In today’s complex IT landscape, support services are critical to maintaining the health and performance of your systems. Many organisations rely on Microsoft Unified Support for their Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud solutions. However, rising costs and a one-size-fits-all approach has led many IT leaders to explore alternatives.
If you're evaluating your support options, here's what you need to know about Unified support and how alternative models can offer tailored, cost-effective solutions.
The Challenge with Microsoft Unified
Microsoft Unified support is often the default choice for organisations seeking assistance for their Microsoft environments. While it offers comprehensive coverage, it’s not without its challenges:
- Rising Costs
According to industry reports, Microsoft Unified fees have increased by 20–50% annually for many customers. This sharp rise has left organisations struggling to justify or budget for the service.
- Standardised Service
While Microsoft Unified offers broad coverage, its standardised approach may not align with the unique needs of every organisation. Smaller businesses or those with specific requirements often find themselves paying for services they don’t fully utilise.
- Satisfaction Gaps
A Gartner report revealed that 60% of customers cite dissatisfaction with the quality, speed, or cost of Microsoft Unified Support, prompting a search for alternatives that better address their needs.
Unified Alternatives: Key Benefits
As organisations seek alternatives, many are discovering the advantages of our enhanced support. This solution is designed to address the limitations of Unified Support while offering greater flexibility and value.
- Cost Efficiency
Alternative providers often use transparent, usage-based pricing models, helping businesses save up to 30% compared to Microsoft Unified. This aproach ensures you only pay for the services you actually need, reducing wasted resources.
- Tailored Expertise
Unlike the standardised approach of Unified, alternative providers offer dedicated, relationship-driven service. With access to specialists who understand your environment, issues can be resolved faster—up to 10 times faster in some cases.
- Flexible Coverage
Many alternatives provide customised support plans, including 24×7×365 coverage for critical incidents and proactive advisory services. This flexibility ensures the support aligns with your business priorities.
Choosing the Right Support Alternative
When evaluating Unified support alternatives, consider these key factors:
- Expertise and Specialisation: Ensure the provider has deep knowledge of Microsoft solutions, including Microsoft 365 and Asure.
- Response Times: Compare SLAs to understand how quickly issues will be resolved.
- Scalability: Ensure the support model can grow with your organisation’s needs.
The Way Forward
Unified alternatives are becoming increasingly popular among organisations seeking cost-effective, high-quality, and flexible support solutions. By carefully assessing your needs and comparing providers, you can find a model that delivers better value and aligns more closely with your business goals.
For IT leaders looking to optimise their Microsoft environments without breaking the budget, exploring enhanced support options is a smart move. By moving to enhanced support you can gain the reliability, expertise, and flexibility needed to keep your systems running smoothly.