In every sector, IT is becoming more complex as organisations pursue new ways of working and doing business. Cloud, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, analytics and collaboration services have fuelled major shifts in the way that businesses operate and introduced a new level of complexity into IT management and security.
In-house IT teams are feeling the pressure of technology-led business change. Business teams are presenting with higher expectations for service management, shorter timeframes to develop new capabilities, requirements that demand specialist expertise, and low appetites for risk.
When you’re under the pump, it’s difficult for in-house IT teams to balance the competing pressures of high expectations, high complexity projects and high workloads.
Often, it’s the ‘business as usual’ activities like maintenance, support and security optimisation that are deprioritised – and that’s where Microsoft partners come in.
What is a Microsoft partner?
Microsoft partners are specialised technology vendors that are trusted and certified by Microsoft to design and deliver up-to-date solutions. Partners are a part of the Microsoft ecosystem, receiving access to specialist training, insights, resources and tools that equip them to deliver outstanding Microsoft solutions for their customers.
In this blog post, we’ll share some of the top benefits of working with a Microsoft partner to set up and maintain your organisation’s security.
1. Work with certified Microsoft experts
When you engage a Microsoft partner, you can be confident that you’re getting high-quality expertise and advice. Microsoft partners have access to in-depth product training and benefit from exclusive insights into emerging capabilities and best practice. You can be assured of their capability, as Microsoft partners are required to demonstrate their competencies in specific products and solutions in order to obtain certification.
Products such as Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) have a wide range of capabilities and it can take time for IT staff to get up to speed. Engaging a Microsoft partner gives you peace of mind that you’ve got the right expert on the tools, without distracting IT staff from their other duties.
2. Save costs on full-time IT staff
Microsoft partners bring the best of both worlds – you get access to specialist expertise when you need it, without the requirement to hire, train and retain a full-time IT resource. This can be a significant drawcard, especially for IT departments struggling with resourcing pressures.
In addition, Microsoft partners can be engaged on a short-term project basis or retained under relationship model – you have the flexibility to choose when, where and how they work with you. The support you receive from a Microsoft partner can be scaled up or down to suit your needs at any given time.
3. Security is always a focus
Many organisations find that engaging a Microsoft partner to design, configure and manage complex security products, like Microsoft EMS, gives them peace of mind. IT staff and management teams can rest assured that there is a dedicated resource to maintain and optimise security arrangements, without being distracted by day-to-day activities or unexpected priorities in the business.
4. Robust security
With a Microsoft partner, you can trust that your security is being overseen by a highly skilled and experienced security specialist. Microsoft partners have strong networks, first-class training and access to up-to-date information on trends and issues in IT security. When a Microsoft partner is responsible for your administering technologies in the Microsoft EMS suite, you can be confident that your organisation’s security posture is robust, in line Microsoft best practice.
Next steps
Cloud Collective is a strategic alliance of Microsoft Gold Partners that offer the full spectrum of Microsoft solutions. We have an outstanding track record of supporting our clients to design, implement and manage secure solutions. To find out more, contact us today
