Selecting the right Microsoft Azure managed service provider (MSP) is crucial for businesses seeking to optimize their cloud infrastructure and operations. With numerous MSPs offering Azure services, it’s essential to evaluate providers based on specific criteria.
Narrowing down the services you require from your Azure managed services provider will help you optimize the amount you spend each month. Look for features like proactive monitoring, disaster recovery, and the capability to integrate with your existing chat functions for an MSP that will support your business growth.
1. Azure Expertise
Your MSP must be able to prove its experience and expertise with Azure services. The easiest way to ensure your MSP possesses the necessary skills to implement and manage your Azure cloud infrastructure is to choose a Microsoft partner. This is a company with an official relationship with Microsoft that has attained certification across key competencies.
There are several different levels of partners, each with its own depth of knowledge and proven customer success. Higher tiers reflect greater capabilities and experience in implementing Azure across a range of different industries. Microsoft partners also have access to Microsoft resources and receive training and support. This makes them uniquely qualified to tailor solutions to their customers’ needs.
Industry Expertise
Before signing off on a partnership with an Azure MSP, ask if they have experience in your industry. Ask them to explain how they applied Azure-based cloud services successfully in your industry and what value they added.
Cloud Expertise
Look for a thorough understanding of Azure’s cloud capabilities. Be sure that your MSP’s team has expertise in cloud deployment, design, and management and the ability to meet the unique needs of your business. If your business requires hybrid cloud services, ask for solutions that bridge the gap between on-premises data centers and cloud security by delivering cloud services from a local data center.
A 2023 study into the impact of cloud computing on SMEs reported that it has a positive impact on different aspects of business operations. These include cost-effectiveness, improved efficiency, and raised competitiveness. The same study revealed security and data protection to be SMEs’ biggest concern, underlining the importance of finding an MSP with very high standards in protecting their customers’ data.
2. Efficient Communication
Efficient communication can make the difference between an amazing Azure MSP experience and a frustrating one. Look for a Microsoft Azure MSP that uses or would be willing to integrate a service collaboration solution like Thread to facilitate swift and effective communication between your team and the MSP technicians.
Thread integrates with the chat software your business already uses (like Microsoft Teams or Slack) to keep tickets in the same place as other work-related communications. This eliminates unproductive time spent flicking between platforms.
Thread improves operations in two main ways. Firstly, your staff can track tickets in real-time, which offers reassurance that their problem is being solved. Secondly, Thread automatically assigns a technician with expert knowledge of the issue to your task, meaning technical issues are solved quickly.
Communication breakdowns are extremely frustrating when you’re facing a technical problem that affects your productivity at work. Solutions like Thread that speed up communication reduce bottlenecks and boost productivity.
3. Security and Compliance
Ensuring the security and compliance of your MSP is a top priority. Managed Azure services should guarantee a secure environment by providing network and infrastructure security technologies and protecting user identity and access. Make sure your MSP protects your communications and operational processes and detects and defends your business against threats.
Compliance
When selecting an Azure MSP, investigate the company’s data security policies. Azure MSPs must adhere strictly to all national and international data protection standards and regulations; including GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
Partnering with an Azure MSP with robust data protection policies is essential for your company and your customers. Look for an MSP that carries out regular risk assessments and gives you insights into your compliance status. This will help you identify weaknesses and improve them.
Backups for Disaster Recovery
Emergencies like a data breach can cause business operations to grind to a halt unless backup solutions are in place. Look for an MSP that works to ensure business continuity in the case of a disaster by regularly backing up critical data, applications, and business resources.
Popular backup and data archiving solutions include backup-as-a-service and hybrid storage models. Ask prospective Azure MSPs which backup solutions they use and the pros and cons of each.
4. The MSP’s Size
The size of the MSP can be a determining factor for some businesses when choosing from among the huge number of Azure managed service providers available.
Pros of Large MSPs
Partnering with large MSPs offers plenty of advantages. For a start, large businesses have access to abundant resources. They typically employ the best in the business and procure the equipment they need to support a wide range of business needs. Large MSPs may also offer 24/7 support. This offers peace of mind that there’s always someone there to assist you if something goes awry.
If your business requires state-of-the-art services, larger MSPs may be the obvious solution. Big companies can afford to keep up with technology shifts and make sure your systems stay compliant with policy changes.
Pros of Small or Midsize MSPs
If you’re looking for more personalized IT support, a smaller MSP may be the way to go. Many businesses enjoy the experience of working with people who know you and your business and work to meet your specific needs. Working with small, local businesses can also be advantageous as they understand the local business environment and market base.
In some cases, smaller Azure MSPs can be more affordable. However, it’s important to understand why their fees are lower and ensure they can provide you with the infrastructure and tools you need to meet your goals. If your needs are fairly straightforward, a smaller MSP may be all you need.
5. Cost Optimization
One of the biggest motivations for collaborating with Azure MSPs is the prospect of lowering costs. When searching for an Azure MSP, ask how they can support your business growth by offering cost reductions like a free trial of Azure products or preferential pricing or discounts in exchange for longer-term contracts.
Because MSPs can accurately forecast your consumption, finding the right size solution should be relatively simple. Your cloud needs—and the deals available to you—will also be flexible as you scale up or down.
Check Out MSPs in Other Locations for Cost Savings
Choosing an offshore company over a local MSP can save you costs without compromising on service quality. This is because many MSPs have centers in countries across the globe. Start by searching for Azure cloud service partners by region or country. You could also browse different vendors’ websites to find out where they have different locations.
Be sure to choose an outsourcing destination that fits your goals in terms of pricing, expertise, and availability. Remember that you need technicians to be available during your work hours. If you choose to go with offshore Azure services, make sure they offer expert support when you need it.
6. Service Offerings Match Your Goals
Communicate your business goals to prospective Azure MSPs to ensure they can help you fulfill them. You may want the MSP to implement custom applications, help with data migration from on-premise to Azure cloud, or provide managed cloud services.
At this point, it’s important to have a clear idea of the business deliverables you’re looking for. This will help you narrow down your initial list of potential partners and optimize your costs.
Choose the Azure MSP that Lines Up with Your Business Goals
Selecting the right features in a Microsoft Azure MSP is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization’s digital transformation. By carefully evaluating factors such as Azure expertise, service offerings, customer support, security, and cost optimization, you can identify a partner that aligns with your business objectives.
A successful partnership with an Azure MSP will not only optimize your cloud infrastructure but also enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. Ultimately, the ideal MSP is one that becomes an extension of your team, providing the necessary support and expertise to help you achieve your goals.
