You know you need Microsoft 365 for your business — you just don't know how to get it up and running. Sure, you could rely on your in-house team, but at the rate you're growing, their focus needs to be elsewhere.
If this sounds like you, managed service providers (or MSPs) might be a perfect fit. Many of them specialize in specific industries or implementations, and it's literally their job to keep your systems up and running.
The question is, which Microsoft 365 MSP is right for you?
Let's take a look so you can make the right decision.
What is a Microsoft 365 Managed Services Provider?
This is a bit of a loaded question — so let's break it down into two different halves.
First: Microsoft 365. This is a cloud productivity platform designed to streamline business operations. Maybe it’s writing on Microsoft Office, or sending a message through Microsoft Teams. Regardless, it's a subscription-based platform for the enterprise market that connect people to your cloud.
Pssst: it’s also something you can connect Fugo to (and vice versa).
Second: a managed services provider, more commonly referred to as an MSP. This is a third-party company that manages your IT stack so you can spend more time focusing on other tasks. Some MSPs focus on Fortune 500 clients only, while others extend services to small enterprises or growing brands. Either way, they offer the tools, knowledge, and deep expertise you need to keep your IT systems humming.
Put it all together, and you get a Microsoft 365 MSP — a managed services provider that implements Microsoft products. You can migrate from your private servers into a public cloud, then spin up all the services you need to for your business.
The Top Microsoft 365 MSPs Compared
What do the best Microsoft 365 MSPs look like side-by-side?
You can use this chart to quickly compare your options:
Now, let's dive into the first MSP on our list:
1. Connection IT: Best for Customizable Solutions
- Status: Microsoft Azure Expert
- Experience: 42+ years
- Industry Specialization: Healthcare; Manufacturing; Retail
Connection IT is a global managed services provider specifically focused on Microsoft technologies. They were recently awarded Microsoft Partner of the Year 2023 as one of the only MSP companies with such a deep level of expertise in:
- Business Applications
- Modern Work
- Security Services
- Azure Infrastructure
- Azure Digital Transformation and App Innovation
- Azure Data and AI
As you can probably tell, Connection IT was designed for almost any business, whether they're an SMB or an established enterprise. Their Microsoft 365 services are fully managed and accessible to a variety of customers, along with a full gambit of implementation solutions (architecting, deploying, optimizing, and managing IT structures).
Microsoft 365 Services at Connection
- Cloud services
- Multicloud deployments
- Migration services
- Optimization and managed services
Connection pricing
You must contact Connection IT for custom pricing.
2. Redcentric: Best for Public Sector Cloud Solutions
- Status: Microsoft Solutions Partner
- Experience: 25+ years
- Industry Specialization: Non profit; Government; Healthcare
For public-facing organizations in government, nonprofits, and education, Redcentric offers managed cloud services for multiple Microsoft technologies. Its basic service comes with a CSP service and self-service portal, plus a cloud-based service desk where internal teams can access reports.
Keep in mind Redcentric serves for-profits as well, including family medicine offices and ecommerce businesses. However, if you're looking for an organization that deeply understand the nonprofit IT stack, it may be worthwhile to inquire about a quote.
Microsoft 365 Services at Redcentric
- Cloud security
- Support for internal IT teams
- IT/Cloud modernization
- Cloud infrastructure monitoring
Redcentric pricing
You'll need a custom quote for all of Redcentric's Microsoft offerings. However, you can compare each of its three tiers online:
3. Carbon60: Best for Hybrid Cloud Setups
- Status: Microsoft Azure Gold Partner
- Experience: 20+ years
- Industry Specialization: Finance; Healthcare; Technology
Carbon60 is a consulting firm that specializes in hybrid managed services for Microsoft technologies. With it, you can easily tap into public cloud services while maintaining support for your private cloud.
Microsoft 365 is a major focus at Carbon60, particularly with a setup on Microsoft Azure. You can also seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft technologies such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Power platform.
Microsoft 365 Services at Carbon60
- Migration services
- Customization and integration
- Security and compliance
- Training and support
- Cloud strategy and advisory
- Collaboration solutions
- Business intelligence and analytics
Carbon60 pricing
Carbon60 doesn't list prices directly on its website. However, some sites suggest a starting point of $5,000 CA for 12 months of managed services via Microsoft Azure.
4. Kaine Mathrick Tech: Best for Cost-Effective Microsoft Services
- Status: Microsoft Modern Workplace Partner
- Experience: 24+ years of experience
- Industry Specialization: Finance; Travel; Construction
Located in Australia, Kaine Mathrick Tech (KMT) specifically focuses on cost-saving measures. Its Microsoft 365 services can save 50% through license consolidations, cut travel expenses by 32%, and boost income by increasing company collaboration by 51%.
KMT's biggest claim to fame is network security, although you'll also have access to Modern Workplace Office 365. This comes with all the tools you'd expect from Microsoft 365 plus platforms like Planner, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Yammer.
Microsoft 365 Services at Kaine Mathrick Tech
- Planning and consulting
- Licensing
- Migration and integration
- Training
Kaine Mathrick Tech pricing
Websites suggest a range of ~$150 to $199 per hour. For the most accurate prices, you should contact the sales team for a quote.
5. Optimum Consultancy Services: Best for General MSP Support
- Status: Not a Microsoft Partner
- Experience: 10+ years
- Industry Specialization: Retail & Consumer Goods; Manufacturing; Construction & Engineering
While it's quite a bit younger compared to its peers, Optimum Consultancy Services is no less of a powerhouse. It doesn't offer dedicated Microsoft 365 services, but it does provide technical support through its Application Management Center of Excellence (COE).
Optimum offers an add-on service that allows your business to expand as it grows. For example, you can hand off specific platforms like Microsoft Power Platform, or tap into Dynamics 365 management as you expand your business capabilities.
Microsoft 365 Services at Optimum Consultancy Services
- Solution development
- Governance
- User adoption and change management
- Continuous support
Optimum Consultancy Services pricing
All custom quotes come with a complimentary consultation. You can request personalized pricing and inquire about availability through the company's contact form.
6. 365 Digital Consulting: Best for Custom Development
- Status: Microsoft Silver Partner
- Experience: 6+ years
- Industry Specialization: Construction; Places of Worship; Finance
365 Digital Consulting does exactly what you'd expect: provide detailed support and professional consultations for Office 365 migration, development, and implementation. It may be the newest provider on the list, but it's certainly growing fast. The business has already become a Microsoft Partner and looks forward to reaching Gold tier soon.
In the meantime, the company can help with building custom applications that seamlessly integrate with your existing 365 environment. They can also assist with third-party integrations, including platforms like Xero and Fugo.ai.
Microsoft 365 Services at 365 Digital Consulting
- REST API and Graph API integrations
- Business process automations
- Custom application development
- Custom SharePoint intranets
365 Digital Consulting pricing
You may contact the company for a custom quote.
7. CRES Technology: Best for White-Glove Support
- Status: Microsoft Copilot Jumpstart Partner
- Experience: 20+ years
- Industry Specialization: Real Estate; Finance; Construction
Don't want to raise a finger for your tech stack? CRES Technology might be the team for the job. This full-service provider offers white-glove support for a variety of uses and implementations.
With CRES Technology, you can easily hand off teams management and admin so your IT heroes can focus on more intensive tasks. They can also help you set up business process automations that save time, effort, and of course, billable hours.
Microsoft 365 Services at CRES Technology
- Teams management and user administration
- Business process automation
- System integrations
- Data loss prevention
CRES Technology pricing
In order to get a custom quote, you must book a meeting with CRES Technology.
8. Beyond Key Systems: Best for Microsoft Dynamics Consulting
- Status: Tier 1 Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider
- Experience: 18+ years of experience
- Industry Specialization: Hospitality; Higher Education; Customer Service
Beyond Key has served more than 500 clients with best-in-breed Microsoft 365 services. Its most popular service is for Microsoft Dynamics 365, which will help your team integrate with:
- Sharepoint
- Microsoft Teams
- SQL Server
- Power Automate
- Microsoft Azure
- Power BI
- Microsoft Power Apps
Keep in mind that Beyond Key is a Tier 1 Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, which means it's recognized as one of the strongest partners in the industry. There are also no size limitations to get started: the company explicitly serves businesses both big and small
Microsoft 365 Services at Beyond Key
- Architecture evaluation
- Microsoft-centric business process consulting
- Change management consulting
- Digital transformation support
Beyond Key pricing
There is no public pricing available online. Instead, you'll have to contact BeyondKey for a quote.
9. EPC Group: Best for Power BI and Data Visualization Support
- Status: Microsoft Gold Partner
- Experience: 26+ years
- Industry Specialization: Energy; Manufacturing; Education
If you work in a frontline industry and rarely sit behind a desk, the EPC Group may be a decent fit. This Microsoft Gold Partner offers more than 160 years of combined experience working on 5,000 projects in 75 countries.
EPC Group specializes in Power BI services, particularly training, governance, compliance, and predictive analytics. You can also explore their professional services for Power BI AI, which not all Microsoft MSPs offer yet.
Microsoft 365 Services at EPC Group
- Data integration and implementation
- Comprehensive support (24/7 support from 250+ public cloud experts)
- Intelligent automation
- Compliance requirements
EPC Group pricing
- Pricing depends on the size of your team, which means you'll need to inquire for a custom quote. Keep in mind the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee (and reduced IT infrastructure costs) if you're not satisfied with your service.
How We Picked the Best Microsoft Services Providers
We chose the best Microsoft 365 MSPs based on six factors:
- Services: Does the consulting firm offer setup, digital transformation, and user training?
- Cost: Does the value match the price? How affordable are their cloud costs for multi cloud deployments?
- Integration: Will the company assist with your third-party integrations, including those for digital signage?
- Expertise: Are they a Microsoft Gold Partner? Do they have a demonstrated history of helping businesses migrate to cloud environments?
- Support: How easy is it to contact support services? Can you quickly get help if something effects critical systems, especially during disaster recovery?
- Custom Solutions: How easily can the company adapt to your business needs?
Picking The Perfect Microsoft 365 MSP
Truth is, there's no such thing as a 'perfect' Microsoft service provider — only the MSP that's best for your business. That's why you should use this guide as a comparison point and consider all your options to make the best possible decision.
The good news is, no matter your selection, you can rest easy knowing you're pulling from the cream of the crop. All 10 of these providers will get you successfully integrated with the Microsoft Cloud so you can future-proof your business and try out workflows that make sense to you — like connecting digital signage providers like Fugo to the rest of your Microsoft ecosystem.
Want to use your Microsoft 365 environment to improve your digital signage? Once you're set up with a Microsoft 365 MSP, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial of Fugo's digital signage software.
