It’s with great pleasure to announce that Symity, Global 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year for Converged Communications, are now part of the Microsoft FastTrack Ready Partner Network.
Over the past year, Symity have been working hard to qualify for this Microsoft Program by gaining additional Microsoft Partner Designations such as Security and Adoption and Change, alongside our Modern Work Designation and Specialisation.
What is Microsoft FastTrack?
Microsoft FastTrack is a comprehensive customer success service designed to help organisations with 150 Microsoft licences or more to move to the Microsoft Cloud with confidence. It provides guidance and resources and assists in planning, deploying, adopting and managing Microsoft cloud solutions, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365.
At no additional cost for customers with eligible subscriptions, it ensures customers can leverage the full potential of their Microsoft investments.
FastTrack offers a range of support options, including:
1. Planning and envisioning: FastTrack helps organisations envision new cloud capabilities and plan their cloud deployments. This involves setting business goals, identifying key scenarios, and creating a roadmap for implementation.
2. Deployment guidance: Customers receive end-to-end guidance from Microsoft engineers and approved FastTrack Ready Partners. This includes assistance with configuring identity, security, compliance, and cloud management, as well as deploying services like Microsoft Teams, Exchange Online, SharePoint and more.
3. Adoption and change management: FastTrack provides resources to drive user adoption and ensure that the deployed solutions are effectively utilised. This includes change management strategies, training materials, and best practices to help users embrace new tools and workflows.
4. Ongoing support: FastTrack offers ongoing support throughout the lifecycle of the subscription. Customers can access self-guided resources, remote assistance, and expert advice to address any challenges that arise during and after deployment.
Benefits of Microsoft FastTrack for customers
The primary benefit of FastTrack is to help organisations maximise the value of their Microsoft cloud investments. Here are some key advantages:
1. Accelerated deployment: FastTrack speeds up the deployment process by providing expert guidance and resources. This ensures that organisations can quickly and efficiently implement Microsoft cloud solutions, reducing downtime and minimising disruptions.
2. Cost savings: Since FastTrack is included at no additional cost for eligible subscriptions, organisations can save on consulting and support services. This makes it a cost-effective way to access expert assistance and resources.
3. Enhanced security and compliance: FastTrack helps organisations configure their cloud environments to meet security and compliance requirements. This reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures that the organisation adheres to industry standards.
4. Improved user adoption: By providing change management resources and training materials, FastTrack helps organisations drive user adoption. This ensures that employees are comfortable with the new tools and can use them effectively, leading to increased productivity and collaboration.
5. Ongoing support and optimisation: FastTrack offers continuous support to help organisations optimise their cloud solutions. This includes access to the latest updates, best practices, and expert advice to ensure that the solutions continue to meet the organisation’s needs.
The role of Microsoft Partners in FastTrack
Microsoft Partners, such as Symity, play a crucial role in the Microsoft FastTrack Program. They are integral to delivering the FastTrack service and ensuring customer success. Here’s how we contribute:
1. Expert guidance: FastTrack Ready Partners provide expert guidance and support to customers. Using FastTrack’s Advanced Deployment Guides, which are comprehensive, repeatable, and trusted methodologies, to help customers deploy and adopt Microsoft Cloud solutions effectively.
2. Enhanced support: Partners offer additional support and services that complement the FastTrack program. This includes specialised consulting, training and ongoing support to ensure that customers can fully leverage their Microsoft investments.
3. Customer engagement: Partners work closely with customers to understand their unique needs and challenges by tailoring the FastTrack services to meet specific business requirements, ensuring a more personalised and effective deployment experience.
4. Driving adoption: Partners assist in driving user adoption by providing change management resources and training. This helps organisations ensure that their employees are comfortable with the new tools and can use them effectively, leading to increased productivity and collaboration.
5. Continuous improvement: Partners help customers continuously improve their cloud environments by providing ongoing support and optimisation services. They ensure that customers stay up-to-date with the latest features and best practices, maximising the value of their Microsoft cloud solutions.
In summary, Microsoft FastTrack is a valuable service that helps organisations successfully transition to the Microsoft Cloud. By providing expert guidance, resources, and ongoing support, FastTrack ensures that customers can fully leverage their Microsoft investments and achieve their business goals.
Check if you qualify for the Microsoft FastTrack benefit
Customers can access the Microsoft FastTrack benefit through a straightforward process designed to ensure they receive the necessary support and resources for their cloud journey.
Here is how to get started:
1. Eligibility check: First, customers need to verify if they are eligible for FastTrack. The service is available to organisations with 150 or more licenses from eligible plans, including Microsoft 365, Office 365, Microsoft Viva, Enterprise Mobility & Security, and Windows.
2. Request assistance: Eligible customers can request FastTrack assistance by signing in to the FastTrack portal. Here they can submit a request for help with planning, deployment and adoption of Microsoft Cloud solutions.
3. Engage with FastTrack Specialists: Once the request is submitted, customers will be connected with FastTrack Specialists or FastTrack Ready Partners. These experts provide personalised guidance and support tailored to the organisation’s specific needs.
4. Utilise resources: Customers can access a wealth of resources through the FastTrack portal, including deployment guides, best practices and training materials. These resources help streamline the deployment process and drive user adoption.
5. Ongoing support: FastTrack offers continuous support throughout the lifecycle of the subscription. Customers can reach out for assistance at any time to address challenges or optimise their cloud solutions.
By following these steps customers can effectively leverage the Microsoft FastTrack benefit to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the Microsoft Cloud.
If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
Microsoft FastTrack Overview 2: FastTrack for Microsoft 365
Wesley Budd
Strategic Partner Manager - Microsoft & MTR Vendors
Symity