Step-by-Step: How to Use CloudAscent in Partner Center Insights
CloudAscent helps you identify which of your existing customers are most likely ready for the next step in Microsoft cloud solutions. A practical, data-driven way to focus on your upsell and cross-sell efforts.
1. What CloudAscent Is and Why It Matters
CloudAscent is a data-driven tool inside Partner Center. Microsoft analyzes signals—firmographics, online behavior, transaction patterns—and calculates two scores for each customer:
- Fit score: how well the customer matches Microsoft cloud scenarios
- Intent score: how likely the customer is to buy now
Customers are then grouped into four readiness clusters: Act Now, Evaluate, Nurture, and Educate. This removes guesswork. You see exactly which customer segment offers the highest probability of conversion.
2. Requirements and Access
Before you start:
- Your organization must have transacted Microsoft customers (otherwise no data).
- Your Partner Center login needs reporting permissions, such as Report viewer or Executive Report viewer.
- Navigate through the Partner Center Insights workspace.
3. How to Download a CloudAscent Report
- Sign in to Partner Center with your partner’s credentials.
- Go to Insights → Downloads hub.
- Choose Create new report.
- Select the CloudAscent data source you need (Azure, M365, Dynamics 365, etc.).
- Pick your columns and choose a timeframe such as Lifetime.
- Select CSV or Excel and download it.
- Open in Excel or import into CRM for further analysis.
4. How to Analyze the Data
- Start by filtering customers in Act Now and Evaluate. These are your priority segments.
- Review fit and intent scores; higher scores mean higher likelihood.
- Use firmographic details (size, industry, vertical) to refine targeting.
- Match the data with your CRM to verify account ownership and contacts.
- Identify which cloud scenario fits each customer: Azure expansion, M365 upsell, Dynamics migration, and more.
5. Turning Insights Into Action
Once opportunities are identified:
- Build a priority list based on score, customer size, and strategic importance.
- Define concrete actions: calling campaigns, targeted email sequences, workshop invites, event outreach.
- Connect actions to your margin strategy or incentive model. If you work with a distributor like TD Synnex, verify which SKUs are eligible.
- Track follow-up: who was contacted, when, and what the next step is.
- Monitor reports monthly or quarterly—Microsoft updates model every month.
6. Tips for Maximizing CloudAscent Value
- Start small: pick one product line (e.g., Azure) and one cluster (Act Now).
- Keep CRM data clean so matching domains and account names goes smoothly.
- Combine CloudAscent insights with Microsoft marketing assets or solution plays.
- Establish a routine—e.g., download and refresh data on the 25th of every month.
- Measure results: leads generated, conversion rate, margin impact.
- Account limitations: not all customers will appear due to privacy or recent onboarding.
7. Example Workflow
For a partner working with TD SYNNEX:
- Download the monthly Azure Propensity report.
- Import and match data with your customer list.
- Filter for Act Now and customers under 300 employees.
- Identify those without Azure usage or with outdated workloads.
- Schedule calls for each selected customer.
- Create CRM tasks for follow-up and tracking.
- Contact TD Synnex for support or additional enablement.
- Send a follow-up campaign such as an Azure migration offer or a free pilot session.
- Report internally on outreach, pipeline potential, and realized margin.
CloudAscent gives you a structured, evidence-based starting point for growing your cloud business—turning data into targeted action and measurable results.
More info? Contact Marcelyn Meersman
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