Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team
Table of Contents
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
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...
CAMPAIGNS
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....
Database System Health Check Service from Ascent Technology
A Database System Health Check assesses if your Database is running optimally, and can help diagnose challenges before performance issues, and/or down time affect your users. That’s where Ascent's Database Health Check Service comes in. Our Database Health Check...
Database Security and Compliance with DB Shield
The growing number of threats to databases and unauthorised access to the data within, is clearly creating on-going headaches for CIOs. Solving these headaches may not be easy, but by asking the right questions, CIOs can begin to overcome their Database Security and...
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...
NEWSFLASHES
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...
Ascent Technology’s clients benefit from Database Administration Outsourcing
Ascent Technology's proven database services model enables clients to Co/Outsource the daily maintenance, management and support of their database environments on a 24/7 basis. The active monitoring, preventative maintenance and management ensures optimal performance....
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
Why Database Auditing Is No Longer Optional
In an era defined by relentless cyber threats and tightening regulatory demands, organisations can no longer afford to treat database auditing as optional. From sensitive customer records to financial data and IP, databases are prime targets - and without proper...
Selecting the Right Microsoft CSP for Your Business
23 Jul 2025
Ascent Technology is both a Direct and Indirect Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) – here’s what to look for in the right CSP partner to modernise, optimise, and scale your Azure Data Platform.
Key Takeaways
- A Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) delivers more than just licenses, it should offer strategic value and long-term transformation support.
- CSPs like Ascent Technology provide tailored consulting, flexible billing, and hands-on Azure expertise.
- Choosing the right Microsoft CSP affects cost, compliance, security, and cloud agility, especially for CIOs and IT managers.
- Ascent combines its Data Platform heritage with CSP capabilities to help clients modernise, secure, and scale confidently.
Why Your Choice of Microsoft CSP Partner Matters
In today’s cloud-first world, selecting the right Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) is about more than finding someone to sell you licenses. It’s a strategic decision; one that directly impacts how efficiently and securely your business can operate in the Microsoft ecosystem.
With dozens of CSPs available, many promising the same capabilities, the real challenge for CIOs and IT leaders lies in choosing a partner who can offer more than transactional value. You need a CSP that understands your infrastructure, aligns with your strategy, and accelerates your journey, not one that simply moves licenses around.
What Is a Microsoft CSP Partner?
A Microsoft CSP partner is authorised to provide Microsoft cloud products and services (including Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics) bundled with value-added support, billing, and guidance. Unlike Microsoft’s traditional Enterprise Agreements, CSPs offer:
- Monthly, scalable billing
- Technical support and advisory services
- Strategic guidance tailored to your business goals
Ascent Technology is uniquely positioned as both a Direct and Indirect Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). This means we can offer clients the flexibility to engage in the way that best suits their structure and strategy, whether they require tight integration and control through a direct relationship or need a lighter approach via indirect CSP support. In both cases, our clients benefit from unified advisory, flexible billing, and the hands-on expertise of our Data Platform consultants.
What Sets Ascent Apart: More Than Just a Microsoft Licensing Partner
At Ascent Technology, we approach CSP services differently. We don’t lead with licensing – we lead with Data Platform expertise.
Our clients don’t just need access to Azure; they need a modern, secure, and scalable cloud architecture. That’s why we integrate Microsoft CSP services into a broader consulting-led framework, helping organisations:
- Migrate confidently from legacy systems
- Optimise cloud infrastructure and costs
- Strengthen security and governance
- Prepare for Microsoft Fabric and AI-powered innovation
This unique approach, backed by decades of experience in data platform modernisation, compliance, and enterprise cloud delivery, means our clients benefit from a Microsoft CSP partner that truly understands the architecture behind the scenes.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft CSP: A Checklist for CIOs
| Factor | What to look for | Ascent |
| Certification & Track Record |
Is the provider a CSP with proven real world Azure delivery? | ✅ |
| Consulting Capability | Do they help with architecture, migration, and optimisation, or just licenses? | ✅ |
| Security & Compliance |
Do they embed governance and protection into every solution? | ✅ |
| Billing Flexibility | Can they support usage-based billing, scaling, and tailored commercial models? | ✅ |
| Client Focus | Will you receive responsive support, personalised guidance, and strategic input? | ✅ |
| Future Readiness | Can they support MS Fabric, AI integration, and hybrid strategies beyond today’s needs? | ✅ |
Why Organisations Choose Ascent Technology
With over 20 years of experience and a team of senior Data Platform Consultants, Ascent is trusted by enterprises across South Africa, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Our CSP offering isn’t an add-on; it’s an integrated part of how we help our clients modernise data platforms, reduce risk, and extract maximum value from Microsoft Azure.
Whether you’re looking to reduce licensing complexity, improve security posture, or prepare for the next wave of AI-driven innovation, we’re here to help.
Contact Us to Start Your CSP Journey with Confidence
If you’re rethinking your Microsoft licensing strategy, or looking for a CSP partner who can support transformation, not just transactions – it’s time to talk to Ascent.
Contact Us to learn how our Microsoft CSP offering can help your business modernise, optimise, and grow, all while keeping it Cheaper and Better.
Also See
> Your Data Platform Partner: An Ascent Technology A to Z
By: Johan Lamberts