AOS-G PARTNER EVALUATION
Every AOS-G partner is authorized. What separates them is how they support you after the agreement is signed. These are the questions worth asking before you decide.
The strategy session is where that gets sorted out.
Authorization gets a partner in the door. These are the things that determine what working with then actually feels like.
The Question
Others
QUESTION
01
How do you receive support when you contact Microsoft?
Support can be provided quickly and easily, but the level of service varies among AOS-G partners. It’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. The ideal experience is having a local support team that’s familiar with your environment and able to quickly access the information you need.
Has a dedicated Account Manager familiar with your environment and licensing, streamlining support experiences.
Use a distributor that begins with Level 1 help desk support or have an EA Agreement with access only to the generic 800# support available to all clients, starting from a single license.
QUESTION
02
Does the provider offer a Service Level Agreement for their support desk?
Understanding how your AOS-G partner defines success in responding to tickets is crucial. AOS-G partners typically offer either a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or best effort. An SLA specifies a response time, while best effort means they’ll address it as soon as possible. This often involves opening a ticket with Microsoft and waiting up to 72 hours. Quick feedback is essential when you need immediate support and open a ticket.
Has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place, committing to responses within a specified timeframe. We will respond within a specified amount of time so we’re always on the same page.
Operate on a “Best Effort” basis and do not guarantee when your issue will be addressed.
QUESTION
03
How do you obtain advice on Microsoft licensing to ensure correct and efficient licensing?
Your AOS-G partner should provide a licensing expert to navigate the complexities of Microsoft licensing. It’s crucial to optimize your Microsoft spending, as it often represents a significant cost for your business. Make sure you’re getting maximum value and not overpaying for unnecessary or inefficient licenses. Avoid the common mistake of double-paying for licenses you don’t need.
Employs certified licensing specialists and can bring in knowledgeable technical resources to design solutions with a focus on minimizing licensing costs.
Search online and hope for the best.
QUESTION
04
Where can you turn when you have a billing question?
Identify who to contact for billing questions. If you have direct access to your AOS-G partner’s accounting department, you’ll get quick and complete answers. However, if your local partner needs to go through a distributor and then Microsoft, response times may be slow. Know what to expect from your AOS-G partner and make sure it meets your business needs.
Immediate access to your provider’s accounting team and experts in Microsoft billing practices.
Provider who needs to contact a distributor who then must reach out to Microsoft.
QUESTION
05
Does Microsoft officially endorse your provider for the services you’re buying?
Is your AOS-G partner certified by Microsoft or are they self-proclaimed experts? Previously, Silver or Gold Partner titles signified Microsoft expertise, but these titles are outdated. Microsoft now endorses partners through Solutions Partner Designations. As a four-time Microsoft Cloud Partner of the Year and one of the original six authorized AOS-G partners, Agile IT has the designations that matter for the services you need.
Microsoft Solutions Partner with expertise in specific areas.
Refer to themselves as a Microsoft Silver or Gold Partner, which are outdated designations.
The strategy session is a working conversation about your environment and what the right AOS-G partner relationship looks like for your situation. You come in with what you know. We figure out the rest together.
Tell us where you are and what you’re working toward.
The strategy session is where that conversation happens.
