In addition, Data#3 attained 60% growth in public cloud during FY20, achieving $581 million in cloud-based revenues. As Microsoft’s largest Australian partner, Data#3 maintains public cloud market leadership nationally.
Following an extensive transformation process across people, processes and systems, a rigorous audit assessment of controls and documentation and a host of additional prerequisite criteria, the attainment of this certification places Data#3 amongst the highest ranks of Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Providers globally.
A Microsoft global initiative, the Azure Expert MSP certification highlights the most capable Microsoft partners, and forms an elite tier for Microsoft’s Azure managed services providers.
For customers, the certification is proof of Data#3’s ability to deliver on the broad set of Microsoft technologies. Application for the certification is available only to Gold Cloud platform competency partners and spanned a multi-section response detailing Data#3’s readiness across eight categories and 68 requirements, all assessed and verified by a third party.
“The Azure Expert Managed Services Provider aligns with our tremendous growth in public cloud with Microsoft, and positions us firmly as the leading public cloud provider in Australia,” said Laurence Baynham, Data#3 Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director.
“As an Australian business, we are pleased to have gained this prestigious certification with Microsoft. This distinction provides confidence to our customers, who are seeking Microsoft Azure expertise,” Baynham stated.
Rachel Bondi, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft Australia said, “The Azure Expert MSP certification is a badge of distinction for Microsoft partners globally. We’re pleased to award this distinction to Data#3, a valued Australian partner since 1994. Across services, people, processes and technologies, Data#3 has demonstrated a deep investment and ongoing commitment to deliver the digital transformation outcomes that customers require.”
Awarded on an ongoing validation basis, the certification will be reviewed biannually by Microsoft, ensuring continued ongoing Azure expertise and prowess.
“Through this certification we’re able to provide an additional level of assurance to our customers,” said Michael Bowser, Data#3 Executive General Manager, Services. “This recognition verifies the quality of our Azure Managed Services offering against Microsoft’s highest standards and provides certainty for our customers as to our capability across the Microsoft platforms.”
First established as a certified Microsoft partner in 1994, Data#3 is Microsoft’s largest Australian partner, spanning software, devices and cloud services. In FY20, Data#3 delivered over 800 Microsoft solutions to customers.
As customers move to the public cloud with increasing pace, they need partners with a deep level of cloud expertise and experience to guide them. Inclusion in the Microsoft Azure Expert MSP program is awarded to partners that meet a stringent set of requirements, including verified proof of excellence in customer delivery and technical expertise, and the successful completion of an independent audit of their managed services, people, processes, and technologies. Only the most high-fidelity cloud managed service providers are awarded the Azure Expert MSP badge, intended to give customers confidence when selecting a partner to help them meet their digital transformation goals.
