Deciding which Microsoft Teams providers you should work with is one of the most important steps in deploying your new technology. While anyone can purchase a Microsoft Teams license and install the client on their device, providers take your investment to the next level.
Microsoft Teams partners can help you customize and configure your Microsoft Teams instance to suit your specific needs. They can also help upgrade and implement security and compliance strategies, introduce valuable integrations, and even unlock access to bonus features like business telephony, advanced contact center solutions, and AI innovations.
So, how do you choose the right provider to work with? This simple guide will streamline the comparison process for your team – ensuring you end up with the perfect partner.
See our Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Teams for a more comprehensive overview of the tool.
What are Microsoft Teams Providers? Your Options
Microsoft Teams providers are partners that offer specific services and solutions to help you make the most of your Microsoft technology. The first step in comparing providers is understanding your options. There are a range of “partners” to choose from, such as:
- Solutions partners: These providers excel at helping companies unlock the full potential of Microsoft systems (like Microsoft Teams). They can help with Teams deployment processes, app integrations, infrastructure set-up, technical support, training, and customization.
- Telephony partners: Telephony or communications partners offer companies ways to integrate Microsoft Teams with their business calling systems. For instance, you might work with a Direct Routing or Operator Connect partner to align the features and benefits of your existing phone carrier with Microsoft Teams.
- Specialist partners: Specialists assist companies with tackling specific challenges when implementing and optimizing Microsoft Teams deployments. They can help create Microsoft Teams Rooms systems, custom Microsoft Teams instances, or AI agents, Copilot customizations, and apps.
How to Compare Microsoft Teams Providers
Once you’ve decided what type of Microsoft Teams provider you need to work with, the next step is developing a comprehensive strategy for evaluating each service offering and solution. Here are the core things you’ll need to consider when narrowing down your options.
1. Features and Customization Options
If you know what type of Microsoft Teams provider you need to work with, you should also have a clear view of the features and services that the company needs to offer. For instance, if you’re working with a company on a custom deployment of Microsoft Teams, they’ll need to offer services relating to deployment, configuration, policy setup, and integrations.
Beyond evaluating each provider’s central service offerings, consider how much the company can customize its solution to meet your needs. Can they handle hybrid and cloud deployment options? Do they offer specialist support for custom app development, AI optimization, security policy management, and integration options?
2. Reputation and Reliability
When comparing Microsoft Teams providers, having a clear view of the company’s background and reputation is important. Start by checking the certifications these companies have earned directly from Microsoft. Solution partners, specialists, and telephony companies working with Microsoft can all earn certifications highlighting their knowledge and understanding of Teams.
Find out how many companies similar to yours the firm has worked with in the past. Can they share case studies and customer success stories with your stakeholders? How much do they commit to giving you peace of mind, with things like dedicated “Service Level Agreements” (SLAs)?
3. Customer Support and Training
The whole point of working with a Microsoft Teams provider is to gain access to constant support, expertise, and guidance. However, different partners can offer varying levels of support. For instance, some specialist partners might help with setting up a new Microsoft Teams strategy, and provide training to your team members, but they might not offer long-term guidance or access to account managers. Others may offer long-term support, but the scale of that service might vary.
For instance, if you work with a provider to implement Microsoft Teams with direct routing, you might need to ensure that the company’s technical team is available 24/7 on a range of channels, to handle any malfunctions or problems immediately – before they disrupt your team. Find out exactly what level of
4. Security and Compliance
Next, consider your Microsoft Teams providers’ approach to security and compliance. Have they achieved specific accreditations and certifications that show they’re compliant with things like SOC 2, SOC 3, HITRUST, and GDPR? How do they manage and protect the data they collect from clients, and how much control do they give you over that data?
For companies in specific industries, such as the government, finance, or healthcare sector, it may be important to look for providers that are familiar with the rules of regulations like HIPAA and FINRA. Ensure you know your provider’s security, compliance, and privacy strategy in advance, and find out if they take any extra measures to protect customers – such as investing in proactive monitoring systems and AI-powered threat detection.
5. Pricing Models for Microsoft Teams Providers
Finally, you’ll need to consider pricing. Different Microsoft Teams providers follow different pricing models. Some charge a flat monthly rate for the services they offer, while others charge customers on a per user or per usage basis. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy to choosing the right pricing model for your needs – the key to success is ensuring that you have a transparent view of what you’re paying, and what you’re getting for your money.
Prioritize partners that commit to clearly outlining the elements of their pricing structure and what it includes. It’s also worth looking for “scalability” options, which allow you to increase the number of services or types of support you access as your business continues to grow.
Evaluating Microsoft Teams Providers: Finishing Thoughts
With so many different Microsoft Teams providers to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The good news is that choosing the right partner doesn’t just make it easier to deploy and use Microsoft Teams – it can also help you increase the return on investment your solution delivers.
If you need more help deciding if Microsoft Teams is right for your company, check out our ultimate guide to Microsoft Teams here. Not sure which features you should be implementing first – read our report on the top features for enterprise success with Microsoft Teams. Alternatively, if you need help mastering the deployment process, you can find out expert Microsoft Teams rollout guide here.
