Choosing the Right CSP
With so many CSPs out there, how do you find the right one for you?
Here are some essential questions to ask to ensure you can maximize your Microsoft 365 or Azure Cloud ROI and achieve your organizational goals.
Don’t settle for just any CSP.
Choose Agile IT as your cloud service provider for tailored solutions, expert guidance, and to maximize your return on investment with Microsoft technologies.
How do you receive support when you contact Microsoft?
If you need support, it can be provided quickly and easily. However, the level of service varies among CSPs, so it's important to understand what you're signing up for. The ideal experience is having a local support team that is familiar with your environment and able to quickly access necessary information.
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.
Does the provider offer a Service Level Agreement for their support desk?
Understanding how your CSP defines success in responding to tickets is crucial. CSPs typically offer either Service Level Agreements (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 an ticket.
Has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place, committing to responses within a specified timeframe, such as we'll respond within X hours.
Operate on a "Best Effort" basis and does not guarantee when your issue will be addressed
How do you obtain advice on Microsoft licensing to ensure correct and efficient licensing?
Your CSP 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. Ensure 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.
Partner 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.
Where can you turn when you have a billing question?
Identify who to contact for billing questions. If you have direct access to your provider's accounting department, you'll get quick and complete answers. However, if your local provider needs to go through a distributor and then Microsoft, response times may be slow. Know what to expect from your CSP and ensure 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.
Does Microsoft officially endorse your provider for the services you're buying?
Is your CSP 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. Ensure your CSP has the relevant designations 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.
Agile IT is a cloud-first managed services company and one of the top 100Cloud Computing Solutions Providers in the world.
A four-time Microsoft Cloud Partner of the Year, and one of the first partners authorized to sell GCC High licensing, Agile IT offers Microsoft cloud managed services that go beyond traditional MSP support. We're focused on keeping our clients secure, productive, and compliant.