What’s so hard about getting a Microsoft 365 subscription for your business? Besides the initial setup and ongoing maintenance, you’ll need to configure it correctly to take advantage of Microsoft’s advanced security features.
If you have a skilled in-house IT team, they can certainly take care of this for you. But if they’re already pressed for time, you’ll probably be far better off getting your license from a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for several reasons.
Advantages of Purchasing Microsoft Licenses Through an MSP
Microsoft is an incredible company investing billions of dollars annually in cybersecurity. Their products are incredible. Their service and support — not so much. Microsoft knows this, so while you’d think you could always get a better deal by buying directly, they’d prefer you go through a service provider.
The Top 4 Advantages of Buying From an MSP
It would help if you rethought cutting out the middleman regarding Microsoft 365. Managed Service Providers can help you get more ROI out of your subscriptions and save you money at the same time.
1. Better Support
Microsoft has robust web content to help you troubleshoot issues, but it can still take a long time to figure out what’s wrong, let alone resolve the problem. Your provider, on the other hand, is ready and waiting to take your call. At Plow Networks, our US-based team of certified systems engineers and technical representatives is here for you 24/7. As a Microsoft licensing client, you get access to our Tier 1 support team.
2. Eliminate the blame game
Is your software or your connectivity to blame for a disruption? If your provider does more than provide Microsoft licenses, they should be able to fix the problem with your software, no matter how or why it happened.
3. Security expertise
There is a multitude of ways to improve security throughout Microsoft 365. But these settings aren’t automatic. Your MSP will know the best ways to safeguard your organization from malware, spam, phishing, and data breaches.
4. Get help with user migration
If you bought Office 365 through a third-party platform, you might need help to transfer it directly. You might also need to migrate users if you use an on-premises mail server or a Google workplace. An MSP can simplify this process so your productivity won’t be affected.
How To Buy Microsoft Licenses From an MSP
You know you want Microsoft 365 for less money, better support, and with less work on your part. But buying the same license from different providers could result in a different experience.
Here are our top tips:
- Find a provider with a comprehensive set of tech skills. As you take advantage of more cloud solutions, you might find that your internet connection isn’t up to the job. Today’s technology is more interconnected, so a provider that also helps clients with connectivity might be more helpful down the road.
- Try to find a provider that is a Gold Certified Microsoft Partner. They’ll be able to help you resolve any Microsoft-related problems just as well (if not better) as a Microsoft employee could.
If you’re at a point in your research where you’d like to have a more in-depth conversation with a Microsoft expert, contact Plow Networks.
About Plow Networks
Plow Networks is a leading IT services provider, connecting businesses to technology since 2012. With deep expertise in network, cloud, and end user support services, we partner with clients to leverage technology in ways that simplify operations and fuel growth. Plow Networks is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.
