By: David Rosenthal
Microsoft recently announced changes to their Cloud Partner Program. The program is a framework for certifying IT providers capable of meeting evolving customer needs and supporting their growth and profitability. The program is a portfolio of tools, resources, and offerings that partners can use to innovate for any cloud scenario on an extensible platform, join a community of partners committed to serving customers, and deliver successful solutions to industries and markets worldwide.
The major change to the program is the sunsetting of the Silver and Gold certification standards, which have been replaced by six new Solutions Partner designations:
- Business Applications
- Data and AI
- Digital & App Innovation
- Infrastructure
- Modern Work
- Security
The changes to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program were designed so that leading technology providers could show they have the tools, resources, and support they need to meet evolving customer needs and to grow businesses.
Each designation is aligned to where Microsoft sees customer demand and where partners have the greatest opportunity to scale to meet customer needs. These designations demonstrate the breadth of capabilities of a partner’s organization on the Microsoft Cloud. Achieving a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation is proof positive that an IT provider has differentiated themselves with advanced specializations.
Razor Technology’s Solutions Partner Designations
As the world and how we work continues to change, Microsoft’s Cloud Partner Program will remain a foundation for partner growth and success. In order to attain a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation, partners are required to fulfill rigorous standards for technical aptitude, number of customers, and deployment outcomes.
These designations serve as a symbol of excellence for partners and help customers to identify the most suitable technology partners to cater to their requirements. When choosing Razor, customers can expect cutting-edge business solutions from a comprehensive partner with verified proficiency across the Microsoft Cloud.
Today, Razor is proud to announce that we have been awarded a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation in four of the six specialties:
Data & AI
- AI and Machine Learning
- Cloud Analytics
- Data Warehouse Migration
- Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI
- Hybrid Operations and Management with Microsoft Azure Arc
- Kubernetes on Microsoft Azure
- Linux and Open Source Database Migration
- Modernization of Web Applications
- Windows Server and SQL Server Migration
Digital & App Innovation
- AI and Machine Learning
- DevOps with GitHub
- Hybrid Operations and Management
- Arc Kubernetes on Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft Low Code Application Development
- Modernization of Web Applications
Infrastructure
- Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI
- Hybrid Operations and Management with Microsoft Azure Arc
- Linux and Open Source Database Migration
- Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop
- Microsoft Azure VMware Solution
- Networking Services in Microsoft Azure
- SAP on Microsoft Azure
- Windows Server and SQL Server Migration
Modern Work
- Adoption and Change Management
- Calling for Solutions for Microsoft Teams
- Meetings and Meeting Rooms for Microsoft Teams
- Modernize Endpoints
- Teamwork Deployment
How Razor Proved It Was Up to Microsoft’s Exacting Standards
In addition to the Solutions Partner designations, Microsoft has introduced a new Partner Capability Score that holistically measures an organization’s technical capabilities and experience across performance, skilling, and customer success.
This score provides Razor Technology with the flexibility to demonstrate our knowledge, skills, and experience by attaining at least 70 out of a possible 100 points to achieve a Solutions Partner designation. This holistic measurement framework allowed Razor to showcase solutions we have delivered to help customers succeed and grow.
These changes to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program come as the world and how we work is rapidly changing. Cloud-based business solutions and distributed workforces are part of the new normal in work environments across industries and for businesses large and small.
With the rapid pace of change in the capabilities required by digitally-empowered businesses, Microsoft understood that its partner program had to evolve to meet new demands. Razor Technology is all in on the future of digital business and will continue to grow our capabilities to help our partners generate ever greater value from their digital investments.