Investing in business software isn’t a quick decision, and who you buy it from is just as important as the type of software you buy. Many organisations presume that when purchasing software like Sage or Microsoft, you just buy the licence and that is it. However, the real value of that software comes from how it is implemented, supported and grows with your business. That is where Sage and Microsoft business partners like Reality Solutions come in.
In this blog, we are going to explain exactly what a business partner actually is when it comes to software, and why working with the right partner can make a measurable difference to your business.
What is a Sage Business Partner?
A Sage business partner is an independent company that has been approved, trained and accredited by Sage to sell, implement, customise and support Sage software. We have to meet strict business criteria, including:
- Proven technical expertise
- Ongoing certification and training
- Demonstrated customer success
- Compliance with Sage’s quality standards
As Sage partners, we not only help you choose the right Sage solution for your needs but also ensure that it continues to work for your business as you scale up.
What is a Microsoft Business Partner?
A Microsoft Business partner works in a similar way, but within the Microsoft ecosystem, specialising in the following areas:
- Microsoft 365
- Azure cloud services
- Security and compliance
- Business applications and automation (Power BI)
In order to maintain partner status, we have to continually demonstrate real-world experience, have certified members of staff, and provide ongoing support. When you work with a Microsoft partner, you are investing in a team that understands Microsoft technology and how businesses use the software on a daily basis.
Partner vs Buying Direct
Businesses often assume that buying directly from the software provider is the best option, but in practice, this often leaves gaps. Let’s have a quick look at both options.
Buying direct:
- Limited understanding of the specific processes within your business
- Generic onboarding
- Support focused on the product, not your business
- Integrations are managed by you
Working with a partner:
- Software matched to the exact requirements of your business
- Tailored implementation
- Working with real people who get to know how your business works
- Ongoing optimisation and support
How Sage & Microsoft Partners Work Together
One of the biggest advantages is when both Sage and Microsoft are aligned. Most businesses rely heavily on Microsoft tools such as Outlook, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint. The magic happens when your accounting system works seamlessly with these tools, enhancing efficiency across your business.
A combined Sage and Microsoft partner like Reality Solutions can help with the following:
- Integrate Sage with Microsoft 365
- Automate reporting using Excel and Power BI
- Improve collaboration through Teams
- Streamline document management with SharePoint
This integrated approach helps reduce manual data entry and turns software into systems that work for your business, rather than having several disconnected tools that don’t talk to each other.
Key Benefits For Your Business
1. Software that works for you
No two businesses operate in the same way, and at Reality Solutions, we take time to understand your workflows, growth plans, industry requirements, and your reporting needs. This allows us to create a setup that works with your business, supporting how you work.
2. Reduced risk during implementation
Poor implementation is one of the biggest causes of software failure. As partners, we manage everything from data migration to system configuration and testing / validation. We don’t just leave you to get on with things either, user training is an important part of our process. Allowing you and your team to use the software confidently from the outset.
3. Ongoing support and optimisation
Your business won’t stand still, and neither should your software. At Reality Solutions, we pride ourselves on delivering ongoing support, regular system reviews, advice on new releases, and proactive improvements to ensure the software continues to work for your business. Instead of reacting to problems, we are there to help refine how your software helps support your needs.
4. Access to expertise
It doesn’t make sense to hire internal Microsoft or Sage specialists, but by working with partners, you are able to make use of their technical expertise and commercial insight. By providing scalable support as your business needs it, this saves a lot of overheads associated with hiring an internal team.
5. Better return on your software investment
Software is only expensive if it isn’t used properly. Partners like Reality Solutions help make sure you are using the features you are paying for, processes are automated where possible, and manual work is reduced. This all leads to clearer reporting, better productivity, and stronger decision-making.
Choosing the Right Partner
Sage and Microsoft software are incredibly powerful tools, but they don’t create efficiency by themselves. It all comes down to how they are implemented, connected to your business, and supported too. Working with an accredited Sage and Microsoft business partner means that you always have someone in your corner, helping align the technology with your business goals.
If you want software that genuinely works for your business, a trusted partner can make all the difference. Contact the team at Reality Solutions to find out more.
*This article contains general information in order to assist all of our customers and is meant for guidance only – there are no guarantees that the information we provide will be suitable for your particular needs. If you require specific assistance, we recommend that you seek professional guidance on your individual circumstances. Reality Solutions are in no way responsible for any loss or damage arising from any information contained within our articles.
