There’s been a lot of false claims in the past that Microsoft was coming for your clients. But in this new round of intrusion into the trusted CSP-Client relationship, Microsoft really is coming for your clients. All around forums, user groups and social media the emails are being circulated and they are scary. In one complaint that I read on a private MVP group, the CSP, well let’s just quote them, “We almost lost a 50k/month Azure WVD client as Microsoft offered their implementation for free. We kept the client onboard thankfully, thanks to value-added services”
I understand that Microsoft has a problem with some resellers not providing depth nor breadth of services to clients and tying those clients up making it difficult for other more active and consultive CSP’s and MSP’s to expand, but Microsoft really needs a way to determine whether a partner is active with the client or whether they have sold, migrated and are done. Those of us working actively with our clients shouldn’t be subject to any competitor coming in and disrupting our business.
Here are a couple of samples of the email that your clients are getting from Microsoft.
On Azure:
I hope this email finds you well! My name is Blake Wheeler, and I am reaching out on behalf of Microsoft’s Azure Team. I spoke to Lisa from (Edit: Client name) and she referred me to reach out to you. I was reaching out to Lisa about the opportunity to participate in a Complimentary Deep Dive Evaluation. This will help you and your team assess any Cyber Security Threats, overutilization and/or underutilization of your network and provide a complete network and hardware scan for (Edit: client name) with reports tailored the way you want them.
The first step for this evaluation is scheduling a Teams meeting with our Evaluations Specialist where they will go over the process in more detail. Please let me know a good date/time that you had 15-30 minutes of availability next week and I will get everything set up. I have attached a short deck with information on the process as well.
On 365:
On 365:
Happy New Years! My name is [MS-REPNAME] and I work directly for Microsoft to help businesses get the most out of their relationship with Microsoft and I was recently assigned to support you and your company . I assist with device procurement and discounting, end-user training, general IT questions, licensing, etc.
Do you have time for a brief intro call this week so we can learn how to best advance your IT strategies moving forward?
Thank you! We look forward to a great partnership!
If those email copies don’t make you angry, as they do this Microsoft fan, then perhaps re-read them. I’m not the alarmist type but this intrusion into the relationship with my client has really taken me aback.
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10 thoughts on “Microsoft really is coming for your clients this time”
I know this sounds like a stupid question, but are your clients sure these emails came from Microsoft? With the vast array of fake MSFT emails out there, I assume you have validated that they did indeed come from MSFT.
Positive actually. I’ve now had a couple of meetings with Microsoft. Look for a new blog post explaining what they are trying to do and what the opportunity is for partners.
If you’re losing clients to these types of e-mails then you’re operating under a complete misunderstanding of what your client-trusted advisor relationship actually is. Either the client really has no idea of the value you offer, or you are significantly overestimating what you’re offering your client(s).
Anyone can sell cookies/cookie-cutters, but it takes a personal relationship to find out exactly what flavours are best, and which flavours go best with their favourite foods (to continue that g_d-awful cookie cutter MSP analogy that’s been done to death).
Couldn’t agree more. Relationships are everything and those MSP’s that are focused on patching and helpdesk are in for a world of hurt
Reminds me of Vlad’s warning back in the BPOS days…kind of scary isn’t it?
Anytime I’m compared to Vlad it scary me. 🙂 Nice to hear from you Stuart