Best Azure Managed Service Providers Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best Azure managed service providers:
Get free help from our service advisors to find your match.
Azure managed service providers help businesses run their cloud environments more securely, efficiently, and with fewer internal bottlenecks.
Teams often look for this kind of support when they’re dealing with performance issues, security gaps, or time-consuming infrastructure tasks that pull focus away from core projects. Choosing the right partner can be difficult when offerings sound similar but vary widely in day-to-day reliability and support.
I’ve worked with companies comparing Azure MSPs to solve real problems, from cost control to access management to performance tuning. This guide is built from that experience and is here to help you evaluate which providers actually deliver the support your team needs.
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Best Azure Managed Service Providers Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Azure managed service provider selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for hybrid cloud setups | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for regional businesses | Free discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for enterprise-level solutions | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for UK-based firms | Free discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for global reach | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for mid-sized companies | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for Microsoft expertise | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for healthcare compliance | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for defense sector clients | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for digital transformation | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Azure Managed Service Providers Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Azure managed service providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Rackspace offers managed Azure services with a focus on hybrid cloud solutions, catering to businesses looking to integrate on-premises and cloud infrastructures. They serve a diverse client base, including enterprises seeking scalability and flexibility in their cloud operations.
Why I picked Rackspace: Their expertise in hybrid cloud setups is evident in their services like cloud migration and workload management. These offerings are designed to support businesses in seamlessly integrating their existing infrastructure with Azure cloud solutions. Their managed services provide ongoing support and optimization, ensuring your team can effectively leverage cloud capabilities across environments.
Standout Services: Rackspace provides cloud migration services that help your team transition workloads to Azure efficiently. Their workload management services offer continuous optimization, addressing performance and cost challenges in hybrid environments.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing
Specialties: Hybrid cloud solutions, workload management, cloud migration, Azure Stack, and security services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong support for workload management
- Flexible cloud migration options
- Focus on various industries
Cons:
- Pricing details not transparent
- Primarily focused on larger enterprises
TierPoint offers a range of Azure managed services, focusing on cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and security services. Their main client base includes regional businesses looking for reliable and efficient cloud solutions to support their operations.
Why I picked TierPoint: Their focus on regional businesses is supported by their cloud hosting services, which ensure local compliance and performance. Disaster recovery solutions help your team maintain business continuity in case of unexpected events.
Security services provide peace of mind, ensuring your data is protected and compliant with industry standards.
Standout Services: TierPoint provides disaster recovery services that help your team maintain business continuity and minimize downtime in case of disruptions. Their security services ensure that your data is protected and compliant with industry standards, addressing key concerns for businesses.
Target industries: Healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and retail
Specialties: Cloud hosting, disaster recovery, security services, data protection, and compliance
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on regional businesses
- Strong disaster recovery solutions
- Efficient cloud hosting options
Cons:
- Pricing details not transparent
- Primarily focused on regional markets
Infosys offers a comprehensive suite of Azure managed services tailored to industries like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their main client base includes enterprises seeking cloud transformation and operational efficiency.
Why I picked Infosys: Infosys stands out for its enterprise-level solutions, offering Cloud Advisory and Core Services through its Infosys Cobalt platform.
These services are ideal for businesses looking to build and operate cloud ecosystems efficiently. NextGen Services caters to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, making them a strong choice for large organizations.
Standout Services: Infosys provides cloud advisory services to help your team navigate the complexities of cloud transformation. Their next-gen services focus on hybrid and multi-cloud environments, addressing the challenges of modern IT infrastructures.
Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and aerospace
Specialties: Cloud advisory, data analytics, AI, digital marketing, and operational efficiency
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on large enterprises
- Strong cloud advisory expertise
- Emphasis on innovation
Cons:
- Pricing details not transparent
- May be costly for small businesses
Cloud Direct provides Azure managed services focusing on cloud migration, security, and disaster recovery. Their main client base consists of UK-based firms looking for reliable cloud solutions to support their business operations.
Why I picked Cloud Direct: Their focus on UK-based firms is evident through their cloud migration services, which ensure compliance with local regulations.
Security services protect your data and maintain industry standards. Disaster recovery solutions help your team maintain business continuity and minimize downtime.
Standout Services: Cloud Direct offers security services that ensure your data is protected and compliant with industry standards. Their disaster recovery solutions help your team maintain business continuity and minimize downtime during disruptions.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, education, and technology
Specialties: Cloud migration, security services, disaster recovery, compliance, and IT support
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on UK-based firms
- Strong security services
- Reliable IT support
Cons:
- Primarily focused on the UK market
- May not suit large global enterprises
NTT Data offers services including application management, cloud and IT infrastructure, business process services, and digital workplace solutions. They cater to diverse industries such as automotive, banking, and healthcare, focusing on operational efficiency and innovation.
Why I picked NTT Data: Their global reach is evident in their extensive service offerings that include cloud and IT infrastructure management, which supports businesses in multiple regions.
With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, they provide digital workplace solutions that facilitate remote work and collaboration.
Their expertise in application management ensures that your team can effectively leverage Azure for various business needs.
Standout Services: NTT Data provides digital workplace solutions that enhance your team’s ability to collaborate and work remotely. Their business process services streamline operations, addressing key business challenges and improving efficiency.
Target industries: Automotive, banking, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications
Specialties: Application management, cloud infrastructure, digital workplace, business process services, and IT consulting
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive global presence
- Expertise in multiple industries
- Comprehensive digital workplace solutions
Cons:
- Primarily focused on large enterprises
- May require specialized implementation support
Navisite offers managed Azure services focusing on cloud migration, application management, and IT security. Their primary client base consists of midsize companies seeking scalable and secure cloud solutions to enhance their operations.
Why I picked Navisite: Their focus on midsize companies is evident in their scalable cloud migration services, which help your team transition efficiently to Azure. Application management ensures that your applications are optimized and running smoothly.
IT security services protect your data, ensuring compliance with industry standards while supporting business growth.
Standout Services: Navisite provides application management services that help your team keep applications running optimally and address performance challenges. Their it security services protect your data, ensuring compliance with industry standards and addressing key security concerns.
Target industries: Healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and technology
Specialties: Cloud migration, application management, IT security, compliance, and data protection
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on midsize companies
- Scalable cloud migration services
- Comprehensive IT security solutions
Cons:
- Pricing details not transparent
- Complex service offerings
Avanade offers Azure managed services focusing on cloud transformation, digital innovation, and IT strategy. They serve enterprises looking to leverage Microsoft's technologies for enhanced business operations and digital transformation.
Why I picked Avanade: Their deep Microsoft expertise is evident in their cloud transformation services, helping your team effectively integrate Azure into your operations.
Digital innovation offerings ensure you can harness the latest technologies for competitive advantage. IT strategy services provide guidance for aligning your technology initiatives with business goals.
Standout Services: Avanade provides digital innovation services that help your team leverage new technologies for competitive advantage. Their it strategy services offer guidance to align technology initiatives with your business goals, addressing strategic planning challenges.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and technology
Specialties: Cloud transformation, digital innovation, IT strategy, Microsoft technologies, and business consulting
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive IT strategy services
- Tailored solutions for large enterprises
- Emphasis on business consulting
Cons:
- Pricing is not readily available
- May require specialized implementation support
Logicworks is now RapidScale, offering services that focus on cloud migration, management, and compliance. They serve industries like healthcare and finance, providing solutions tailored to meet strict regulatory requirements.
Why I picked Logicworks: Their specialization in healthcare compliance is evident through their offerings, like Well-Architected Reviews and compliance assessments. These services ensure your cloud environment meets necessary standards.
Cost optimization and DevOps strategy implementation further enhance their value, making them a go-to for compliance-focused industries.
Standout Services: Logicworks provides cost optimization services that help your team manage Azure expenses efficiently. Their DevOps strategy implementation supports automation and integration, addressing key operational challenges.
Target industries: Healthcare, finance, automotive, education, and technology
Specialties: Compliance assessments, cost optimization, DevOps strategy, Azure Virtual Machines, and Kubernetes Services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong focus on compliance
- Expertise in cost management
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Primarily focuses on compliance-heavy industries
- May not suit small businesses
Smartronix provides Azure managed services with a focus on cloud migration, cybersecurity, and IT modernization. They primarily cater to clients in defense, government, and other sectors requiring stringent security measures.
Why I picked Smartronix: Their specialization in the defense sector is highlighted by their strong focus on cybersecurity and compliance. They offer services like cloud migration that support secure and efficient transitions to Azure.
IT modernization solutions help your team upgrade legacy systems while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
Standout Services: Smartronix offers cybersecurity services that protect your data and ensure compliance with strict regulations. Their IT modernization solutions help your team upgrade and optimize legacy systems for better performance.
Target industries: Defense, government, healthcare, education, and financial services
Specialties: Cybersecurity, compliance, cloud migration, IT modernization, and managed services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored solutions for the defense sector
- Efficient cloud migration services
- IT modernization expertise
Cons:
- Mainly focused on security-heavy industries
- May not suit small businesses
Wipro offers a wide range of Azure managed services, focusing on cloud infrastructure, application development, and digital transformation. They primarily serve large enterprises seeking to modernize their IT environments and improve business agility.
Why I picked Wipro: Their focus on digital transformation is evident through services like application development, which helps your team create scalable and efficient solutions.
Cloud infrastructure services facilitate the modernization of IT environments, enhancing operational efficiency. These offerings ensure that your organization can adapt to changing market demands with agility.
Standout Services: Wipro provides application development services that enable your team to build scalable and efficient solutions tailored to your business needs. Their cloud infrastructure services support the modernization of IT environments, addressing agility and operational efficiency challenges.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, banking, manufacturing, and telecommunications
Specialties: Digital transformation, application development, cloud infrastructure, IT consulting, and cybersecurity
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Expertise in application development
- Comprehensive cloud infrastructure services
- Tailored solutions for large enterprises
Cons:
- Pricing is not readily available
- Primarily focused on large enterprises
Other Azure Managed Service Providers
Here are some additional Azure managed service providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
For financial services
- Trianz
For data-driven insights
- DXC Technology
For hybrid IT environments
- Deloitte
For strategic cloud advisory
- Cognizant
For digital engineering services
- Cloudreach
For Kubernetes management
- Capgemini
For data center transformation
- Hitachi Digital Services
For IoT integration solutions
- Accenture
For large-scale cloud transformations
- HCLTech
For application modernization
What Do Azure Managed Service Providers Typically Offer?
Azure managed service providers are companies that deliver a range of services to help businesses manage their Azure cloud environments. They might offer things like:
- Cloud migration support
- Security and compliance management
- Performance monitoring and optimization
- Disaster recovery solutions
- Cost management and optimization
IT departments, CTOs, and businesses looking to enhance their cloud infrastructure often seek out these providers. They address challenges like efficient cloud management, security compliance, and cost control in cloud operations.
Azure Managed Service Providers Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Azure managed service providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like optimizing cloud costs and ensuring security compliance. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Cloud migration
- Security management
- Performance monitoring
- Cost optimization
- Disaster recovery
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- AI and machine learning integration
- Industry-specific compliance solutions
- Multi-cloud management
- Advanced analytics capabilities
- Custom application development
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in business
- Number of Azure certifications
- Client industry diversity
- Case studies and success stories
- Partnerships with industry leaders
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Initial setup support
- Training and resources provided
- Time to deployment
- Customization options
- Clarity of communication
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Response time to inquiries
- Availability of dedicated account managers
- Support channels offered
- Customer satisfaction ratings
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency of pricing
- Competitive pricing within the industry
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Cost savings from managed services
- Return on investment potential
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on service reliability
- Comments on customer support
- Reports of service improvements
- Testimonials on business impact
How to Choose an Azure Managed Service Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your business goals. They should offer solutions that drive growth and efficiency specific to your industry and needs. |
Service Scope and SLAs | Check the range of services and service level agreements. Make sure they cover essential areas like uptime, data security, and response times. |
Support Availability | Look for 24/7 support and multiple contact methods. Your team should have access to help whenever issues arise, minimizing downtime and disruptions. |
Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model and any hidden fees. Compare costs against your budget and potential ROI to ensure it's a sound investment. |
Communication and Reporting | Evaluate the provider’s communication practices. Regular updates and clear reporting help you track performance and make informed decisions. |
Security Measures | Ensure robust security protocols are in place. The provider should offer compliance with industry standards and proactive threat management. |
Customization Options | Check if the provider can tailor services to your specific needs. Flexibility is key for adapting to business changes and challenges. |
Reputation and Reviews | Research customer reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback and a strong reputation can indicate reliability and quality of service. |
Key Azure Managed Service Provider Services
When selecting an Azure managed service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Cloud migration: Facilitates the smooth transition of your existing systems to Azure, minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.
- Security management: Protects your data and applications with advanced security protocols and compliance with industry standards.
- Disaster recovery: Provides solutions to restore operations quickly after disruptions, minimizing data loss and downtime.
- Performance monitoring: Continuously tracks system performance to ensure optimal operation and quick identification of issues.
- Cost optimization: Analyzes and manages cloud expenses to help your team maximize ROI and stay within budget.
- Application management: Ensures your applications are up-to-date, efficient, and aligned with business goals.
- IT strategy consulting: Offers guidance on aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Compliance solutions: Assists in meeting industry regulations and standards, reducing risk and enhancing trust.
- Data analytics: Provides insights and analytics to drive informed business decisions and improve operational efficiency.
- Multi-cloud management: Supports the integration and management of multiple cloud environments for flexibility and resilience.
Benefits of Azure Managed Service Providers
Partnering with an Azure managed service provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Enhanced security: Benefit from advanced security protocols and compliance services that protect your data and applications.
- Cost efficiency: Achieve better cost management and optimization through expert analysis and tailored pricing models.
- Improved performance: Experience consistent system performance with proactive monitoring and quick issue resolution.
- Scalability: Easily scale your cloud infrastructure to meet changing business demands with flexible service offerings.
- Disaster resilience: Ensure business continuity with reliable disaster recovery solutions that minimize downtime and data loss.
- Strategic insights: Gain valuable insights from data analytics services to make informed business decisions and improve operations.
- Customized solutions: Access tailored services that align with your specific business needs and industry requirements.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Azure Managed Service Providers
Azure managed service providers typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Charges a recurring fee, often monthly or annually, for access to services.
- Project-based: Costs are determined by the scope and duration of a specific project.
- Pay-as-you-go: Fees are based on actual usage, providing flexibility for fluctuating needs.
- Tiered pricing: Offers different levels of service at varying price points, allowing businesses to choose what best fits their needs.
- Scope of work (SOW): Pricing is based on detailed project deliverables and agreed-upon terms.
Key Factors That Influence Azure Managed Service Provider Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of Azure managed service providers:
- Customization needs: Tailoring services to fit your specific business requirements can increase costs.
- Compliance requirements: Adhering to industry regulations may require additional resources and expertise, impacting pricing.
- User count: The number of employees or users can affect pricing, especially in subscription or usage-based models.
- Service complexity: More complex services or integrations can lead to higher costs due to the expertise required.
- Support level: Higher levels of support and faster response times often come at a premium.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Azure Managed Service Providers: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about Azure managed service providers:
How do I choose the right Azure managed service provider?
Choosing the right provider involves assessing your business needs and matching them with the provider’s offerings. Look for expertise in your industry, evaluate their service scope, and review their client testimonials. Consider factors like pricing, support availability, and the ability to customize services to fit your unique requirements.
What should I expect during the onboarding process?
Onboarding typically involves initial meetings to understand your needs, setting up services, and ensuring your systems are correctly integrated with Azure. Providers should offer training and resources to help your team get up to speed. It’s important to have clear communication and a timeline to ensure everything’s on track.
How do Azure managed service providers support compliance?
Providers help ensure your systems meet industry standards and regulations by implementing security protocols and conducting regular audits. They should offer compliance as part of their core services, tailoring solutions to fit specific regulatory needs in your industry. This support helps minimize risks and ensures data protection.
Can I scale services as my business grows?
Yes, most Azure managed service providers offer scalable solutions to accommodate your business growth. They can adjust resources and services to meet increasing demands, ensuring your operations remain efficient. Discuss scalability options with your provider to understand how they can support your expansion plans.
What kind of support can I expect from my provider?
Support varies by provider but generally includes 24/7 access to technical help, dedicated account managers, and multiple communication channels. It’s crucial to understand the level of support included in your contract and any additional costs for premium services. Reliable support helps quickly resolve issues and maintain smooth operations.
How do providers ensure data security?
Providers typically implement advanced security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits, to protect your data. They should also offer proactive monitoring to identify and address potential threats. Ensuring data security is a critical component of managed services and should be a top priority for any provider you choose.
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