There are many benefits to using a partner to manage your cloud infrastructure, ranging from disaster recovery to cost control, and it’s a great idea to seriously consider using a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). But how do you know who the right CSP partner is for your organization? What are some things to look for when picking one? In this article, we’ll cover what a cloud service provider is, the benefits and value-add of using one, and how to pick the right CSP for your organization.
What is a Cloud Service Provider?
A Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) is an accredited partner who is an active participant in a program that enables them to manage cloud customers’ software services. In particular, they aim to accelerate the customer’s digital transformation journey as an advisor.
What Are the Benefits of Using a CSP?
Account Management
Account management is a practical upside to using a CSP. Because your CSP partner is responsible for your billing, you get a monthly invoice for the cost of your subscription (the same amount as you were previously paying with pay-as-you-go), instead of paying for resources from a credit card.
Technical Support
CSPs are a great resource for technical support. Because they are usually in the same time zone and region as you, they can quickly use targeted problem solving to help with any issues that may arise. Then, after the situation is assessed, if it’s surmised that Microsoft intervention is needed, your CSP partner will help those communications along, allowing for a smoother resolution process.
Costs Control
CSP Partners are incredibly proficient in all things Microsoft Azure; they are very familiar with the ins and outs of the system. Along with this knowledge comes the ability to optimize costs. Those without a CSP Partner often pay much more for the same resources or experience accidental runaway costs.
What Value Can the Right CSP Add To Your Business?
Speed & Agility
The valuable knowledge that CSP Partners hold is in part due to extensive experience deploying similar projects for different customers. When you need help deploying Azure resources, you avoid wasting time hiring new team members or upskilling your existing staff.
Disaster Recovery
A CSP Partner is a massive asset when disaster strikes. Although experiencing a big disaster is usually far and few between, when it does happen, data recovery needs to be swift and done with confidence. If you’re in a disaster situation, having a CSP Partner who is an expert in disaster recovery techniques, and can mitigate losses as well as looking after customers is a big win.
Change Management
Digital transformation is not a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process of understanding Cloud technologies and modernizing and optimizing your systems and processes. Having a CSP Partner can help you understand the changes that need to take place in order to maximize the benefits of Azure. This is an incredible resource that will save time and costs in the long run.
Security Monitoring
Security is a priority for many organizations. Sometimes you might not have the budget or capacity to do it in house. CSP Partners can help monitor critical Cloud assets such as production environments in Azure, Cloud email filtering, SaaS Platforms and more. They can assess credential misuse that can put your data at risk and jeopardize the future of your business. As well, when using a CSP like Optimus, experienced security analysts will be a natural extension of your team, and will triage, report, and investigate suspicious event sources. After doing so, they can provide advisory services based on results from these detailed investigations in order to strengthen your security system and defend from future potential malicious activities.
How to Pick the Right CSP to Manage Your Cloud Infrastructure:
It can be overwhelming trying to narrow down on the right CSP for your organization. Luckily for you, we’ve outlined a few things to keep in mind when vetting a partner. Firstly, look for a CSP that you can trust. It’s important that they have the expertise to provide guidance and mitigate bumps in the road. They become your first-tier support, so you want to make sure that they are reliable and responsive.
Here are some more questions to ask yourself when embarking on a cloud managed service partnership:
- Does this partner have good customer service?
- Do they charge additional costs for simple questions or support tasks?
- Are they offering monitoring services to reduce risk and proactively optimize?
- Are they providing regular recommendations?
Not all cloud managed services partners are the same, and although some of these services may not apply to you, it’s important to look at what your needs are and whether the partner can meet them.
Optimus as Your CSP:
At Optimus Information, we understand how important cloud management is to your business. That’s why we automatically provide all our clients with our basic Cloud Managed Services free of charge.
We hope that this article cleared up the benefits of a CSP and how to choose the right partner to manage your cloud infrastructure. If you have any questions about our services, feel free to reach out to us here.
