Microsoft EA and MPSA Online Services are moving to standardised pricing. This change could impact costs and make CSP a better option for flexibility and value.
Table of Contents
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
From Complexity to Clarity – Why Microsoft Fabric Matters Now
Discover why Microsoft Fabric is central to Microsoft’s Data & AI strategy, and how Ascent Technology helps organisations unify data, simplify operations, and achieve AI-driven success. Key Takeways Microsoft Fabric unifies data on a single platform, eliminating silos...
Building the Microsoft Cloud Foundation for AI Success
Discover how Ascent Technology’s Modernise–Optimise–Protect framework, powered by Microsoft Fabric, OneLake, and Copilot, builds secure, AI-ready platforms that unlock business value. Key Takeways AI success starts with a modern, unified foundation – Microsoft Fabric...
Transitioning from Microsoft EA to CSP
Explore why Microsoft is moving Enterprise Agreement (EA) clients to the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model, and how Ascent Technology ensures a smooth, strategic transition. Key Takeaways Microsoft is shifting Enterprise Agreement (EA) customers toward the...
CAMPAIGNS
Azure by Credit Card vs CSP: Why Finance & IT Prefer CSP
Still paying Microsoft for Azure by credit card? Discover why finance and IT leaders prefer the CSP model for predictable billing, built-in partner support, cost optimisation, and long-term value. Key Takeways Credit card billing creates risk - Failed or expired...
Prepare for SQL Server 2014 End of Support
On July 9, 2024, support for SQL Server 2014 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
Prepare for SQL Server 2012 End of Support
On July 12, 2022, support for SQL Server 2012 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
NEWSFLASHES
Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends – Explore the CSP Advantage
Standardised pricing will replace Microsoft’s long-standing tiered discount model - prompting many organisations to review the CSP programme for its cost savings, licensing flexibility, and simplified management. Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends Microsoft will...
Ascent Technology’s clients benefit from Data Platform Modernisation
Facing platform ‘end of life’ issues together with increasing pressures to digitise processes, increase profitability and innovate on product and service, organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost...
CLIENT CASE STUDIES
DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution
First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...
Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure
When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...
Ascent Technology helps migrate Phumelela Gaming to Azure
A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist
Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award. Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...
Co/Outsourcing is the future of Database Administration
09 Feb 2010
The current economic situation is driving a greater number of organisations to consider cost cutting measures and to implement consolidation procedures. At the same time, the growing skills shortage makes it more difficult for these businesses to acquire and retain people with the right level of training.
Therefore, when it comes to the specialised area of database administration, many organisations are now turning to a Co/Outsourcing model. Ascent Technology is not surprised at this particular turn of events, as this way of doing business not only protects the client from potential disasters and unnecessary downtime, but also ensures continuity in the skills required to administer the database environment.
Because this Co/Outsourcing approach enables clients to retain ownership of their sites, intellectual property and equipment, while Ascent provides the skilled database personnel to manage and optimise the entire database operation, the company has seen a strong uptake from its customers in recent months.
This, in part, is due to the fact that the company continues to deliver even more value-add services to its customers with Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Azure Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, EnterpriseDB and Sybase database environments.
“Ascent’s clients are clearly finding additional value in the Co/Outsourcing model. Not only is it less expensive, but it also removes the necessity to source and retain the relevant specialised database skills,” says Ascent Technology’s MD, Johan Lamberts.
“A large number of our existing clients have already realised the enormous benefits that this model offers, and we expect many others to take note of the benefits it brings in the near future. After all, any business model that not only offers improved cost efficiencies, but which also provides a more reliable and consistent service, due to having a large number of skilled database administrators available at any one time, is one that requires serious consideration in these tough economic times.”