle the support aspect, Microsoft works cooperatively with other organizations called Cloud Service Providers or CSPs. Cloud Service Providers who have achieved certain benchmarks can also be certified a Microsoft Partner, Silver Partner or Gold Partner.

By utilizing relationships with CSPs and Partners, Microsoft can focus on developing their services and applications. In the meantime, their CSPs and Partners – like Intrada Technologies – resell the software, tailor the Microsoft 365 package to fit clients’ needs, implement the new applications, and support their Microsoft 365 customers. This working relationship helps to foster a better experience for Microsoft 365 customers.

What to Look for When Selecting a Microsoft 365 Partner

While many businesses are familiar with Microsoft products, not all providers are qualified to install or manage them. This is one reason why having a designated Microsoft 365 Partner makes a big difference. Here are a few questions to ask when you are selecting a CSP or Microsoft Partner.

1. Does the provider have industry knowledge and experience? Just because someone is good with computers does not mean they are going to be able to navigate the migration process and build the personalized customization your organization needs and wants.
   
   Microsoft Partners have proven their understanding of the products through training and testing of their performance, quality of service, and customer care. The Microsoft Partner Network breaks down partners’ areas of competency even further by differentiating providers based on their areas of capability and expertise.
   
   Partners who demonstrate their commitment to excellent performance and service can receive special designations and also extra special benefits that other providers may not be able to offer.  
    
2. Do you trust your provider and their security measures to keep your data safe? To create accounts and migrate data, the provider you choose will have complete access to your accounts and data.
   
   With the rates of cybercrime growing and the very costly effects of cyberattacks, having a trusted Microsoft Partner with excellent cybersecurity protocols, like Intrada Technologies, is critical.
    
3. Does the provider listen well and anticipate your organization’s needs? When moving an organization’s data and customizing Microsoft 365, having a Partner that listens and anticipates your organization’s needs is important so nothing goes awry. Good Microsoft 365 Partners have years of experience, understand the migration and implementation process, and can provide guidance and support every step of the way. Your Partner will set up the bulk of Microsoft 365 accounts and should be able to provide training for both users and your IT team.
    
4. Does the provider have a Microsoft 365 competency? Do they have the skills and qualifications to help your business navigate this transition successfully?
    

Microsoft designates Partners by certifying Partners with competencies. There are more than fifteen business solution competencies that Partners can pursue. According to Microsoft, “Competencies are awarded to providers who demonstrate expertise in specified areas.”

There are three levels of Microsoft Partnerships: Partners, Silver Partners and Gold Partners. There are many Partners, but those who move on receive Silver or Gold competency designation are rare.

Silver Microsoft 365 Partners comprise the top 5% of Microsoft Partners worldwide. Silver Microsoft 365 Partners must be members of the Microsoft Partner Network and must undergo a thorough vetting process to receive a competency designation.

Silver Microsoft 365 Partners must pass training and performance requirements for the competency in which they seek certification, as well as licensing, sales and marketing assessments, have at least two Microsoft-Certified Professionals on staff, and pay an annual fee.

Intrada is a Silver Microsoft Partner in Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions.

Gold Partners comprise the top 1% of partners worldwide. Requirements for Gold Partner competency require higher performance, training, sales, more certified staff, and a higher annual fee.

A Good Microsoft 365 Partner Helps Your Business

When trusting a provider to migrate and protect your data, implement customized solutions, and train your employees, choosing a Microsoft 365 Partner with a Silver or Gold competency designation is wise.

Partners that have invested the time, effort and funding to train, certify and meet requirements to achieve a Silver or Gold designation – with regular audits – will provide the best service for your company.

Silver and Gold Microsoft 365 Partners have proven they understand Microsoft 365 and how to help their clients use it for the best possible outcomes. They also know how to leverage the latest information to ensure clients benefit. Silver and Gold Microsoft 365 Partners also have a direct connection to Microsoft, should a rare issue arise and they need Microsoft Support assistance. This means clients receive exceptional support and faster response times.

Trust Intrada Technologies – a Silver Microsoft 365 Partner

Intrada Technologies is a Silver Microsoft 365 Partner and we would be happy to outline a plan, customize your Microsoft 365 experience, work with your employees, and support your organization's Microsoft 365 needs. We have many years of experience serving Microsoft products and implementing Office 365 and Microsoft 365.

Intrada Technologies seeks to create trusted partnerships with each of our clients and we work hard to do so. Over the years, we have developed a solid cybersecurity team who works diligently to anticipate, prevent and mitigate cyberattacks on our clients. You can trust Intrada Technologies with your Microsoft 365 needs.

Contact us today to learn more by calling James Haywood at (800) 858-5745 or by emailing jhaywood@intradatech.com.