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Is Buying Microsoft Unified Support a Risky Career Move?.

Discover why choosing Microsoft Unified Support could limit your career growth, and how third-party alternatives can make you a strategic IT leader.
Published Nov 08, 2024
Mike Jones
Written by:
Mike Jones
Is Buying Microsoft Unified Support a Risky Career Move?

In today’s cost-conscious business environment, IT leaders face increasing pressure to demonstrate value while managing budgets effectively. One decision that often comes under scrutiny is the choice between Microsoft Unified Support and third-party alternatives. But beyond the obvious cost implications, there’s a more nuanced question at play:

Could your choice of enterprise support partner impact your career trajectory?

The Traditional "Safe" Choice May No Longer Be So Safe

Concerned IT professional reviewing documents at desk in modern office.
IT leaders face tough decisions when evaluating Microsoft support alternatives.

Conventionally, choosing Microsoft Unified Support has been seen as the “nobody ever got fired for buying IBM” option. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. With organizations scrutinizing every dollar spent on IT services, the ability to identify and implement cost-effective solutions without compromising quality has become a crucial leadership skill.

Consider this: When you’re paying 30-50% more for Microsoft Unified Support compared to alternative solutions, how do you justify this premium to your CEO or board? In an era where digital transformation and innovation are critical, having a significant portion of your budget tied up in support costs could actually limit your ability to drive strategic initiatives.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

Let’s look at the data that matters to decision-makers:

  • Resolution Times: Third-party providers like US Cloud deliver 2x faster average time to resolution
  • Cost Savings: 30-50% reduction in support costs compared to Microsoft Unified Support
  • Engineer Experience: US Cloud’s team averages 14.9 years of Microsoft experience
  • Response Time: 15-minute SLA compared to Microsoft’s 60-minute standard
  • Customer Satisfaction: the vast majority of US Cloud clients achieve 30%+ savings while maintaining or improving support quality

Career Enhancement Through Strategic Decision-Making

Forward-thinking IT leaders are increasingly recognized not just for maintaining systems, but for driving business value. Here’s how choosing alternative support can position you as a strategic leader:

  1. Innovation Champion: By redirecting support cost savings into innovative projects, you demonstrate business acumen and strategic thinking.
  2. Risk Management: With faster resolution times and comprehensive SLAs, you’re actually reducing operational risk while cutting costs.
  3. Resource Optimization: Working with a provider like US Cloud, which offers 100% US-based support teams, can improve communication efficiency and reduce management overhead.
  4. Digital Transformation: Freed-up budget can fund critical digital initiatives, positioning you as a change agent within your organization.

The "What If" Scenarios

Common concerns about moving away from Microsoft Unified Support often include:

  • “What if we need direct Microsoft escalation?”
  • “What about our cloud services?”
  • “Will this affect our Microsoft relationship?”

These are valid questions, but modern third-party providers have evolved to address these concerns. For instance, US Cloud maintains strong relationships with Microsoft and can escalate issues when needed, while providing faster initial response times and resolution.

Real-World Success Stories

Leading organizations across industries have already made this strategic shift. Companies like Aramark, Ralph Lauren, and Harley Davidson have successfully transitioned to third-party support with US Cloud, demonstrating that this decision can enhance rather than hinder career progression.

👉 Read our case studies here.

Relaxed professional in red blazer drinking coffee at desk, suggesting confidence in IT support decisions.
No more 'what if' worries with US Cloud's Microsoft support.

Consider this:

Would you rather be known as the leader who maintained the status quo, or the one who optimized operations, reduced costs, and redirected savings into innovation? In today’s dynamic business environment, the answer could define your career trajectory.

Take the Next Step in Strategic IT Leadership

US Cloud's support team delivers faster resolution times with 15-minute SLAs.

Ready to explore how third-party Microsoft support can enhance both your organization’s efficiency and your career trajectory? US Cloud offers a comprehensive evaluation of your current support costs and needs, with a detailed analysis of potential savings and service improvements.

Schedule a call with our enterprise support specialists to:

  • Receive a customized savings analysis
  • Review our SLA-backed support guarantees
  • Learn how our all-American team of Microsoft-certified engineers can deliver faster resolution times
  • Discuss a seamless transition plan tailored to your organization

Don’t let excessive support costs hold back your innovation initiatives. Contact US Cloud today and join the ranks of forward-thinking IT leaders who are transforming their organizations while advancing their careers.

Schedule Your Consultation or contact us.

Mike Jones
Mike Jones
Mike Jones stands out as a leading authority on Microsoft enterprise solutions and has been recognized by Gartner as one of the world’s top subject matter experts on Microsoft Enterprise Agreements (EA) and Unified (formerly Premier) Support contracts. Mike's extensive experience across the private, partner, and government sectors empowers him to expertly identify and address the unique needs of Fortune 500 Microsoft environments. His unparalleled insight into Microsoft offerings makes him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to optimize their technology landscape.
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