Navigating the Cloud: A Guide for SMBs
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often face challenges when adopting Microsoft services directly. These can include difficulties with setup, managing licenses, and securing ongoing support. To address these hurdles, many SMBs are turning to Microsoft’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, particularly through partners like CDW. The program offers a pathway to efficient IT management and cloud adoption.
Through the CSP program, SMBs gain access to tools designed to help them navigate their cloud environment and adopt solutions more easily, covering services like Microsoft 365 and Azure. Additionally, the businesses can access expert management of workloads and 24/7 support.
Understanding Microsoft’s CSP Program
The Microsoft CSP program allows businesses to procure Microsoft cloud solutions, including Microsoft 365 and Azure, through CDW. CDW manages critical responsibilities such as billing, setup, and technical support. Unlike traditional licensing agreements, the CSP program provides flexible commitment and billing options where SMBs can start with a single license and scale as needed.
Business Benefits of a CSP Program
Choosing a CSP partner greatly enhances cloud management and improves an SMB’s success in integrating AI and emerging tech. The benefits include:
- Flexible Licensing Options: Businesses can scale up or down without penalty, opting for annual commitments billed upfront or monthly. This flexibility contrasts with enterprise agreements that require long-term commitments.
- Built-in Security and Compliance: CSP customers gain access to Inscape, CDW’s proprietary cloud management platform, which offers insights into an organization’s cloud security posture. Premium managed services for Azure CSP customers include proactive monitoring to detect vulnerabilities.
- Maximize AI Investments in the Cloud: CSP customers can access unlimited end-user training for Microsoft Copilot through Inscape, which helps employees become comfortable adopting the solution. This is a game-changer for SMBs looking to layer AI solutions in the cloud.
- Support in Hybrid and On-Prem Environments: While cloud support in Microsoft 365 and Azure comes at no additional cost, the CDW Technology Support service can provide additional support for SMBs with hybrid and on-premises Microsoft solutions, such as Windows Server and SQL Server.
Specific Features of the CDW and Microsoft CSP Program
CDW’s CSP program offers several key value-adds designed to make cloud adoption and management easier for IT leaders.
- 24/7/365 U.S.-Based Support: CDW offers Tier 1 through Tier 3 cloud support at no additional cost for Microsoft 365 customers. For Azure customers, CDW offers a tiered support model that starts with 8×5 support included in the Basic tier and includes 24/7/365 support under its Essentials and Premium tiers. Should any support scenario require Microsoft’s assistance, CDW will escalate on behalf of CSP customers.
- Self-Service Subscription Management: CDW’s Rubi platform simplifies the management of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, providing a streamlined portal where customers can plan, procure, and manage their technology with greater confidence. Rubi allows customers to add seats, upgrade plans, view invoices, and co-term renewal dates with ease.
- Cloud Management and Backup Solutions: CDW’s Inscape platform simplifies financial management and improves visibility into Azure cloud consumption. Customers can monitor costs, spot trends, create and manage budgets, and receive custom alerts. Through the CSP program, Microsoft 365 customers also have the option to add managed backup and restore services easily to their subscriptions.
Whether you’re a small business taking your first step into cloud services or are hoping to accelerate cloud workloads with AI, Microsoft’s CSP program can help you compete and succeed.
