Microsoft adds Azure to FastTrack migration program

Microsoft is expanding its cloud migration program FastTrack to include migration to Azure.

FastTrack enables customers to move to Microsoft's cloud services faster. The program also includes migrations for Office 365, Dynamics 365, Enterprise Mobility + Security and Windows.

Australia is one of the first countries to get its hands on the program, with a preview starting 1 August alongside the US and Canada.

FastTrack for Azure will include a range of cloud services at launch such as backup and archive, disaster recovery, development and test and internal line of business applications. Microsoft said more services will be available as the program expands.

FastTrack for Azure is available to customers with an Azure project of US$60,000 or more per year that are not already supported by a Microsoft cloud solution architect.

Partner pushback

The program began as Office 365 FastTrack, but was rebranded to Microsoft FastTrack to reflect the addition of new services.

FastTrack faced pushback from the channel when it was introduced in 2014, because partners typically charged for services such as mailbox migrations to Office 365.

Microsoft has gone out of its way to highlight the partner opportunities with FastTrack for Azure.

General manager of partner programs Toby Richards said in a blog post that Microsoft will provide FastTrack leads to partners if a partner isn't already present in the account. If a partner is already present, Microsoft's FastTrack team will work with them to ensure they have ample resources to assist the customer.

The vendor said that by enabling organisations to move to Microsoft's cloud services faster, it would allow partners to rapidly spin up Microsoft services for their customers.

FastTrack for Azure also offers partners up to US$15,000 to help offset the cost of services provided.

Last week, Microsoft revealed it would cut up to 3000 jobs from its global sales and marketing team to focus on its cloud business.

This week at Microsoft's Ignite conference in Washington DC, the vendor has announced a handful of new cloud products, such as its bundled Microsoft 365 product and Azure Stack general availability for select originial equipment manufacturers.