Microsoft Announces Cloud Solutions Provider Programme 

By Emma Okonji

At the recently concluded Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft announced expansion in the services that Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) partners offer to small-and-medium business customers.
This gives customers access to a range of cloud-based tools bundled into one simple bill from a single vendor, who becomes their hands-on partner in cloud computing. The new offerings now include Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, in addition to Office 365, Windows Intune and Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS).
According to a Deloitte survey, small to medium businesses use cloud technology experienced a 26 percent faster growth rate and 21 percent higher profit than companies that don’t utilise the cloud. Two-thirds of all SMBs surveyed believed that the cloud allows them to beat their competitors.
But despite knowing the advantages, many SMBs have not yet moved to the cloud.
According to Microsoft Nigeria staff, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, “In this age of cloud and mobile, many small to medium businesses find themselves in a catch-22 situation. They know they have to leverage these technologies, but with so many options, how do they know which exact solutions are best for their business?”
Many SMBs know they’ll benefit from moving to the cloud – the ‘why’ is clear. To answer the ‘how’, finding the right partner is important.
“Cloud solution partners are vital in helping SMEs choose the right tools for specific business goals. First, SMEs need to define what their exact goals are – too often they jump into the cloud without a clear understanding of what they want cloud computing to help them achieve.” Orimolade added.
With a partner managing these tools, business owners can focus on tasks that really matter, like acquiring new customers and increasing profit margins.
Local partners understand local needs
Microsoft’s partners are experts at helping SMBs understand how to make sense of the best solutions for their business, as they have a solid understanding of the local environment.