If you’re looking for IT services, you must have encountered the terms “Microsoft Certified Partner” or “Microsoft Gold Partner.” Despite being on the customer side, these are the terms that you should know. Do you need to partner with a Microsoft certified team? Below, we’ll explore seven key reasons you should consider going for the Gold when working with Microsoft. 

What is a Microsoft Certified Partner? 

A Microsoft Partner is an authorized seller that delivers Microsoft-related services and goods, such as cloud services, software applications, solution deployment, and specialized support. Since its inception in 2000, the Microsoft Certified Partner program has expanded into a thriving community of over 90,000 businesses, with 7,500 new partners entering the network each month. A vital component of Microsoft’s ecosystem is its partners, and they generate about 95% of Microsoft’s commercial revenue.  

Microsoft Partners are often stereotyped as merely software or service brokers for Microsoft. This couldn’t be further from the truth; their jobs and responsibilities are more extensive than that. They act as a link between the IT giant and corporate customers, working with companies to maximize Microsoft solutions and as of recently will be considered the preferred source for Microsoft trainings.  

Different types of Microsoft Partners  

Another term that you should know about is Competencies.  A Microsoft service feature in which consumers can refer to a marketplace or phone support for a “distinct and demonstrated skill set.” Set standards have been created, creating easy and helpful avenues for partners to be identifiable to potential customers and meet the unique needs of their customers. Moreover, customers can quickly determine a company’s capabilities and knowledge by looking at their competencies since Microsoft’s Competencies are matched with how buyers buy. A Partner can achieve one of two levels—Silver or Gold—for each competency.  

Silver competency denotes expertise and dedication in a particular business solution area. The best solutions are provided by Silver Competency Partners, who also go through a rigorous and auditable approval procedure.  

Fact: Microsoft Silver Partners are in the top 5% of partners worldwide.  

Gold competency is the highest certification that denotes an exceptionally high level of knowledge and a highly specialized skill set in a particular technology or service sector.   

Fact: Microsoft Gold Partners are in the top 1% of partners worldwide.  

While both are considered the top-tier, Microsoft Gold Certified provides these capabilities:  

• Viewed as leaders by the partner community 
• Providing consulting services for the best possible Microsoft install 
• Get updates and news from Microsoft first 
• Provide IT services and goods based on Microsoft 
• Provide more intelligent training resources and courses 

7 Reasons Why you Should go for Microsoft Gold  Partner

It’s always best not to settle for a simple certification or an authorized seller when it comes to your organization, especially your data and systems. From gaining access to exclusive resources and support to demonstrating credibility and expertise in your industry, there are countless reasons why partnering with Microsoft at the highest level is a wise decision. 

1. Have a Direct Access Channel to Microsoft 

Choosing a Microsoft Gold Partner offers access to consultants with specialized skills tailored to your specific needs. This level of internal expertise enables Microsoft Gold Partners to resolve issues more efficiently without frequently requiring assistance from Microsoft.  

However, there may be instances where a Partner requires support. In such cases, Microsoft Gold Partners have the added advantage of accessing advanced support partners within the Microsoft Business Solutions network, ensuring prompt responses from knowledgeable individuals. Additionally, Gold Partners receive entitlements attached to all their cases, which can be escalated immediately through a dedicated escalation team if necessary.  

Furthermore, Microsoft has been deeply involved with Gold Partners from the beginning stages of considering their products. They add value throughout the entire process, including engagement and discovery phases and technical support for solution architecture.  

2. Operate with the knowledge you can rely on entirely. 

All Microsoft Gold Partners are subject to strict requirements and annual testing. So, to maintain their certification, they must constantly update and broaden their knowledge. It ensures that the team you’re working with is knowledgeable about your product, keeps up with any updates, and knows how to make the most of it to meet your needs.  

Microsoft Gold Partners aids in ensuring that your Partner has a “deep bench,” or a large pool of qualified individuals who are accessible to assist you at any stage of your project. If the team is reorganized or the individual with the most knowledge quits the company, the project will likely run smoothly. Faster turnaround times for projects and problems also result from having more resources.  

When a business asks a partner to assist it in moving to new ways of functioning, it can anticipate the following:  

• They profit from a follow-up service under the service provider’s supervision.
• The licensed professionals are consulted 
• The provided options are customized to meet individual demands 

3. Be Up-to-Date at all times 

Microsoft’s software, solutions, and services are continuously updated and improved. As a result, their competency standards are revised to reflect these improvements. When you select a Gold partner, you can be sure that your service provider is knowledgeable and current about Microsoft’s most recent products and has the necessary training and certifications needed  

4. Thinking about the long-term growth of your business 

Not all business demands are equal. A Microsoft Gold Partner has vast experience, knowledge, and training to ensure that your long-term objectives are fully addressed. They also have access to demos and advancements to be free to test ideas and offer the best implementation for your company.  

5. High Degree of Product and Service Expertise 

Choosing a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner means working with a certified and accredited IT expert. They deliver cutting-edge, tested solutions built on Microsoft technologies to support your business and realize your full potential, giving you a competitive advantage. In addition to software, the solutions also typically involve training, consulting, and total support.  

6. Integrate completely with your systems and services. 

The proficiency of a Gold Partner in Microsoft technologies offers a crucial extra benefit: perfect system integration with customers’ systems and thorough comprehension of their business and IT concerns. So, Microsoft Partner Network members receive free access to the publisher’s most recent innovations and know-how as well as tools and infrastructures that guarantee the protection of their user/customer data. It results in a unique, specially-made system tailored to you.  

7. The opportunity for a Proof of Concept 

The benefit of receiving licenses for development and demos belongs to Gold Partners. They now have the chance to create proof of ideas for clients without spending money on license purchases. What does it mean for the client, though? That’s excellent for the Partner. It allows the Partner to test concepts with clients before asking them to commit, giving clients the advantage of experiencing the proposed solution before moving forward with implementation.  

A Partner is qualified to provide deployment planning services when they possess a mix of Competencies. Microsoft can sponsor the Partner for several days of consultancy work, akin to a pilot program or presenting a proof of concept for the reasonable prospect and the right project. It is ideal for a client ready to purchase but concerned about a sizable financial commitment. This scenario is a win for both the customer and the Partner. After all, they are already prepared for the engagement and Microsoft because they will sell licenses and have another excellent customer success story to share.  

Choosing a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner