Stop Wasting Money on the Wrong Azure Partner

The challenge: Not all Azure Cloud partners are equal.

The wrong Azure cloud partner is like having a half-working GPS. You’ll get to your destination, but with wasted diversions, delays, and frustration.

With 94% of businesses using cloud services, business executives understand the ideal Microsoft Azure partner isn’t just a vendor—but a difference-maker. But with all those Azure partners available, how do you cut through the hype and filter them down to that one partner that delivers? And how do you even know your selected partner doesn’t just keep the lights on but ignites your growth?

Let’s cut through all the noise and figure out exactly what makes a great Azure cloud partner stand out from the rest.

What to look for in an Azure Cloud Partner?

1.      Do they just resell Azure, or do they breathe and live Azure?

There are Azure partners who just resell Azure licenses, but some provide real expertise, guiding you through complex cloud transformations, like an Azure Expert MSP. So, who gets the status of an Azure Expert MSP? An Azure Expert MSP is a certified partner specializing in Microsoft Azure solutions. They deliver high-quality cloud management, optimization, and security services.

What should you look for?

• Certifications & specializations – Are they a Microsoft Solutions partner with specializations in Infrastructure, Security, or AI?
• Time-tested experience – Have they successfully supported similar businesses like yours with Azure?
• Qualified experts – Is their team fully trained and certified to work on Azure technologies?

If they can’t check these boxes, they probably aren’t the best fit.

2.      Can they architect and optimize your cloud?

It’s simple to move workloads to Azure—designing a cost-efficient, high-performance cloud environment is the real challenge.

What should you look for?

• Cloud architecture skills – Do they create a scalable, cost-efficient cloud infrastructure for you?
• Azure stack partners – Can they implement Azure Stack for hybrid cloud scenarios?
• Continuous optimization – Do they continuously monitor and optimize your cloud configuration?

An excellent Azure cloud partner does more than just put you in the cloud—they help you thrive in it.

3.      Security & compliance: Are they keeping your business secure?

With increasingly frequent cyberattacks, a weak security position can be disastrous. In 2024, the cost of a data breach was $4.88 million on average-a mistake you can’t just afford to make.

What should you look for?

• Security monitoring – Are they using real-time threat detection and providing proactive monitoring?
• Compliance expertise – Can they help you meet industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO?
• Zero trust strategy – Are they deploying next-generation security frameworks and building a security-first cloud environment?

Your cloud security should be as airtight as homeland security—no exceptions. If security isn’t their top priority, consider it a red flag.

4.      Cost management: Do they save your wallet or just mail you invoices?

Microsoft Azure migration won’t automatically save you money. Without proper management, your cloud budget can quickly spiral out of control. In fact, businesses waste 32% of their cloud spend on unused resources—that’s money down the drain. But with the right strategy, you can optimize costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.

What should you look for?

• Cost optimization strategies – Do they offer Reserved Instances, Spot Instances, and Azure Hybrid Benefit recommendations?
• Transparent pricing – No surprises, no additional fees—just straightforward, robust pricing.
• Proactive monitoring – Are they monitoring and optimizing resources to avoid overspending, and use strategies such as scale-to-zero?

A great Azure partner manages your budget like it’s theirs—smarter, better, and optimized.

5.      Do they offer AI & innovation, or basic cloud management?

Microsoft Azure isn’t just a hosting solution—it enables AI-driven innovation. The best Microsoft Azure partners can help you integrate AI, analytics, and automation to help you gain competitive edge.

What should you look for?

• AI & machine learning expertise – Are they helping you leverage Azure AI for automation and predictive analytics?
• Azure OpenAI integration – Are they helping you leverage generative AI and Microsoft Copilot capabilities?
• Industry-specific solutions – Are they tailoring solutions to meet your unique business needs?

If your Azure CSP partner is not talking about AI, they are behind.

6.      Long-term partnership: Are they with you on this journey?

Your cloud journey doesn’t conclude with deployment—it begins there! You need an Azure cloud partner that invests in your long-term success.

What should you look for?

• 24/7 support & managed services – Do they provide round the clock monitoring, troubleshooting, and support?
• Enablement & training – Are they empowering your employees to maximize their potential with the Azure?
• Scalability – Will they scale along with your business as it grows?

A great Azure partner doesn’t disappear after signing a contract—they stay by your side, providing support and investing in your success.

The Solution: Choose a Microsoft Azure partner that delivers true value

It’s not about ticking all the boxes when you’re looking for your perfect Azure cloud partner—it’s about finding one true strategic ally who drives innovation, optimizes performance, and keeps your cloud secure. Your best Microsoft partner will:

• Lower costs and boost efficiency
• Future-proof your business with AI-driven innovation
• Ensure compliance and cybersecurity best practices
• Provide you with long-term support and strategic guidance—not band-aids

Why Intwo? The Azure partner that checks all the boxes

At Intwo, we don’t just implement Azure—we help maximize its potential for your business. As a Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, we bring deep cloud expertise, top-tier security, cost-optimization initiatives, AI-driven innovation, and 24/7 managed services to companies worldwide.

With us, Azure isn’t just another platform—it’s your growth engine. Ready to get the most out of the cloud? Talk to our Azure experts today and let’s build something amazing together!