Azure Advanced Specialization is a designation within Microsoft's partner program that validates the holder’s expertise in a specific solution area. But what does it really say about a company?
In December 2024, we hit an important milestone: Our team successfully renewed the Microsoft Azure Advanced Specialization in AI Platform. Once again, we’ve proven our ability to deliver AI and machine learning solutions that meet Microsoft’s highest standards. This AI Platform designation now stands alongside our existing Analytics specialization—ready to back our expertise whenever proof is needed.
But what does an Advanced Specialization actually mean for our clients? What can you expect from a certified Microsoft partner? And why celebrate the renewal of something we already had?
An Advanced Specialization means Microsoft has verified a company’s deep expertise in a specific service area.
When sourcing cloud, data, or business application services, the quality of the outcome depends heavily on the partner’s competence. That’s why Microsoft has created a two-tier system to classify partner expertise.
The first level is a designation as a partner in a selected solution area. For example, Cloud1 is recognized in three areas: Digital & App Innovation, Infrastructure, and Data & AI.
An Advanced Specialization, on the other hand, signals elite capabilities in a more focused field—like our newly renewed AI Platform specialization.
Partnership means generalist capability—the ability to solve typical problems in a given area. Specialization means the ability to take on the hardest challenges and deliver results.
In recent years, Microsoft has evolved its partner program to more precisely validate the capabilities of its vendors. In this context, capability means a proven, practical ability to deliver solutions that follow industry best practices.
Earning an Advanced Specialization is no walk in the park. It requires a third-party audit, where past deliveries are examined with a fine-tooth comb. And the bar has only been raised—the audit criteria are significantly stricter today than they were just a few years ago. That’s actually a good thing. While passing the audit can turn your hair grey, the increased rigor also shows that Microsoft wants its certifications to genuinely reflect a partner’s capabilities.
Microsoft has put it this way: if a partner designation is like a master’s degree, then an Advanced Specialization is a PhD.
The auditor who reviewed our case had their own analogy: “It’s not just about whether you cook great food—we believe that based on your customer success. It’s also about whether your kitchen is clean.”
In other words, the certification speaks to both the team’s technical depth and the maturity and consistency of the way we work.
The purpose of the certification is, above all, to demonstrate the holder’s ability to deliver services that stand the test of time, scale, and scrutiny. It signals that when a customer chooses a certified partner, they can trust the services will be delivered according to Microsoft’s defined best practices.
In practice, this means that:
administrative responsibilities are built into delivery processes
the details—like documentation—are reliably handled
the project is led in a way that puts collaboration between customer and partner at the center
For the customer, it’s also a plus that audited expert teams follow the same delivery principles. In multi-vendor environments, a shared understanding of best practices makes it easier to manage the overall architecture—when everyone plays by the same rules, complexity becomes manageable.
The certification must be renewed every two years, so there’s no room for complacency. And this time, it was clear: the bar for AI projects had risen so much that passing the audit never felt like a given. That’s how it should be—because as the AI landscape evolves, so must the standards for delivering it.
From us, you can expect the ability to deliver purposeful and technically sound AI and machine learning solutions.
Too often, the AI conversation gets stuck at the innovation level. But innovation is just one part of the equation. A mature methodology ensures execution actually works—and that good ideas don’t get lost in delivery. At the same time, a strong delivery approach ensures solutions are technically robust enough for real-world production at scale.
Our plan is to earn Advanced Specialization certifications across all our core service areas. Partly because of the opportunities it unlocks within Microsoft’s partner program. But more importantly, because the certification process pushes us to refine how we work and better serve our clients.
After all, even in IT projects, a little building inspection never hurts.
