You may have noticed that the Microsoft Gold Partner status is boasted by companies that have worked hard enough to earn this certification. But what exactly does it mean to be a Microsoft Gold Partner? Is it just another certification that all companies could get if they pay a fee? Or is this a standard you should be looking out for when it comes to choosing the companies you work with?
This handy guide offers you all the basics of what a Microsoft Gold Partner is, how this certification is achieved and why it’s potentially beneficial to you and your business, especially when it comes to choosing your IT solutions. Throughout this article, brought to you by a company that has achieved this certification and is working at the top of its industry, you will discover:
- What a Microsoft Gold-Certified partner is
- Why Microsoft Gold-Certification is important when it comes to IT services
- What benefits Microsoft Gold-Certified companies can offer you
What Does Microsoft Gold Partner Mean?
A Microsoft Gold-Certified partner is a company that works closely with Microsoft, with a certified agreement to collaborate. Having the Gold-Certified title means the company has earned the highest standards of Microsoft’s widely-recognised partnership program.
This certification is the highest of three Microsoft certifications and requires a much higher standard of demonstrated competency than the Silver or Certified Partner status. Gold is the industry best, so working with a certified company is highly recommended, especially when it comes to IT or technology services and brands.
How Does a Business Become a Microsoft Gold Partner?
To become a Microsoft Gold Partner, a company must pass the required exams and skill validation, meet performance requirements and pay the annual fee. Microsoft Gold-Certified Partner status is the highest certification level you can reach in partnership with Microsoft.
To gain Microsoft Gold Partner certification, these are the requirements:
- Being a member of the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN)
- You must have at least four Microsoft Certified Professionals — two who have passed a technical competency assessment and two with a business-focused competency.
- Sales and marketing competency assessment
- Licensing overview assessment
- You must participate in the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) index.
- Five customer references verifying a high standard of service delivery.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Microsoft Gold Partner?
There are many benefits to being (and by extension working with) a Microsoft Gold Partner. The benefits you will gain access to by working with a Microsoft Gold Partner include:
- High-quality Microsoft-related services and products that allow you to keep your finger on the pulse of technology.
- Always first in line for Microsoft updates and news, which is great for any business.
- Smarter training tools and programs you can use to boost your teams performance, productivity and problem-solving skills.
- Continuous customer support of the highest standards that you can utilise whenever you need.
Why Else Should You Work with a Microsoft Gold Partner?
As previously mentioned, gaining Microsoft Gold Partner status requires the highest standard of demonstrated competency. This means that if a company is a Microsoft Gold-Certified Partner you can trust the skills and experience they have, as you know they have been thoroughly trained, tested and certified to the highest standards.
If a company is a Microsoft Gold Partner, you can rest easy knowing that the company you are working with will provide you with only the best services, support and skills.
Why is a Microsoft Gold Partner Important for Quality IT Services?
As Microsoft is a worldwide leading IT brand, having trained and Microsoft-certified professionals work on the IT solutions in your business can only provide positive results. Serving as the ultimate testimonial to the quality of services offered, a Microsoft Gold Partner is trusted when it comes to IT services, as Microsoft is an industry giant and is sure to partner with only the best services.
Microsoft Gold-Certification means representing the Microsoft name, so certifications are stringent and assessed to the highest standards. If you want to get ahead in your IT game, using a Microsoft Gold-Certified Partner like Optimising IT is a definite quick win.
Discover a Range of Microsoft Gold-Certified IT Services Today at Optimising IT
If you’re looking for a Gold-Certified Microsoft Partner to take on your IT support — including managed IT services, cyber security and IT consultancy — then Optimising IT is for you. We offer a range of high quality IT services suited to your needs, priding ourselves on our hard-earned Microsoft Gold Certification and top-class services.
At Optimising IT, we wear our Microsoft Gold-Certification with pride, as we have complete confidence in the skills, training and dedication that went into the work to earn this badge of digital honour. We offer a range of services, all of which are offered at this same top-quality standard. As we’ve got Microsoft’s official seal of approval, we’re confident that we will also get yours. Contact us to learn more about Optimising IT and what cyber security, managed IT or consulting services we can offer you today!