Introduction
Azure Expert MSP is a program that is available as part of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. Azure Expert MSP aims to facilitate connections between customers, Microsoft field personnel, and Azure-managed service providers best suited to meet specific business needs.
The program has the following objectives:
Ensure that customers can easily find the most suitable managed service partners.
Acknowledge the capabilities and expertise of partners in effectively utilizing Azure services and service management to provide business solutions.
Distinguish MSPs who have successfully undergone a comprehensive audit of their IT service management capabilities (including people, processes, and technology) and have demonstrated the ability to deliver high-quality managed services on Azure consistently.
The Azure Expert MSP program is designed for partners who offer full lifecycle-managed services to customers. It is not suited to partners who offer or deliver managed services through an indirect channel. Microsoft utilizes an external third-party auditing firm to evaluate conformity with the Azure Expert MSP audit criteria. The Azure Expert MSP audit entails a methodical, impartial, and documented procedure for gathering evidence and assessing objectively to gauge the degree to which the audit standards are fulfilled.
Definition of an Azure Expert MSP
Azure Expert Managed Service Provider status is aimed at partners who already have an established Azure managed services practice and have a minimum of 25 actively managed customers using their cloud management platform for the provisioning and management of services. Azure Expert MSPs are a highly evolved group of managed services partners. The core of an Azure Expert MSP’s business places a significantly higher focus on “Automation & Dev-Ops” over traditional MSPs who focus on the people & processes associated with the customer lifecycle. Azure Expert MSPs are highly technical organizations with skillsets across DevOps/Sysops, architecting cloud solutions and technical professional consulting. An Azure Expert MSP pivots on business outcomes of their customers’ solutions and applications and not on workloads or offers. An Azure Expert MSP must offer repeatable, highly automated solutions to enable and support hyper-scale cloud implementations. Their service follows an agile customer-driven design and mixes consultancy, migration, and management to evolve a customer from a “Design, Build, Operate” process to a dynamic “Design, Optimize, Transform” cycle. The focus is on creating end-user value through business value metrics, SLAs, resiliency, and continual optimization to drive customer outcomes.
An Azure Expert MSP
Help customers find innovative business solutions to aid their digital transformation initiatives and operate effectively in fast-paced, adaptable environments.
Deliver & manage a full customer cloud engagement lifecycle: Plan/Design →Build/Migrate → Run/Optimize.
Implement cloud assessments, enablement services, and operations supported by state-of-the-art Cloud Tooling that enables margin expansion at scale.
Demonstrate the use of automation and well-articulated repeatable processes and policies for operations, security, and management.
Drive application innovation.
Manage from the application/solution down, not from the infrastructure.
Operate an automated CMP integrated with Microsoft AI CloudPlatform. CMP can be a combination of homegrown tools, enabling 3rd party ISV applications and APIs and Microsoft native tools.
Provide application-level performance monitoring and management outcomes.
Program Process
Timing Considerations
New Partners: Have 120 days from notification of a successful customer evidence phase application to complete the audit.
Renewing Partners: Have 75 days to complete their application and audit, starting 45 days before and ending 30 days after their anniversary date.
Partners will be audited against the version of the audit checklist that is current at the time of their audit, irrespective of the date they began their application or the AD date. Audit checklists are generally updated twice per year
Microsoft uses an independent third-party audit company, Information Security Systems International, LLC (ISSI), to schedule and conduct Azure MSP audits. The application process involves three stages:
Pre-Requisites Phase
The Pre-Requisites Phase is the initial step in the Azure Expert MSP application process. This phase ensures that a partner meets all the necessary requirements before they can officially start their application. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Key Components
Solutions Partner Designations
Partners must have three active Solutions Partner designations: Data & AI, Digital & App Innovation, and Infrastructure. These designations are foundational and demonstrate a partner's capabilities in essential areas of Azure services.
Azure Consumption Monthly Run-Rate
Partners must drive a minimum of USD $350,000 in Azure consumed revenue per month. This revenue should be derived from customer engagements and measured via Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions, Partner Admin Link (PAL), Azure Marketplace, and Digital Partner of Record (DPOR). At least USD $175,000 of the monthly run rate must come from CSP or PAL.
CSP Contract
Partners must have a CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) contract in place, either as a CSP Direct Reseller or a CSP Indirect Reseller. CSP Indirect Provider does not qualify.
Find out more https://partner.microsoft.com/cloud-solution-provider
Support Contract
Partners need to have an Advanced Support for Partners or Premier Support for Partners (PSfP) contract covering Azure.
More information is available here: https://partner.microsoft.com/support/partnersupport
Marketing Presence
Partners must have an Azure-focused consulting service offering published on one of the qualifying Microsoft sites like AppSource or Azure Marketplace.
Certified Staff
Partners must have at least 15 full-time employees (FTEs) who have completed qualifying exams and certifications, such as Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Developer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Associate.
Customer Evidence
Partner must provide evidence of four Azure customer references, including one public reference with a published case study and three Win Wires. Customer references must be for engagements started no longer than twelve months before the Azure Expert MSP program application date. The templates for submission are in the Partner Center. All customer evidence must meet the minimum standard as outlined in the templates available on the application form: https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard/mpn/program/azureexpertmsp
Active Customers
Partners must demonstrate a minimum of 25 active, unique Cloud Management Platform (CMP) customers.
Customer Evidence Phase
The Customer Evidence Phase involves submitting proof of successful customer engagements to demonstrate the partner’s expertise and impact. This phase is critical for verifying the practical application of the partner’s Azure services.
Key Components
Customer References
Partners must submit evidence of four customer engagements. These references should highlight significant achievements and positive outcomes from using Azure services.
Public Reference
At least one of the customer references must be a public reference with a published case study showcasing the partner's ability to deliver high-quality Azure solutions.
Win Wires
The remaining three references must be Win Wires, internal documents used by Microsoft to capture and share details of successful customer engagements.
Recent Engagements
Customer references must be for engagements started no longer than twelve months before the Azure Expert MSP program application date.
Audit Phase
The Audit Phase is the final and most rigorous step in the Azure Expert MSP application process. It involves a comprehensive review by an independent third-party audit company to validate that the partner meets all program requirements.
Key Components
Audit Scheduling
Once the customer evidence is approved, partners must schedule the audit with the independent third-party auditor, Information Security Systems International, LLC (ISSI).
Process and Controls Overview
This is a mandatory step for new partners, where the auditor provides a detailed overview of the audit process, scope, and expectations. This session helps partners prepare adequately for the audit.
Renewal Cycles
Azure Experts MSP partners renew yearly. To retain Azure Expert MSP status, partners must continue to meet all prerequisites annually, understanding that the prerequisites and the audit checklist are generally updated twice annually in order to reflect technology and market advances. Renewing partners must complete the pre-requisites, customer evidence and audit phases within the renewal window for both Progress and Full audits. The renewal window opens 45 days before each partner’s anniversary date and closes 30 days after. All three phases must be completed within this 75-day window. We encourage all partners to start the renewal process when the renewal window opens. Renewing partners will be required to undergo a Progress audit in subsequent years once annually till the third consecutive year of membership in the program. The Progress audit will focus on (but is not limited to):
Changes and improvements to the partner’s managed services operations and activities
Validation of any new tools implemented since the last audit Partners undergo a Full audit when they initiate the designation and then again at the third renewal of the program.
In between, the Partner renews through Progress audits. Corporate extensions to the Partner’s program Anniversary date have no bearing on the renewal cadence requirements for Full or Progress audits, and the audit sequence remains the same (below), even if dates are extended. New in March 2023, a partner can take the Full audit at any time in the sequence. This restarts the sequence. The auditors and Partner Center record the Partner requests and results. A partner may request a Full audit anytime in the sequence. This restarts the sequence. This documentation and checklist are for the Full Azure Experts MSP audit. For more information on AEMSP Progress audits, please see the AEMSP Progress Audit. The AEMSP renewal cadence required is this:
Year One application– Full audit
First renewal Year Two– Progress audit
Second renewal Year Three – Progress audit
Third Renewal Year Four – Full audit
Conclusion
The Azure Expert MSP program sets the gold standard for managed service providers, recognizing those who excel in delivering top-notch Azure solutions. With a focus on automation, DevOps, and consistent customer success, this certification highlights partners who are true leaders in the cloud space. By meeting rigorous requirements and passing a comprehensive audit, Azure Expert MSPs prove their ability to drive digital transformation and deliver real business value. Achieving this status builds trust with customers and solidifies a partner’s reputation as an elite provider of Azure-managed services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Azure Expert MSP program?
The Azure Expert MSP program is an exclusive certification awarded by Microsoft to managed service providers (MSPs) who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in delivering Azure-based solutions. These top-tier MSPs stand out for their advanced capabilities in automation, DevOps, and driving measurable customer outcomes. This certification is a mark of excellence, indicating that the MSP has met rigorous standards and is equipped to provide comprehensive, high-quality Azure services that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Who can qualify for the Azure Expert MSP program?
Microsoft Partners must already have a well-established Azure managed services practice to qualify for the Azure Expert MSP program. This means they should be actively managing at least 25 unique customers using their cloud management platform. Additionally, partners need to demonstrate a strong emphasis on automation, DevOps practices, and delivering consistent, high-quality Azure solutions. The program is designed for MSPs who have the capability to support large-scale cloud implementations and drive significant business value through their services.
What are the key requirements to become an Azure Expert MSP?
To become an Azure Expert MSP, partners must meet several key requirements:
Solutions Partner Designations: Partners must hold at least three active Microsoft Solutions Partner designations in areas like Microsoft solution partner designation for Data & AI, Microsoft Solution partner designation for Digital & App Innovation, and Microsoft Solution partner for Infrastructure, demonstrating their expertise across essential Azure services.
Azure Consumption: Partners must achieve a minimum monthly Azure consumption of USD $350,000, with at least USD $175,000 coming from Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) or Partner Admin Link (PAL) engagements. This shows a significant and ongoing commitment to Azure.
CSP Contract: Partners are required to have a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) contract in place, either as a Direct Reseller or Indirect Reseller (but not as an Indirect Provider).
Marketing Presence: Partners must actively promote their Azure-focused consulting services, such as through listings on Microsoft sites like AppSource or Azure Marketplace.
Certified Staff: The partner’s team should include at least 15 full-time employees with relevant Azure certifications, such as Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Developer Associate, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Customer Evidence: Partners must provide documented customer references, including case studies and success stories that showcase their ability to deliver impactful Azure solutions.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that remotely oversees a customer's IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems, usually proactively and under a subscription model. MSPs are responsible for duties like monitoring networks, ensuring cybersecurity, providing cloud services, and offering IT support, enabling businesses to concentrate on their primary activities.
How do I become a Microsoft Partner?
To become a Microsoft Partner, you must join the Microsoft Cloud AI Partner Program (Microsoft Partner Network). This involves creating a business profile, meeting specific competency requirements, earning partner designations, and agreeing to the Microsoft Partner Agreement. Once you’re part of the network, you can access resources, training, and support to help grow your business.
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