It is the third time that we can proudly claim the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (MSP) status. A status that is only given to the most experienced Microsoft Azure partners. “Intercept’s level of Azure expertise is very high, as demonstrated by the number of customers used in providing audit evidence”, says the independent auditor of ISSI.
A little piece of history
The first time we took part in the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider Program was in 2017. At that time this was still a pilot. “Microsoft wanted to create an elite status for the Azure platform”, explains Bastiaan van Leeuwen, Business Development Manager at Intercept. “Microsoft only invited 30 partners worldwide to participate in this pilot. It meant the world that we were invited. After completing this audit in 2018, we received the Azure Expert MSP status. We were the first organization in the Netherlands to receive this status.”
Yearly audit
Every year the status is audited. This September, ISSI put our organization to the test again. To validate the compliance regulations, set by the Azure Expert MSP Program. Microsoft updates these regulations every six months. All aspects of our Azure services were closely checked during the audit. “The audit is a way to validate the Azure adoption, in every part of the organization”, says Bastiaan. The auditor was convinced: “Intercept’s level of Azure expertise is very high, as demonstrated by the number of customers used in providing audit evidence.”
Focus on optimal support of ISV’s
The yearly audit helps us to keep an eye on our compliance. It also challenges us and keeps our focus on the customer. Bastiaan: “The Azure Expert MSP status is fully aligned with our vision and strategy. In which we focus on supporting ISVs, with solutions that focus on their technical and business transformation.” Looking at the organizational development of Intercept, you can also clearly see this focus. “During our participation in the Azure Expert MSP Program in 2017, we have been focussing on continuously improving our services. On a technical as well as an organizational level. An example of this focus is the transformation of the SupportDesk into multidisciplinary Continuous Improvement Teams. Who aim to support ISVs in all the different aspects of transformation. In the most optimal and personal way possible”, explains Bastiaan.
Close partnership with Microsoft
The Azure Expert MSP Program has initiated our focus on optimizing our internal processes. In addition, it has intensified our relationship with Microsoft. “We have a close relationship with Microsoft, due to our participation in the Azure Expert MSP Program and our status as Azure Management Elite Partner”, says Bastiaan. “We frequently have online meetings, in which Microsoft shares their recent developments. We also take the liberty to share the input of our customers with Microsoft, during these meetings. To make sure that the functionalities that they need end up on the roadmap of the Azure Team responsible for the development.”
No sitting back
We are not only proud of our Azure Expert MSP status, it also motivates us to continuously improve our organization. Bastiaan: “By participating in this Program, we are continuously challenged to make our services live up to the standards that Microsoft requires of their elite partners. Therefore it is not the time now to sit back. Even though we achieved this status once more.”