It's certainly understandable that saving money is a key concern for many SMBs, especially in times of uncertainty. Any kind of change may be daunting, even when you’re contemplating switching your current Microsoft provider. If this resonates with you, you might also be thinking that switching Microsoft vendors could potentially lead to increased costs rather than actual savings.
But that isn’t entirely true: something I stress to all of my clients (big and small) is that price is only one piece of the puzzle. In my extensive experience in business development, I can tell you that switching Microsoft vendors can be a strategic move for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to optimise their technology investments.
This article is going to give you the full picture you should be looking at when considering switching Microsoft vendors. By diving into other key considerations, such as expertise and onboarding, we’ll unpack the real value you're getting or potentially missing out on.
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While cost is undoubtedly a significant factor for all of us as consumers (and especially SMBs with limited budgets), it shouldn't be the only determining factor when you’re shopping around for a new Microsoft vendor. Microsoft licenses are like groceries: you can get them anywhere, but you go to certain stores because they offer additional value. So, what you're really looking for is a partner who will be your trusted advisor. Let’s have a look at what this “value” means:
We’ve previously spoken about how simply buying the latest antivirus software, for example, is not going to keep your business secure. Sure, it’ll strengthen your cyber security posture, but keeping your business safe demands a proactive approach. This is where picking the right vendor comes into play: A good partner won’t just sell you a license and call it a day; they’ll actively engage with your security posture.
Does your current vendor regularly review your Microsoft Secure Score? They should be highlighting areas for improvement and explaining the security features that are likely already part of your existing Microsoft license – which brings me to my next point.
As much as everyone wants to save money, it's shocking how many organisations aren't making the most out of their Microsoft licenses (which is why we even published an article recently about leveraging those underused security tools).
The point is that by regularly assessing your Microsoft Secure Score, a valuable partner will also conduct thorough reviews to understand what you're using and, more importantly, what you're not. This ensures you're maximising your return on investment (ROI) and not spending money on redundant solutions.
The world as we know it is rapidly shifting before our very eyes, and Microsoft's landscape is no exception, with exciting developments like AI coming to the forefront. No matter what industry you’re in, business continuity is largely dependent on business agility and defined by an organisation’s ability to embrace trends and changes.
Is your current (or potential new) vendor proactively discussing these advancements and exploring how they can benefit your specific business needs? Not to sound cheesy, but the future is now: they should be forward-thinking, not just reactive.
You may have noticed that I’ve been making a subtle distinction between “vendor” and “partner”. This is because trust is the ultimate currency in business: it isn't just about transactions; it's about building a lasting relationship more than anything.
You need a partner who understands your business goals, acts as a trusted advisor, and has your best interests at heart (which, I must say, is a rare find). As your business evolves, some of your licenses may become obsolete, and a good partner should guide you towards more suitable solutions, not just push for renewals.
Look, I’m not naïve to the fact that times are tough, margins need to be kept low, and going for the rock-bottom price may seem like the obvious choice. But think about the meaning behind the adage: you get what you pay for. In this case, only focusing on going with the cheapest option can lead to significant unforeseen costs and missed opportunities. Here's why:
When it comes to getting down to brass tacks, switching Microsoft vendors is designed to be a relatively straightforward billing switch from a technical perspective. Microsoft has made the process as simple as possible. Typically, the new partner will add the licenses, and the previous partner will remove them around the same time to avoid any semblance of downtime.
However, while Microsoft has streamlined the process of switching partners, there are still crucial aspects to consider for a seamless transition:
Before we go our separate ways, there’s one last thing I’d like to bring to your attention. Microsoft recently issued a policy that allows mid-contract license transfers. Although this offers a lot more flexibility, there are a couple of critical points to be aware of:
Ultimately, choosing your Microsoft vendor is a big decision for your business. It's about finding a partner who will invest in your success, proactively help you leverage the full potential of your Microsoft investment, keep your business secure, and guide you towards future growth.
This is quite a tall order, I know, but this is what looking beyond the bottom line will get you. It’s not just the license but everything else that should come with it. Like most things, the cheaper option is hardly ever the best option.
We at Babble are here to provide you with the expertise, proactive support, and a forward-thinking approach that truly maximises your Microsoft investment. Now would be a good time as any to casually slot in a humble brag about us being a top 100 UK Microsoft Partner because this showcases our commitment to being a trusted advisor (not to mention having a front-row seat to everything happening in the Microsoft landscape).
Now that you know what goes into picking the right Microsoft vendor, you’re probably ready to make the switch. The good news is that we’re currently offering 20% Off Your Annual Microsoft 365 License (yes, you read that right). Reach out to us to discuss your specific needs and how our proactive approach and dedicated project management for onboarding will not only future-proof your business but, most importantly, give you more bang for your buck.