Demonstrating its low-code-no-code chops, managed services provider and independent software vendor Lancom Technology has achieved Microsoft Solutions Partner status for Digital & App Innovation (Azure). The new certification follows Lancom’s April 2023 announcement of completing the requirements for Microsoft Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure), affirming the company’s commitment to building the skills and capabilities required by customers modernising legacy environments and introducing digital automation for improved business efficiency. 

Lancom Technology Group CEO Waruna Kirimetiyawa says that in the wake of changes from the previous Microsoft Partner Network to the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, a strategic approach has been taken to meeting the training and certification requirements for specific partner designations.  “It’s a matter of looking at what our customers need and where their strategic priorities lie, then working with Microsoft to complete coursework and other requirements earning the certification. Earlier we targeted Azure competency, with the most pressing need being a shift from legacy to hyperscale cloud infrastructure; now, with the Digital & App Innovation Certification, we’ve added the next layer confirming our ability in business process automation and application development in the Microsoft cloud.”

In late 2022, Microsoft changed the name of its partner program from ‘Microsoft Partner Network’ to ‘Microsoft Cloud Partner Program’, applicable to all partners in its ecosystem including those building and selling services, software solutions, and devices. Lancom Technology previously held multiple Gold Partner designations, including Application Development, Cloud Platform, Cloud Productivity, Data Analytics, Datacenter, Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions, and Silver Partner designations for Collaboration and Content, and Security. 

Unlike most managed services providers (MSP), Lancom Technology is a successful independent software vendor in its own right, with divisions including the health and safety application provider HSE Connect, and IT service management application vendor DeskDirector. With an extensive software development capability as part of its team, Lancom offers substantial capabilities for custom solutions to challenging business problems going well beyond the standard support and remediation services expected of an MSP. 

With the increasing availability of low code-no code business process automation in the Microsoft stack – specifically, with Power Automate – Lancom has delivered multiple successful projects of this nature within its client base. Kirimetiyawa says a combination of recognising the value of automation to its customers, along with growing demand for these solutions, “Low-code-no-code is a big deal because it makes the work of developers easier and makes the ‘process’ of process automation more accessible across the business,” he explains. “There’s a reason why Gartner expects that by 2024, low-code development will account for more than 65 per cent of application development activities. We’re seeing it every day - and, of course, 2024 isn’t all that far away.”

In fulfilling the criteria for Microsoft Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Lancom has demonstrated broad capability to build, run, and manage applications across multiple clouds, on premises, and at the edge, with a variety of tools and frameworks. With this designation, Lancom is recognised as a partner which has a commitment to training and accreditation and has delivered solutions leading to customer success.

Kirimetiyawa says Lancom is an ambitious organisation, reflected in its consistent organic growth, multiple recent acquisitions (including HSE Connect, Redbrick, Powernet Computer Consultants and Connect 2) and expansion into Australia, while taking on ever-more complex and demanding projects. “Certification and accreditation are part and parcel of that. Microsoft is a key technology provider and essential part of what we do every day, so there will be more designations and specialisations coming as we continue investing in our people and capabilities,” he concludes.