Azure MSP Expert: Should You Become One?
Microsoft’s Azure MSP Expert Program identifies and rewards partners who can deliver consistent, high-quality managed services on Azure. To become an Azure MSP expert, you need to go through a rigorous audit and meet numerous requirements. But, is it all worth it?
Below, we explore the details of the Azure MSP Expert Program, including the benefits as well as the requirements for joining. Using this article, you will be able to make a concise decision on whether or not you want to take this step.
What Is The Azure MSP Expert Program?
To be an Azure Expert MSP is to be someone competent with providing differentiation and disparity into the marketplace. The leading deliverers obtain “top priority” in Microsoft's referral engine.
The Azure MSP Expert Program helps customers identify the top Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to work with. The program is a recent international initiative from Microsoft. The program aims to provide a spotlight for only the most competent and effective partners.
Globally, and as of February 2021, Microsoft has recognized just under 100 partners that meet the standards and requirements to become an Azure Expert MSP. Some top MSPs that achieved this certification include SaaSplaza, Cloud Direct, and Henson Group.
You become an Azure MSP Expert when you can successfully demonstrate:
a deep understanding and knowledge of the organization
industry-leading service abilities
and excellent customer satisfaction.
What Does It Entail?
Becoming an Azure Expert MSP would entail that you are a business that has proven and demonstrated high levels of expertise and skills. The process of achieving this certification involves meeting a number of requirements and holding a hold Gold Cloud Platform competency status.
Customers know and trust that the MSPs who have earned an Azure Expert MSP badge are ones that continuously work hard to remain experts in their fields. As such, these MSPs will provide the best and most efficient services.
What Are The Benefits?
So, is becoming an Azure MSP Expert actually worth it? Let’s discuss the benefits of obtaining this certification.
Customer engagement.
Microsoft prioritizes partners for leads as well as co-sell engagements.
Differentiation.
As a partner, you will be able to differentiate yourself from your competition by earning an exclusive Azure Expert MSP badge. This badge will be displayed to Microsoft customers. In addition, you will attain high priority in Microsoft’s referral engine.
Access, training, and support.
As a partner, you will be invited and able to be present at exclusive events. You will also be able to take part in monthly calls with Azure engineering.
Sales and business development.
Partners receive support to develop and grow new practices within their businesses.
The Requirements For The Azure MSP Expert Program
To become an Azure MSP Expert, you need to go through a lengthy and meticulous process. It involves numerous assessments, customer references, employee certification, and a thorough audit.
There are 8 essential requirements you need to have in order to apply for the Microsoft Azure Expert MSP program. They are:
Partner program tier. You must have been an active member of the Gold Cloud Platform partner tier
Azure consumption. You must have a high bar (USD 100,000) of Azure consumption revenue per month.
Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). It is essential to have an active CSP contract before you apply.
MSP offer. Your MSP offer must be recorded in Azure Marketplace or AppSource.
Azure MSP offer. You must promote your business’s Azure MSP offering on your website
Certified Staff. You must have the minimum number of staff (at least 15 full-time employees) that have the required certifications
Customer references. You will have to present four customer references for your Azure MSP services. You will also need to submit one public case study.
Support contract. You will need to have Premier Support for Partners or Advanced Support for Partners that will cover Azure.
If you meet these minimum requirements, Microsoft will review and then approve your application. The second step would be to undergo an intense and meticulous multi-day audit, which a private auditing firm will conduct on behalf of Microsoft.
If you pass the audit then you’ll officially be an Azure Expert MSP. However, you should note that Azure Expert MSPs are evaluated again every year. This is done to make sure that there are continual developments and improvements in the newest technology standards.
Final Thoughts
If anything, becoming an Azure MSP Expert offers a great sense of validation in your skills and expertise as a business. Therefore, it gives your costumes and clients more confidence in you and what you can do for their digital needs.
Yes, it is a lengthy process but the reward for having increased clientele who can trust in your skills and your business is extremely worth the process. So start with the application and be amongst the top MSPs who have become Azure MSP experts.