The Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program allows Microsoft partners to sell Azure as a value-added reseller or a managed services provider. Successful CSPs do more than just set clients up with a reliable cloud service. Instead, they provide innovative, organized, and invaluable solutions to their customers and partners. When companies migrate to Azure, they want expert services and providers on their side. That’s why businesses are on the lookout for reliable and highly recommended Microsoft CSP partners. To find the best Cloud Solution Provider for your business, you must first understand what this title means and how a company successfully demonstrates the values of a Microsoft partner. Learn what it means to be a Tier 1 CSP with this overview.
What Is a Microsoft CSP?
More and more, Microsoft requires its cloud solutions to come from a certified CSP model. CSP partners must uphold Microsoft’s elite reputation by demonstrating certain values and services. For example, a CSP partner must provide a value-added service—they can’t simply resell Azure without offering their own services to clients. Azure managed cloud services are an example of the kind of high quality, value-added service CSPs must demonstrate. Additionally, a Microsoft CSP partner must be an expert in the products they provide. When a company purchases Azure from a CSP, they’re purchasing technical expertise and reliable support for their cloud network. Finally, Microsoft CSPs offer simplified billing that consolidates all cloud services into an easy-to-manage account for customers.
The Difference Between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cloud Solution Providers
There are two different levels of Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Like all options within your cloud infrastructure, the type of CSP model you choose influences the success of your business. The biggest difference between CSP models is that Tier 1 CSPs are Direct Partners, while Tier 2 CSPs are Indirect Partners. A Tier 1 CSP works directly with Microsoft by purchasing products from the source and displaying the stricter standards Microsoft has for itself and its partners. Meanwhile, Tier 2 CSPs work with Microsoft via third-party distributors. Developing a Tier 2 CSP model is faster and doesn’t include as many stringent requirements as a Tier 1 model.
What It Means To Be a Tier 1 CSP
Tier 1 Cloud Solution Providers such as Atmosera pride themselves on demonstrating the expert support, convenient billing capabilities, and quality service necessary to become a Microsoft partner. With these achievements comes a direct line to Microsoft. This allows premium access to new developments from Microsoft or quick and expert support if a client needs to escalate an issue. Cloud Solution Providers work hard to earn such top-tier opportunities. Microsoft sets several conditions and standards that its partners must meet in order to qualify as a Tier 1 CSP. When a company chooses a Tier 1 Cloud Solution Provider, they benefit from the following services and support.
Simplified, Single-Point Contact for Billing and Support
Setting up and managing a cloud network is a complicated task. Tier 1 CSPs work to make this process as easy as possible for their clients by offering consolidated billing. Every expense—from the products you’re using to the services you benefit from—comes down to a single, simplified bill. In addition to eliminating a lot of monthly budgeting and hassle, this simplified billing process helps customers analyze their spending and stay informed about the value of their cloud services. Furthermore, quality Tier 1 CSPs like Atmosera connect every customer with a dedicated account manager who can help clients better understand their monthly billing and the service they’re paying for.
Optimized Cloud Spending
It’s not enough to simply understand how a billing system works. Tier 1 CSPs strive to optimize cloud spending for their clients. This means creating efficient and effective infrastructures that allow customers to make the most out of their cloud network. A Microsoft Tier 1 CSP will help a company identify and eliminate unnecessary spending such as overlapping services or underused instances. Whether your business needs a public, private, or hybrid cloud solution, a Tier 1 CSP will help you streamline processes and implement cost-effective products so that you get the most out of what you pay for. Even better, a Tier 1 CSP allows you to only pay for the products and services you need; this means you’ll never waste money on unnecessary software or unused applications.
Customized and Scalable Cloud Solutions
Microsoft Azure comes with limitless potential. However, the massive range of software applications, services, and other customizable options can make learning your way around Azure an intimidating prospect. How do you know your cloud network is reaching its full potential? Working with a Tier 1 CSP guarantees a customized cloud solution that serves your business to the best of its ability. A Tier 1 CSP partner will work with you to create a flexible network that expands with your business needs. Moreover, a Tier 1 CSP sets you up for growth by building scalable cloud solutions. Successful companies see a lot of growth and evolution over the years. Partnering with a Tier 1 CSP ensures that your cloud infrastructure will continue to support you through everything your business faces in the years to come.
Constant Superior Support
Microsoft requires its partners to be experts in their field. When you choose a Tier 1 CSP, you choose world-class expertise. What does that mean for your company? You benefit from dedicated professionals who make a career out of knowing their way around Microsoft Azure. From day-to-day questions to crucial issues, your Cloud Solution Provider has the knowledge necessary to work through your problems or concerns. Your company will always have someone reliable to turn to when an issue arises. Furthermore, Tier 1 CSP partners offer 24/7 monitoring and support for your cloud system. If you experience downtime, security threats, or other management issues, a Tier 1 CSP will notice and react right away. This allows companies to operate with comfort and confidence knowing that their cloud solutions are in expert, proactive, and reliable hands.
Tier 1 Cloud Solution Providers work hard to uphold Microsoft’s standards and values. The result is a world-class service that sets customers up for success. Companies that partner with Tier 1 CSPs benefit from expert support and quality solutions that help them make the most of their cloud network.
