Some things just go better with proof: knowing that your heart surgeon actually went to medical school, or that the contractor you hired is a certified electrician. Another one to add to the list? That the company you get IT support from knows exactly what they’re doing when protecting your data.
When it comes to making sure you get the most bang for your buck, working with a company that has Microsoft Certifications should be at the top of your list. Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) are certified experts in various Microsoft products, from Office 365 to Windows Server. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure your systems run smoothly, efficiently, and safely—leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
If you’re looking for an MSP (managed service provider), here’s everything you need to know about the difference Microsoft certificates make in the quality of service you’ll receive.
Why Do MSPs Get Microsoft Certificates?
First, a little bit of context. Microsoft Certifications are like any other test: they gauge how proficient someone is in a specific topic or skill. Some of the most popular certifications for the IT industry are:
- Azure Administrator
- Azure Fundamentals
- Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect
Microsoft has created something of a university, where professionals can level up their industry knowledge by participating in training and passing tests.
Does It Matter That It’s Microsoft?
Microsoft is the largest software developer in the world—over 1 billion people use a Microsoft Office product (that doesn’t include other Microsoft products like Xbox, etc.) They have some of the brightest minds working on security, software upgrades, and making sure their products are top of the market.
Are the Certifications Easily Accessible to Everyone?
At first glance, the certifications might look like a way to widen the gap between well-funded companies and small businesses, but that’s not the case. Many certifications can be accessed for free if the professional attends the accompanying free training.
Other large businesses offer discount codes if the professional will take their accompanying training. Stability Networks is also a small business, so we’re all about making sure businesses of all sizes have the resources they need.
How You Benefit From Working With an MSP That’s Microsoft Certified
When it comes to choosing an MSP, working with one that has Microsoft certifications can make a world of difference. In a survey from Skillsoft, 95% of IT decision-makers said they felt like certifications added value to an organization.
An average MSP can help you with your IT needs, but a Microsoft-certified MSP will often provide:
- Faster problem resolution: They’re familiar with the solutions available, so they can solve an issue in fewer steps.
- Improved security: Because of their extensive knowledge of cybersecurity and risk mitigation strategies, they can help protect your data better.
- Comprehensive service: They offer a variety of services, from cloud storage to hardware installation.
- Cost savings: They can often provide better and more cost-effective solutions than less experienced providers.
The role of certifications is everywhere in your day-to-day life. When you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for your wedding anniversary, do you go with the one that has a health code rating of A or D? What about entering your credit card information into a website that’s not rated by the Better Business Bureau?
We’re not saying that a company without Microsoft certifications is unqualified. You just want to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. Overall, Microsoft certifications will give you peace of mind that your data and systems are in good hands and that you’re working with a company that is well-versed in the latest technology solutions.
So when you’re looking for a managed service provider, it’s important to look into the certifications they have—they show that the technician you’re working with is certified in more than just general IT principles (which can be taught anywhere). They’ve already shown a commitment to taking their craft seriously, and they’ve proven their expertise in Microsoft products with a test.
Stability Network’s Trophy Case: Why Our Microsoft Certifications Matter
We’re not one to brag, but we do like the idea of making sure our customers get the best service possible! Here’s what we feel our Microsoft certificates say about our work:
- We’re a trusted partner with the skills and experience to help you make the best decisions for your business.
- Our clients get the most value possible from Microsoft products because we know them inside and out.
- We value security and maintain our certifications to make sure that your data stays safe.
If you’re interested in knowing what we’re certified in, here’s a breakdown of what we’ve worked on:
Microsoft Gold Partner
To be a Microsoft Gold Partner is an achievement that reflects the commitment and dedication of a managed service provider to build and maintain the highest standards of quality for their services. To achieve this certification, an MSP must demonstrate expertise in Microsoft products, gain customer satisfaction, and be compliant with the company’s policies.
Teams Administrator—Associate
As a Teams Administrator, our team has the skills to design, deploy, and manage Microsoft Teams. This means that we are capable of helping customers collaborate with their teams more effectively by implementing features like chat, file sharing, screen sharing, real-time co-authoring, and audio/video conferencing.
Microsoft Fundamentals
This certification reflects our team’s knowledge of the core components and protocols of Microsoft products, such as Windows 10, Office 365, Exchange Server, Azure Cloud Services, and more. Our team is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in these products so that we can provide our customers with the most effective solutions possible.
Power Platform Fundamentals
To earn this certification, our team has demonstrated the ability to create and manage business solutions using the Power Platform. This includes automating tasks, connecting data sources, creating custom dashboards, and using AI-driven insights to gain a better understanding of customer needs.
Enterprise Administrator—Expert
This certification is a testament to our team’s advanced expertise in deploying, configuring, and managing an enterprise environment using Microsoft technologies. To help you get the most from technology, we can design and implement hybrid cloud solutions, build complex IT infrastructures, manage user identities, secure data across multiple devices and networks, and more.
Go for the Gold: Partner With Stability Networks for Better IT
We take pride in our certifications because they reflect the commitment we have to providing our customers with the best managed IT solutions possible. Our team is certified, experienced, and always up-to-date on the latest developments in Microsoft technologies so that you can trust us to provide reliable, secure, and efficient solutions for your business.
Schedule a consultation today to test our customer service and see if we’d be a good fit as your managed service provider.
