How to choose the right (Azure) partner?

When doing IT-related projects; choose a partner wisely. I cannot tell you enough how crucial this is for the overall experience, pace, and results. So, now sharing some of my thoughts and experiences on the topic.

How to choose the right (Azure) partner?

?First;

Understand their buisness-model; do they set up contracts (CSP's/MCA-partnerled) , do they offer managed services, what is important to them?

Understand their support mechanisms; what kind of support agreements do they have with Microsoft? What kind of support is included in your contract with them??Do they have proactive services? What will you be charged for and not?

How many people will be supporting you? Do you get a customer team? Do they have available and accurate competency for the workloads you are focusing on short and long term? If not, this means delay for you = money, time and stress,

?Understand their eligibility for programs and incentives from Microsoft. This gives you more value from the partnership and collaboration. It is also a quality stamp of their knowledge, expertise and experience with Microsofts technology.

Later;

Ensure your partner understands your plan, buisness-model, priorities and challenges. You will never be able to know everything, so ensure they get you in order for them to be accurate on advises.

If you have a Microsoft customer team; Ensure there is communication established between your partner team and customer team to make your life easier, projects accelerated, and all parties involved get transparency.

And, just like you would'nt get married to the first best person on the street, you should search for the right match for you. Good luck!