How we evaluate cloud consulting partners
Our methodology explained. No black boxes, no rankings for sale.
The problem we're solving
Choosing a cloud consulting partner is a high-stakes decision with terrible information. Directory rankings are pay-to-play. Reviews are gamed. Partner tier logos tell you about vendor relationships, not delivery quality.
We built Cloud Intel because IT leaders deserve better data.
Our approach
We evaluate partners across six dimensions, weight them based on what actually predicts project success, and publish the results transparently. Partners can pay for visibility (clearly labeled). They cannot pay for scores.
The six dimensions we evaluate
1. Certifications & Partner Status
Weight: 15%Certifications indicate investment in the vendor relationship and baseline technical competence. They don't guarantee good delivery, but their absence is a red flag.
What we look at:
- • Cloud provider partner tier (Premier, Advanced, Select)
- • Relevant competency certifications
- • Individual staff certifications
- • Specialization badges
2. Documented Outcomes
Weight: 25%Past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Partners who can document specific outcomes (cost savings percentages, timelines met) give you something to evaluate.
What we look at:
- • Published case studies with specific metrics
- • Verifiable client references
- • Project outcomes mentioned in reviews
- • Awards and recognition
3. Pricing Transparency
Weight: 15%Partners who hide pricing until deep in the sales process often have pricing misaligned with your budget. Transparency correlates with confidence in their value delivery.
What we look at:
- • Willingness to share typical project ranges
- • Published rate cards or pricing guidance
- • Clarity of engagement models
- • Review mentions of pricing accuracy
4. Review Pattern Analysis
Weight: 20%Individual reviews can be gamed. Patterns across dozens of reviews are harder to fake. We analyze what's consistently mentioned, not just star ratings.
What we look at:
- • Volume and recency of reviews
- • Sentiment patterns (praises vs complaints)
- • Response to negative feedback
- • Red flag indicators
5. Specialization Depth
Weight: 15%Specialists typically outperform generalists for specific needs. A partner deeply focused on AWS healthcare migrations will likely outperform a generalist.
What we look at:
- • Focus vs. breadth of services
- • Industry vertical expertise
- • Platform depth vs. multi-platform spread
- • Team composition
6. Operational Indicators
Weight: 10%A great consulting team at an unstable company is a risk. These factors provide context for the other dimensions.
What we look at:
- • Company stability (years in business)
- • Team size appropriate to project scope
- • Geographic presence
- • Staff turnover signals
How scores work
Each dimension is scored 1-10 based on available evidence. Dimension scores are weighted and combined into an overall score.
- 8.5-10: Exceptional across dimensions. Top tier for their category.
- 7.5-8.4: Strong performer. Minor gaps but solid overall.
- 6.5-7.4: Adequate. Good for specific use cases, evaluate fit carefully.
- Below 6.5: Concerns present. Proceed with significant due diligence.
Our business model
Cloud Intel makes money from partner visibility tiers (Recommended/Preferred) and lead access. These are clearly labeled.
We do not make money from:
- Score manipulation
- Hidden paid placements
- Selling user data to third parties
If our business model ever creates a conflict with honest analysis, we'll disclose it. Our value depends on buyer trust. We don't compromise it.