Aussies' world first in Microsoft cloud program

Microsoft has qualified Australian resellers HubOne and Paradyne as the first two partners in the world to complete Cloud Accelerate, an element in the vendor's revamped partner program. 

To qualify, the pair had to sell Microsoft Online Services to at least three customers with more than 150 seats, commit to selling a further eight over the next year and produce three references.

Nick Beaugeard, managing director of Sydney-based cloud integrator HubOne, said the accreditation was "significant".

"If you can watch what Microsoft’s been doing with the new partner program they’re changing it all around, it’s all about competencies. Until now there was no cloud competency which is kind of strange given that cloud is such a big push for Microsoft.

“But the Accelerate program is the new cloud competency. So for us getting something like this is  critical, but getting first in the world is even better,” Beaugeard told CRN. “This is the most important one for us, this is the holy grail."  

Beaugeard said he would continue pursue further specialisations as well. 

Microsoft recently unveiled the Cloud Accelerate portion of its Microsoft Partner Network program - a badge for partners that shows a high level of proficiency in selling cloud technologies.

The refreshed program ditched the Microsoft Certified Partner and Gold Certified Partner designations. Gold and Silver status became an indicator of a partner's skill level within 29 competencies.

Victorian-based cloud integrator Paradyne launched in February and targeted small business customers.

For Paradyne founder Loryan Strant, the Accelerate accreditation gave an extra level of support.

“It gives us better in-roads into the Microsoft resources which equates to better support for our services for our customers. 

“We usually get some level of pre-sales support from Microsoft. Being an Accelerate partner gives us extra support services.

"It’s more customer focus and gives us a badge that differentiates us from other organisations that aren’t Cloud Accelerate," he said.

George Stavrakakis, Microsoft Australia’s partner director, said it was “fantastic” to see Australian partners leading the way in cloud.

“Our partners play a critical role in ensuring that customers can take advantage of the huge benefits that cloud computing provides in the way they manage and consume their IT," he said. 

Ahead of the game

Both resellers accredited Microsoft Australia for their achievement. 

Beaugeard said the level of engagement from Microsoft Australia to their partner channel was a contributing factor to winning the accreditation.

“At least telling us these things are here and getting us to go and do things," he said. 

Paradyne’s Strant agreed and said it was with Microsoft Australia’s assistance that they we were pushed to become one of the first.

“It just shows that we’re committed to the solution but on working with Microsoft to present its solutions."