Using a Microsoft Ecosystem as a Business: 4 Tips

Here we are going to discuss 4 great tips for using a Microsoft ecosystem as a business. Navigating the ecosystem of Microsoft can appear like a challenging endeavor – and in some cases, it can be. After all, with the multitude of interconnected services and products, dependencies, and documentation, it’s easy to get more than a little overwhelmed, whether you’re an SME or a giant corporation. So, it’s not hard to see why those who provide cloud solutions tend to avoid complex catalog portions. However, this is a mistake that you should avoid.

Microsoft’s ecosystem has many helpful tools that a business can leverage to ensure that their operations are more straightforward, more efficient, and productive, whether improving the workload through Azure management services or reliable cloud storage solutions. With that said, here are some tips on how you can maximize the ecosystem’s use.

4 Effective tips on Using a Microsoft Ecosystem as a Business

Use the correct MPN ID

Few are aware of the fact that they can get more than a single MPN ID. This ID gives access to the deployment or presale services, product support, and licenses and enables users to collect their rewards via Microsoft’s incentive programs. Unfortunately, more often than not, the older IDs are connected with expired programs. Or there’s a possibility that you’ve created several IDs accidentally when you were registering new services.

Thus, if you’re associating your ID with the indirect provider of CSP, you must make sure that you use the correct one. To find out which one it is, you can check your partner center dashboard. Be sure you’re signed in using the global admin account, or it won’t show.

Understand the difference between the IDs

You must have the proper MPN ID for every location where you’re carrying out your Microsoft CSP business. One of the things you’ll use the ID for is enrolling in location-based incentive programs and conducting CSP transactions. To manage your ID locations, go to the dashboard in the partner center, click on Settings, and choose the account settings option. You should see them when you scroll down.

Set the proper permissions and roles

If you’re currently enrolled in your CSP program, it’s imperative that you assign the right roles to manage all your partner center components properly. To see the roles you’ve configured on your dashboard, go to settings, choose my profile option, click on the details page, and check the tab that says permissions and roles. Don’t forget to configure the function of your global admin, and make sure you assign the agent role for users who intend to perform admin work.

Confirm your status as an indirect seller

Signing in to your dashboard on the partner center doesn’t necessarily mean you’re enrolled in your CSP. You’ll need to accept the MPA first if you want your status as an indirect seller activated and to take advantage of the role’s benefits.

Benefits of joining Microsoft’s ecosystem

It can be daunting to look for new software for a business, especially when the need for all-encompassing solutions arises, such as a CRM or ERP system. However, regardless of the system that you’re after, choosing to become a part of Microsoft’s ecosystem can net you advantages that others lack. Here are a few benefits:

• Scalable solutions. As a part of the Microsoft ecosystem, businesses are given the flexibility they require to scale their operations as needed. It’s easy to begin because it enables organizations to mix up and match many applications to build their solutions for addressing the needs of each area of their business. They can also remove or add users without the need for the assistance of any subscription-based models.
• Remote work. With the aim for more efficient and productive operations, remote work is no longer a mere luxury but a necessity for many industries. After all, having the ability to access technologies and tools from anywhere makes it easier for workers to perform their duties and responsibilities to the company. Moreover, it also improves their job satisfaction, especially to those who have to work from more remote areas. And the Microsoft ecosystem makes it possible because of its cloud computing platform.
• Streamlines business collaborations. Many organizations tend to face a lot of challenges when their employees’ collaboration gets compromised due to the team working from different locations. However, this isn’t an issue when leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem. With its tools, everyone can communicate with ease and stay on the same page.
• Simplifies virtual connections. Having the ideal communication tools when working on projects can make a difference when it comes to successful and engaged teams and unsatisfied employees. And this is one of the most important advantages that the Microsoft ecosystem provides. Many features within the aforementioned ecosystem can aid in more effective communication between all the workers regardless of their location. They could be in different parts of the globe, but all they’d need is an active internet connection so they can remove communication barriers brought about by distance.
• Software savings. Another reason why Microsoft’s ecosystem has become so popular amongst organizations across various industries is that it supports businesses by reducing expenses associated with several other pieces of software. With it, a business only needs to pay for the programs and applications that it requires.
• Advanced security. These days, most businesses are either digitally-driven or depend on it at one level or another. With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, one of an organization’s priorities must be security. One of the most essential features that the Microsoft ecosystem offers is that they automatically keep its users updated with the latest security patches. Moreover, it also presents organizations with the advantage of encryption of their data in transit and rest, multi-factor authentication, data residency, and protection from phishing emails via Outlook. As a result, this gives organizations confidence that their data will always remain safe.

The Microsoft ecosystem can be an invaluable tool for a business. However, it needs to be done right if you want to reap its benefits. The tips on Using a Microsoft Ecosystem as a Business listed in this article should help you maximize its use.