DSE Spotlight – Christopher Nurse
Major Certifications: Microsoft 365 Certified Teams Administrator Associate | Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
Microsoft Product Line Experience: Microsoft Access Development | Microsoft Office Suite | Microsoft Teams | Windows Server | Microsoft Exchange
What is your previous experience with Microsoft?
I have over two and a half decades of experience with Microsoft products, ranging from their server infrastructure to their cloud products, with a primary focus on their Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
What made you decide to join US Cloud?
A year and a half ago, I wanted to start another challenge in my life. Most of my work years have been spent in systems where I’ve done a lot of developments. When I looked at the role at US Cloud, I saw that they were trying to create a DSE department from the ground up and required a Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect to work with the team. It attracted me because I knew my past experiences would be influential in building out this department and by extension, the product line. I like to be in the development stages of organizations and use my knowledge to build value added products for clients.
What does it mean to be a DSE and how does your role impact clients?
DSEs are high level individuals who have consultancy experience and at the same time provide more than consultations. We use our experience to support our clients at a higher level than any other department because we have such a close connection to our clients. We are their trusted advisor. Consultants build platforms, and part of my new role is developing new products to go along with our consultations. If a customer has a request that is outside my purview, I don’t say ‘I don’t know how to solve this,’ I instead I say, ‘I will research and recommend a solution that meets your business needs.’ DSEs with Architect skillsets design solutions based on our understanding of each client’s needs.
Are there any initiatives or projects that you feel strongly reflect the impact of your role?
Recently, a client made a request for an adoption assessment on the Microsoft E3 licensing usage. After reviewing their current user adoption rates along with their consumption and licensing retention, it became apparent that that the client, annually, and for the licensing period, retains $1.7M in unused licenses. Considering that Microsoft has remove the possibility of downscaling licenses until renewal, the client was able to reevaluate their retained licenses strategy at renewal which saved them over a million dollars for their next licensing period. This experience has significant impact on my role as a trusted advisor to our clients not just for information purposes but as a valued added service for ROI.
