Modern work is about enabling people to work securely, productively, and confidently, without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.

That’s why we’re happy to share that in January, Backbone achieved the Microsoft Solutions Partner status for Modern Work.

For us, this designation is more than a badge. It’s an independent validation from Microsoft that the services we design, deploy, and manage for our customers are being actively used, securely adopted, and delivering real value.

What does Solutions Partner for Modern Work actually mean?

Microsoft’s Solutions Partner designations aren’t awarded for simply reselling licences or passing a few exams.

To qualify, partners must demonstrate:

• Proven technical capability across Microsoft 365, security, identity, device management, and collaboration
• Certified, skilled professionals who design and deliver these solutions
• Demonstrated customer success, measured directly by Microsoft through real usage and adoption data

In practical terms, Microsoft validates that customers are not only onboarded but are actively using technologies like Microsoft Entra, Intune, Defender, and Microsoft 365 apps over time.

This designation is only awarded after successful delivery.

Why this matters for our customers

For existing and future clients, this milestone provides clarity and confidence.

It confirms that Backbone isn’t just enabling Microsoft licences. We’re helping small and mid-sized businesses get real outcomes from the technology they’re already paying for.

In particular, it reinforces three things our customers already expect from us:

• Simplify their IT
• Consolidate overlapping tools
• Get the most value from Microsoft 365

This designation is a direct reflection of that approach.

Looking ahead: security, adoption, and AI

Achieving Solutions Partner status for Modern Work is an important milestone for us, but it’s not the endpoint. It’s a part of our ongoing evolution as a Microsoft partner, building towards deeper specialisation in:

• Security
• User adoption
• Preparing customers for AI-enabled ways of working, including Copilot

As Microsoft technologies evolve, especially around AI-enabled ways of working, secure foundations and real adoption matter more than ever.

If you’d like to understand what secure modern work could look like for your organisation, we’re happy to have a conversation.