Mike Jones Talks Tech and Smarter IT Decisions on the Modern CTO Podcast.

We’re proud to share a major highlight for our team at US Cloud: our own Mike Jones, VP of Product Development, was a featured guest on the Modern CTO Podcast—one of the leading shows where the brightest minds in tech share insights that shape the future of the industry.

In this dynamic conversation with host Joel Beasley, Mike pulled back the curtain on why Microsoft support isn’t always the “safe” bet it used to be—and why CIOs, CTOs, and IT procurement leaders need to make choices that actually work for their teams instead of relying on the legacy mentality (and Microsoft) to make the choice.

This episode didn’t just validate US Cloud’s mission—it amplified it.

Yes, that’s part of the actual episode title. And while it’s meant to grab your attention, it also gets to the heart of the issue: too many IT leaders are renewing with Microsoft Unified Support without fully understanding their options—or the consequences.

This entire conversation was sparked by Mike’s blog post earlier this year with a title reminiscent of the viral (before viral was cool) tagline from IBM. Read the post here: Nobody Gets Fired for Buying Support from Microsoft—but They Should

Inspired by IBM’s iconic ad, we ask: Why should you get fired for buying Microsoft Support?

In the post and in the show, Mike challenges the outdated belief that sticking with Microsoft is the “safe” or “smart” move. In reality, many enterprises are overpaying for slow, impersonal support while being locked into multi-year contracts with no flexibility and limited transparency. Mike makes a compelling case: true safety comes from smart decisions—not automatic ones.

“No one gets fired for choosing Microsoft used to be a safe bet. That’s not the case anymore. You’re not doing your job if you’re not evaluating alternatives that cost less and deliver more.”
—Mike Jones

During the episode, Mike shares what US Cloud hears from clients every day: “We didn’t know there was another option.” And that’s the problem.

Microsoft Unified is not your only option for Microsoft support.

US Cloud offers full Microsoft stack coverage—including Azure, M365, SQL Server, Windows Server, and more—at 2x the speed and 30–50% lower cost. With 24/7/365 support, financially backed SLAs, and zero offshoring, we’re proving every day that enterprises do have a better choice.

Choice means leverage. It means control over your support spend. And it means reclaiming ownership of your IT roadmap—so it’s not dictated by Microsoft’s renewal cycle.

Mike didn’t hold back when talking about what enterprises are really experiencing with Microsoft Unified:

• Multiple escalations with no resolution.
• Frustrating hand-offs between support tiers.
• Declining response times due to layoffs and offshoring.
• A widening disconnect between cost and value.

In contrast, US Cloud provides clients with dedicated support engineers, proactive health assessments, and rapid resolution by senior engineers who know your environment. And unlike traditional Microsoft partners, 100% of our revenue comes from replacing Unified Support. It’s not something we “also do.” It’s all we do.

Mike Jones breaks down why Microsoft support isn’t the “safe” choice anymore on the Modern CTO Podcast with Joel Beasley.

Empower yourself with real pricing and quality—something Microsoft rarely offers without a lengthy sales cycle. A free quote from US Cloud not only shows how much you could save but also arms you with leverage during negotiations with Microsoft.

Even if you choose to stay with Microsoft, you’ll make a more informed decision—and that’s exactly the kind of strategic IT leadership that earns trust and drives innovation.

Microsoft’s renewal process is designed to eliminate your options. Don’t get stuck with the support option that could jeopardize your job.

By waiting until the final weeks of your renewal, Microsoft makes it nearly impossible to evaluate alternatives or secure internal approvals. If you’re not evaluating your support options now, you may run out of time.

Letting your contract “auto-renew” could mean another year—or more—of inflated costs and underwhelming support. Another smarter choice could be available to you with a quote from US Cloud. Or, if you choose to stick with Microsoft, you could negotiate better terms for yourself.

Once your Unified contract renews, you’re locked in. Choose now—before Microsoft chooses for you.

In a year where most top-performing companies are aiming for transformative efficiency in order to reinvest savings in innovation, US Cloud is an example of a third-party alternative that is helping teams save thousands (even millions) each year. That spend can be reinvested in company productivity.

US Cloud already supports over 50 Fortune 500 companies across every major industry. And we routinely help enterprises:

• Save 30–50% vs. Unified Support
• Speed up resolution with sub-15-minute response times
• Unlock savings through Azure spend optimization tools and EA negotiation support
• Take control of their Microsoft relationship

Joel Beasley helps spotlight the human side of IT leadership in his conversation with US Cloud’s Mike Jones on the Modern CTO Podcast.

Mike’s Modern CTO appearance is more than just a podcast episode. It’s a call to action for IT leaders to rethink what “safe” really means.

We are deeply grateful to Joel and the Modern CTO team for hosting Mike and giving space for such an important industry conversation. Modern CTO has long been known for authentic, future-focused discussions, and this episode was no exception.

Mike and Joel’s reflections on the influence of mentor Brad Sousa and the human side of IT leadership made the episode more than a tech talk—it became a testament to how great leadership is rooted in curiosity, courage, and accountability.

Being “safe” isn’t about choosing the name brand. It’s about ensuring that your IT investments are delivering maximum value, minimizing risk, and aligning with your goals—not Microsoft’s.

So, if you’re facing a Unified Support renewal, don’t let the clock run out. Here’s what you can do:

1. Get your free quote from US Cloud
2. Explore real support alternatives
3. Take back control of your Microsoft support strategy

Because you do have a choice—and now’s the time to make it.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of Mike on Modern CTO.

Let us know what you think—and if you’re ready to break free from Unified Support, we’re here to help.

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