Accelerating Azure adoption for MSPs and resellers

Discover how Microsoft Cloud Migration Factory helps MSPs and resellers to overcome objections and unlock opportunities.

Keeping our partners ahead of the curve is a priority for us here at Exertis Cloud. That’s why we’re excited to discuss the Microsoft Cloud Migration Factory – a game-changing programme for our MSP and reseller partners. This free service can accelerate your customers’ Azure adoption, streamline migrations, and overcome common objections. In this blog we’ll help you discover key implementation scenarios, and how CMF, along with support from the Exertis Cloud team, can transform your cloud services business, while benefitting your customers.

What is Microsoft Cloud Migration Factory?

In simple terms, Microsoft Cloud Migration Factory (CMF) is a free, channel-only programme designed to help resellers and MSPs alike to enable your customers to migrate workloads to Azure. This tool is perfect for those looking to level up their cloud game, giving you the ability to quickly add some real value to your engagements, and move the needle on creating and closing cloud opportunities.

The core driving force behind CMF is to provide Microsoft partners and their customers with an efficient and cost-effective path to the cloud. Essentially, it’s an Azure migration service that does all the hard work for you. In our opinion, CMF is particularly well-suited for SMBs, as the ‘sweet spot’ of the programme is migrations of one to 20 applications to Azure; although this number isn’t capped, should your customers want a larger migration.

Our favourite thing about CMF is its simplicity and effectiveness; it’s low-risk and high value for both you and your customers. It allows you to offer a professional cloud migration service without the need for extensive in-house resources or expertise to perform it, while your customer gets to leverage Microsoft’s expertise and resources. With CMF, a smooth transition to Azure is ensured, offering valuable peace of mind while eliminating friction originating from complexity or cost concerns. This means you and your customers can focus entirely on harnessing the cloud for better outcomes for all.

How CMF works

The CMF process is designed to be straightforward and efficient, underscored by quick wins for both you and your customers. It begins with a clear definition of which workloads will be migrated, with a ‘lift and shift’ method that means applications are moved to Azure as-is, without redesign or re-architecture – an approach that is more than sufficient for most applications. Importantly, the upfront discovery weeds out possible incompatibilities to decide go/no-go apps, minimising potential disruption and speeding up the Azure migration process from the get-go.

The result is a lightning-quick turnaround time for CMF migrations, with an average completion time of around 3.5 weeks, so your customers can start benefitting from Azure in no time at all. The entire migration is performed by Microsoft experts from start to finish, lending extra confidence to the process.

Critically, there's no spend obligation for your customers once their apps are in Azure, giving them the freedom to explore and adapt to their new cloud environment at their own pace. With breathing space and less financial pressure, your customer can more objectively consider what’s next.

Beyond migration

While CMF focuses on getting applications into Azure, the customer journey doesn’t end there. Post-migration is where the real opportunities exist for you to shine as a value-add CSP. Right now, Microsoft is sweetening the post-migration deal with the Azure Credit Offer – an additional incentive for your customers to explore and expand their use of Azure services. Once an app is migrated to Azure, your customer will receive 10% credit based on their expected Azure spend, so long as they’re over a minimum annual spend of $12,000 (c. £9,450 at time of writing).

The Azure Credit Offer can be used on almost anything available on the Azure service catalogue, providing endless opportunities to further optimise applications, implement robust security measures, or leverage advanced services like AI and machine learning.

The Azure Credit Offer provides a brilliant door-opener to new conversations about improving application performance, enhancing availability, and strengthening governance in the cloud. As their trusted advisor, you can guide customers in capitalising on this credit to maximise their Azure investment and help them continue to drive business value.

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CMF offers an exciting win-win situation for both you and your customers, with a low-risk, high-reward path to Azure, backed by Microsoft's expertise and resources, helping you position yourself as a trusted cloud advisor. What’s more, as your Microsoft CSP, the team here at Exertis Cloud is on hand to guide you through the entire CMF experience to ensure you unlock all the programme's benefits. You can count on our knowledgeable team to support your cloud project at every step, offering expert advice and serving as your direct link to the broader Microsoft team.

To get started, register your interest in a free Cloud Migration Factory Pass now and take the first step towards streamlined Azure migrations for your customers.

For more information about how CMF, Azure, and more can benefit you and your customers, contact a member of our team today at cloud@exertis.co.uk.