Experience only matters if you keep sharpening it..
At GAP, "good enough" makes us break out in hives, so we relentlessly and methodically stack up new Microsoft certifications on top of our long-standing Solutions Partner status. Why? Because tech (and you and your business) don't stand still - and neither do we.
What's New? More Badges, Same Obsession with Client Exceptional Experience
We're already a Microsoft Solutions Partner - that part isn't new. What is new is the growing list of advanced certifications our team keeps racking up across Azure, AI, data, and security. If you're a gamer you're familiar with unlocking achievements - and that's what GAP is doing all the time. In this case we're unlocking the ability to:
- Tap deeper into Microsoft expertise (specialized technology teams, early-access programs)
- Claim large chunks of free Azure credits and funding we can funnel straight into your projects
- Cut escalations with priority support that jumps the line when you need answers NOW.
In short, we're adding superpowers without making you expend any extra effort.
How the Microsoft Solutions Partner Program Works
| Solution Area | Why it's good for you |
| Data & AI | Faster analytics, smoother AI workloads to be able to work magic:
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| Digital & App Innovation | Cloud native re-platforming without a lot of drama:
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| Infrastructure | Scalable, secure landing zones built right the first time:
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| Security | Zero trust frameworks, not zero clue guesses:
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Why You Should Care (the 20 second version)
- Best, latest tech that's right for you. We'll do the scout work, validate it and then get it immediately to you.
- Certified humans - our smartest people sit (and pass) the rigorous exams so you don't have to.
- Access to Microsoft resources - our partnership means better solutions for your business.
- Cost optimization - we know how to get Microsoft funding, credits, even discounts.
- Future proof your org with our org - we're the continuous cert team and that means continuous relevance for your solutions.
Choosing a Microsoft Partner? Steal This Checklist:
- Match their badges to your needs: Data problem? Look for Data & AI. App overhaul? Digital & App Innovation.
- Demand evidence: Case studies (we got 'em), testimonials (yup, got those too), hard numbers.
- Probe their curiosity (MBAs call it "growth mindset"): Ask how they stay current. If their answer is "um", run.
(Spoiler: our answer involves beta programs, research, experiments, labs and lots of pizza and diet coke.)
Ready to Put Microsoft Tech to Work (without the guesswork?)
Let's talk. You bring the business challenge - we'll bring the Microsoft certified brainpower.
GAP + Microsoft = Less headaches, fast ROI.
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program since October 2023, we're proud to continue our tradition of excellence that began as Gold Partners in 2021.
This partnership represents our badge of commitment, and stamp of credibility from one of the world's most trusted technology giants.
But what does our Microsoft partnership mean for you as a GAP client?
- You can access the partner benefits packages.
- You get more strategic value and innovation to support your business growth.
Well, you may still have some more questions. So we'll discuss what being a Microsoft partner means and how you can benefit from this rare opportunity as a business.
What is the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program About?
The Microsoft Partner program aims to support businesses with the resources needed to use technology to meet customers' needs. However, there are different paths (stages) to Microsoft partnership, starting from those for startups to solution providers like GAP.
The Microsoft partner for startups supports business/startups (techy and non-techy) with all the tools, network, and expert guidance needed to ideate, develop, and scale. We recommend that our clients benefit from this free support, worth more than $100,000.
About GAP's Kind of Partnership - Microsoft Solutions Partner
This partnership is designed to support solution providers with all the technologies and training required to stand out and showcase their excellent performance to their clients. However, it's important to mention that this accreditation is strictly based on merit.
The program has a strict scoring system to qualify solution providers before accrediting them. See what the scoring framework looks like:
| Category | Metric | Max points |
| Performance | Net customer adds | xx |
| Skilling | Intermediate certifications | xx |
| Advanced certifications | xx | |
| Customer success | Usage growth | xx |
| Deployments | xx |
Source: Microsoft Partner Capability Score
Based on this scoring framework, qualifying for a Solutions Partner designation across each specific solution area requires:
- A partner capability score for the solution area (for example, Data and AI (Azure)) must be at least 70 points. Note that Microsoft offers six solution areas; it's expected that a partner meets the specific partner capability score requirements for each to be designated.
- Having all metrics in the solution area greater than zero points.
- Meet the criteria on any day during the qualification eligibility window.
The shiny part of the program is access to exclusive Microsoft resources, including training, product licenses, and go-to-market benefits that help us deliver exceptional solutions for your business.
The success criteria are excellent performance (expanded customer base with Microsoft product), skilling (intensive training of team members on Microsoft certifications - collaborative learning), and customer success (usage growth and deployment rate with customers.
Having peeled both the grumpy and glossy layers of the Microsoft Partner Program, how do all these still support your business growth?
Let's get to it quickly.
Benefits of Working with a Microsoft Partner
Microsoft aims to bridge the expertise gap between its software users and tech solutions providers. With the Solutions Partner accreditation, Microsoft users can access trained professionals with all the tools and skills required to scale their infrastructure. At the same time, B2B service providers gain more visibility for their expertise.
Let's explore each layer in detail:
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
The Microsoft Solutions Partner badge shows that a solution provider has undergone rigorous training and successfully unlocked access to Microsoft's opportunities and technologies. This means that whatever unique support a business needs for their Microsoft products is available with MSP.
Also, an MSP assures you that you can quickly access Microsoft's latest products, leading to faster innovation than competitors.
Access to Skilled and Certified Teams
Microsoft's Solutions Partner badge signals more profound expertise born through lifelong learning of a collaborative IT team. Knowing that your MSP has the expertise to resolve any query regarding your Microsoft product makes it easier for you to trust us.
Likewise, as MSPs have extensive knowledge of Microsoft technology, they can provide you with updated and relevant software recommendations that match your business's digital transformation needs.
Reduced Costs
As you work with a Microsoft partner, they may guide you through available funding or discounts for your product, helping you cut costs on the maintenance budget.
Also, dealing with partners who don't understand Microsoft's ecosystem well enough to provide custom, scalable solutions can be costly. Therefore, working with an MSP means access to a proactive provider that offers strategic input, not just reactive support that can lead to overspending.
Scalability & Security
By partnering with a certified MSP, your business has a higher chance of scaling quickly than industry competitors. These partners are equipped with the best and latest training, allowing them to implement solutions faster and more precisely.
Its other implication is the opportunity to avoid bottlenecks that may arise with delayed updates. Regular updates ensure your system is protected with the latest security features across Microsoft products like Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft Partner
The quickest way to choose an MSP is to check Microsoft's partner database and apply a filter based on your needs and locations. However, you must consider some essential elements to make the best choice.
- Understand the partner's specialization: Your project needs will dictate the kind of MSP to look for. Are you seeking an MSP that can support you with data engineering or AI? It's important to note that there are different areas of solution specialization for MSP accreditation. They include:
- Solutions Partner for Business Applications
- Solutions Partner for Modern Work
- Solutions Partner for Security
- Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure)
- Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure)
- Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure)
You may review their website to understand the provider's specialization. Below is what GAP's designation badge looks like.
- Check their track record: While the MSP badge already denotes excellence and expertise in using Microsoft technologies, you must do your due diligence to contextualize their specialization. Review their website for customers' success stories in the area of expertise you need. You may also request case studies to gain more insight into their work and culture.
- Investigate their adaptability: You want to understand the chosen MSP's versatility and innovation with technologies. Go through their customer testimonials and case studies to see different projects they've deployed and how they achieved them. The essence is to measure their capability to offer strategic insights that will suit your unique needs.
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level With Smarter Microsoft-Backed Solutions?
Now that you've seen that working with an MSP provides access to the latest Microsoft technologies, cost-effective software maintenance, skilled tech teams, quick customer support, and faster innovation, what's next?
Talk to GAP today!
As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, we bring years of hands-on experience helping businesses like yours across industries build smart, scalable, and customized software solutions. You don't have to take our word for it, but our customers' stories represent years of continuous success and satisfaction.
We've used Microsoft's technologies in many ways to support clients with their tech needs. And even in cases where you need more than Microsoft tech tools, we are versatile in making customized solutions for your needs. The best part is that our technology advisory service helps you start quickly and smartly.
Ready?
Join other growing businesses with GAP today. Let's talk about your business growth!
