Microsoft technologies and solutions are trusted by millions of users around the world. The wide range of offerings from Azure, Office 365, OneDrive, Teams, and other cloud solutions offered by Microsoft has helped businesses modernize their workforce and streamline IT processes.
To help SMBs take full advantage of their solutions, Microsoft also certifies IT service providers with the Microsoft Partner certification. The certification is given to organizations that exhibit the highest standards in delivering Microsoft solutions to their clients. Certified Partners are equipped with the expertise and learning resources to smoothly implement Microsoft solutions. Working with a Microsoft Partner in Eugene allows you to take advantage of the exclusive support and resources that Microsoft shares exclusively with its partners.
Microsoft has put a rigorous certification process in place to enable only IT service providers who follow best practices to receive the partner certification. Microsoft offers two types of partner certifications – Gold and Silver. These certifications are offered for as a part of a long list of available competencies. Competencies are areas of expertise that a company demonstrates in a specific technology area.
For example, under the Applications and Infrastructure area, Microsoft offers the following 5 competencies:
In total, there are 18 competencies offered by Microsoft, in 4 different areas. You can have a look at the list of all the competencies here.
Depending on the certifications, value, and annual revenue of an IT service provider, they can attain Gold or Silver certification for the competencies they have.
To achieve the competency, a company first has to join the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). Enrolling in the partner network allows an IT service provider to manage their membership, utilize sales and marketing resources, access training and support, build a cloud network, and access program incentives offered by Microsoft. IT service providers can use the training resources to prepare for the certification exams that are required for their competency.
Once the specific competency fee is paid, the employees at the IT service provider acquire the prerequisite certifications, the company profile has been submitted and approved, and client testimonials have been reviewed, the provider is awarded the Silver or Gold Partner certification. The certification is valid for a year and needs to be renewed on an annual basis. Renewing the certification is important to continue enjoying the benefits of the competency
Microsoft Partners are experts in providing Microsoft solutions to their clients. They can use the resources provided by Microsoft to deliver end-to-end solutions to their customers. Benefits include access to priority support, licenses for demo and trial, the ability to offer trial licensing to customers, and centralized service platforms for managing client environments.
Microsoft Partners can join the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The CSP program allows partners to offer cloud solutions to their clients using Microsoft’s trusted cloud applications network. IT firms who are partners can package their plans and tools and offer them to the customers. This lets partners act as trusted advisors by offering customized solutions to their clients. Instead of investing in dedicated cloud infrastructure and solutions, partners get to use CSP to offer more scalable and affordable business services.
The Partner Program for IT firms allows them to enjoy continued training and learning resources. They can use the learning portal to enhance their skills in specific competencies and get further certifications. There are role-specific tutorials and the training resources are regularly upgraded to meet evolving business needs. Partners also have access to the Microsoft Partner Network community that helps them stay updated, discuss, and learn about new tools.
Microsoft Partners are regarded as experts in their competencies and can quickly resolve your requests. However, sometimes there might be complex issues that requires advanced support direct from Microsoft. As a Microsoft Partner, IT firms get access to 24-hour Microsoft Support. Partners can reach out to Microsoft to raise issues and get them solved. This ensures clients of Microsoft Partners enjoy continued support and minimal interruption.
Finding a certified Microsoft Partner has been made very easy by Microsoft. You just have to follow the below steps to connect with a Microsoft Partner in Eugene.
Microsoft will send your request to the service providers you selected in Step 3. The service provider(s) will see your request and reply within 72 hours. If they don’t reply, Microsoft will send you an email with suggestions of other partners who offer the solutions you are looking for.
When selecting an IT service provider to implement Microsoft Solutions at your business, it is very important to go with a Certified Microsoft Partner. The rigorous certification requirements and the resources that Microsoft Partners have access to make them better placed over non-certified IT services providers. Certified Microsoft Partners can leverage their expert knowledge base and access to exclusive Microsoft tools to help your organization grow and succeed.
Maybe you think your business is too small for an MSP, but nothing could be further from the truth. MSPs can help companies of all sizes with cloud computing, data storage and security, software and hardware maintenance and upgrades, and much more. Yes, even the smallest small businesses, including those with 50 or fewer users.
Leading an IT team is a tough, multi-faceted job, and no one understands that better than an MSP (managed services provider). An MSP is a tech partner that works with you to handle everyday IT tasks and can help you ensure that the changing nature of technology doesn’t leave your business behind.
Whether you’ve got 10 or 100 employees, a managed services provider can keep your IT on track and your business running smoothly. Even companies in the 250-300 user range, just toeing the line into enterprise-level tech solutions, can enjoy all the benefits of an MSP.
An IT generalist is a jack-of-all-trades. They’re by your side every day to manage your help desk, support your staff’s IT needs, deliver service and maintenance, and be network administrators who ensure everything is working as intended. On the other hand, an IT specialist works on more complex technology issues, such as projects and escalations. IT specialists also often take on the role of solutions architects.
Getting your outsourced IT services from an IT Services company seems like an obvious choice. You have someone you can call when things go sideways to help you get your technology back up and running. An MSP, or managed service provider, is a type of outsourced IT, but not all outsourced IT companies are MSPs. We’re going to break down the differences even further.
Between inflation, supply chain interruptions, and the looming possibility of yet another recession, it can be difficult for business leaders to chart the best course of action to keep themselves not just solvent, but thriving and growing in the face of such economic uncertainty. One way that businesses can make themselves more recession-proof is by having a solid IT structure in place, including software, hardware, security, data storage, and IT experts, to help everything run efficiently and effectively
Many businesses are turning to outside IT professionals to help them optimize their operations and keep their technology running smoothly and efficiently through strategic planning. A vCIO, or virtual Chief Information Officer, can be the key to streamlining IT functionality for your business.
There are outsourced IT services, and then there are MSPs—managed service providers. Managed service providers are outsourced IT companies, but not all outsourced IT companies are MSPs. Managed service providers are local businesses and, more importantly, local to your business.
Onboarding new staff members can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. While it symbolizes growth and new opportunities for your organization, it’s crucial to implement the necessary measures to guarantee a secure and seamless integration.
Since 2001, StepUP IT Services has been helping businesses in Eugene and throughout Oregon with their technology needs. We are your IT partner. We manage and maintain your technology, empowering your organization to reach its goals. Making you happy is what makes us happy.
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