The Microsoft FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects at ORBIS

ORBIS houses not just one, but five (!) FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects (FTRSA). Time to share what it is that our solution architects do, what their awards mean and how it benefits you as our customer.

This article was originally written by Christian Brandhofer in German that you can read here in full. Continue reading for the English translation.

FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects aren't just skilled; they're pioneers in the field of Microsoft Dynamics implementation and optimization. With their expertise, they've consistently delivered solutions that are not only effective but also remarkably efficient.

Ever wondered how they do it? In this article, we'll dive into the world of our FTRSA's, exploring their unique approach, best practices, and the secrets behind their rapid and successful project deliveries.

So, if you're curious about how to accelerate your Microsoft Dynamics implementation with ORBIS SE, let's take a look at the significance and benefits of the FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects.

The Significance of the FTRSA Award

"It's often like this at the beginning, that no one knows or can classify this award. But when I explain what it means, I immediately notice that customers understand: 'Microsoft says that this guy is one of the best in the world'." – David Gabathuler (ORBIS Switzerland)

"FastTrack Recognized Solution Architect" is an exclusive award presented by Microsoft Dynamics to outstanding IT architects in the categories of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform with the subcategories Power Apps, Power Automate, Customer Engagement, and Unified Operations. In 2024, there are 37 FTRSA's worldwide for the Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement area, and an incredible five of them are part of the ORBIS Group!

• Christian Brandhofer – ORBIS Austria
• David Gabathuler – ORBIS Switzerland
• Lars Martin – ORBIS SE
• Ciprian Panzariu MBA – ORBIS Austria
• Christopher Strau? – ORBIS SE

It's good to know that this is just the number of currently certified ones, because there are also some FTRSA's from previous years in our ranks – a wealth of expertise.

The idea behind the award is actually simple: The program is intended to help Microsoft partners and their customers successfully complete projects safely and well. For this purpose, Microsoft also provides a process model called "Success by Design", which makes the experience from over 4000 projects available in the form of checklists, workshops, and reviews. In this way, a certain quality standard for FTRSA projects is ensured. This factor is crucial, as such projects also have more complexity compared to "normal" projects. But how does a solution architect become a FTRSA?

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The Path to the FTRSA Title

Any award comes with requirements:

• For example, an FTRSA must initially be involved as a solution architect in at least two FTRSA projects.
• Apart from that, an award as a Microsoft Power Platform Solution Architect (PL-600) and 5 years of experience as a solution architect are necessary.
• However, that alone is still not enough, because in addition, customers must confirm the nomination for this award, which in turn ensures the quality and satisfaction with the developed solutions.
• Logically, the solution architects also deal with the aforementioned "Success by Design Framework" in detail. This is primarily about understanding how it can be applied in various own projects.
• After that, only a kind of "portfolio" with examples of architectures that they have created in their projects is missing...
• And after an oral assessment with Microsoft, they are then officially "awarded".

Obviously, this requires a lot of hard work, commitment, and above all patience – you don't become an FTRSA overnight and ultimately you can only do it with a good team, because high-quality projects are not a one-man show.

"In the Microsoft FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects Program, unlike other awards, not only the theory is tested, but also the actually realized solutions." – Lars Martin (ORBIS SE)

Once an FTRSA has received their title, they actually don't do anything different in the projects themselves than other solution architects, because in every project a good, future-proof architecture must be developed and implemented. The difference, however, is that as an FTRSA, you have to prove to Microsoft every year that you have already done this successfully several times. This ensures that their knowledge and expertise are always state-of-the-art and that they are truly up to the complex challenges that FTRSA projects bring with them. The fact is that every project always brings new technical challenges and the specific needs of customers always differ. This annual re-awarding also means that you can lose this award every year if the quality requirements on the part of Microsoft cannot be met or if you simply forget to submit your application for extension.

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Added Value & Special Features of an FTRSA

We now know the significance of the FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects award and their path to it. But what added value does the status bring for the solution architects as well as for you as a customer? And what special features are there in this context that you might not be immediately aware of?

The further development of skills & knowledge

The FTRSA program helps our solution architects stay focused, develop deep knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics, adapt to rapid technological changes, and collaborate effectively.

By providing a clear framework and fostering collaboration, the program empowers our architects to deliver high-quality, efficient, and innovative solutions.

The collaboration with Microsoft

As an FTRSA, we receive timely information about new relevant developments, can participate early in private previews to provide product feedback, and can discuss our proposed solutions with the most experienced Microsoft FastTrack architects in terms of feasibility, sustainability, risks, and business value." - Christopher Strau? (ORBIS SE)

FTRSAs enjoy a close relationship with Microsoft, providing them with early access to information, expert support, and faster project delivery. They can collaborate directly with Microsoft experts, get insights into product roadmaps, and make informed decisions.

The second side of the award

There are fewer FTRSAs than you might expect due to stringent requirements and the risk of losing talent to headhunters. Companies must support their employees in pursuing this certification, which requires a high level of trust and a positive work environment.

FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects in a nutshell

As you can see, our Microsoft FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects are truly exceptional and are valuable experts in implementing and optimizing Microsoft Dynamics solutions. With their support, projects can be implemented efficiently and quickly. Their annual re-certification also ensures that they are always up-to-date with the latest technology. And that's exactly what makes all the difference in an FTRSA project!

This article was originally written in German by Christian Brandhofer , read the full article here.