Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP)

Microsoft Azure Expert MSP

An Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a company or a service provider that has been certified by Microsoft as an expert in managing Azure cloud services. These MSPs are recognized for their proficiency in providing a range of managed services on the Azure platform, including infrastructure management, application management, database management, and security management.

To become an Azure Expert MSP, a company must demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience in Azure cloud services and must meet a set of stringent requirements set by Microsoft. These requirements include having a dedicated team of certified Azure experts, providing 24/7 customer support, demonstrating a proven track record of successful Azure deployments, and meeting a set of performance metrics.

As an Azure Expert MSP, the service provider is authorized to offer a range of managed services to customers, including monitoring and managing Azure infrastructure, managing Azure applications and databases, providing security and compliance services, and offering strategic consulting services to optimize Azure deployments.

Choosing an Azure Expert MSP provides several benefits, such as access to a team of certified Azure experts, 24/7 customer support, proactive monitoring and management of Azure resources, and the ability to focus on core business activities while leaving the management of Azure infrastructure to the experts.

What are the benefits?

Choosing an Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) can provide several benefits to organizations using Azure cloud services, including:

1. Expertise: Azure Expert MSPs have demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience in managing Azure cloud services, including infrastructure management, application management, database management, and security management. This expertise can help organizations optimize their Azure deployments, minimize downtime, and ensure a high level of performance and security.
2. 24/7 Support: Azure Expert MSPs provide 24/7 customer support, ensuring that organizations have access to assistance whenever they need it. This support can include help with troubleshooting, issue resolution, and performance optimization.
3. Proactive Monitoring: Azure Expert MSPs proactively monitor Azure resources, applications, and databases to detect issues before they become critical. This proactive monitoring can help minimize downtime and ensure a high level of performance.
4. Cost Savings: Azure Expert MSPs can help organizations optimize their Azure deployments to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This can include rightsizing resources, implementing cost management strategies, and optimizing application performance.
5. Strategic Consulting: Azure Expert MSPs can provide strategic consulting services to help organizations plan and implement their Azure deployments. This can include assistance with migration planning, application modernization, and security and compliance.
6. Focus on Core Business: Partnering with an Azure Expert MSP can allow organizations to focus on their core business activities, while leaving the management of Azure infrastructure to the experts. This can help improve productivity and efficiency and allow organizations to focus on innovation and growth.

How do I qualify?

To qualify as an Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP), your organization must meet a set of stringent requirements set by Microsoft. Here are the steps you can follow to become an Azure Expert MSP:

1. Meet the Azure Expert MSP requirements: Your organization must meet the Azure Expert MSP requirements, which include having a dedicated team of certified Azure experts, providing 24/7 customer support, demonstrating a proven track record of successful Azure deployments, and meeting a set of performance metrics.
2. Apply to become an Azure Expert MSP: You can apply to become an Azure Expert MSP by submitting an application to Microsoft. The application process includes a review of your organization’s capabilities and performance metrics.
3. Pass the audit process: After submitting your application, your organization will undergo an audit process to ensure that you meet the Azure Expert MSP requirements. This audit process includes a review of your organization’s processes, tools, and documentation.
4. Sign the Azure Expert MSP agreement: If your organization passes the audit process, you will be required to sign the Azure Expert MSP agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the program.
5. Maintain your Azure Expert MSP status: Once your organization becomes an Azure Expert MSP, you must continue to meet the program requirements to maintain your status. This includes demonstrating ongoing expertise in managing Azure cloud services, providing 24/7 customer support, and meeting performance metrics.

Overall, becoming an Azure Expert MSP requires a commitment to excellence in managing Azure cloud services and a dedication to ongoing improvement and expertise.

Azure Expert MSP prerequisites

To qualify as an Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP), your organization must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Azure Certifications: Your organization must have at least four Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) with active Azure certifications, including at least two MCPs who have earned the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. Additionally, at least two of the MCPs must have certifications in either Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Developer Associate, or Azure Security Engineer Associate.
2. Managed Services Experience: Your organization must have at least three years of experience delivering managed services, including at least one year of experience managing Azure workloads.
3. Customer References: Your organization must provide at least three customer references that demonstrate your ability to deliver managed services on the Azure platform.
4. Annual Managed Revenue: Your organization must have a minimum annual managed revenue of $100,000 USD for Azure services.
5. Service Offerings: Your organization must offer a range of managed services for Azure, including infrastructure management, application management, database management, and security management.
6. Customer Support: Your organization must provide 24/7 customer support for Azure services.
7. Performance Metrics: Your organization must meet a set of performance metrics for Azure services, including uptime, incident response times, and customer satisfaction.

Meeting these prerequisites demonstrates your organization’s expertise and commitment to managing Azure cloud services and sets the foundation for becoming an Azure Expert MSP.

Nominate customers directly via AMMP Partner-led

Yes, as an Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP), you can nominate your customers directly for the Azure Migration and Modernization Program (AMMP) through a Partner-led engagement. The AMMP is a program designed to help customers accelerate their cloud migration and modernization journeys by providing access to funding, technical resources, and expert guidance.

To nominate a customer for the AMMP through a Partner-led engagement, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Identify a customer who is interested in migrating and modernizing their applications on Azure.
2. Contact your Microsoft account team or partner development manager to express your interest in nominating the customer for the AMMP.
3. Work with your Microsoft account team to complete the AMMP nomination form and provide the required customer and project information.
4. Once the nomination is submitted, Microsoft will review the customer’s eligibility for the program and provide guidance on next steps.
5. If the customer is accepted into the program, you will work with them to develop a migration and modernization plan that aligns with their business objectives and technical requirements.
6. You will then work with the customer to execute the plan, leveraging the technical resources, funding, and expert guidance provided by the AMMP.

Overall, the AMMP is a valuable program that can help accelerate your customer’s cloud migration and modernization journeys, while providing opportunities for you to deepen your relationship with them as their trusted Azure Expert MSP partner.