Trust & Assurance
Enterprise Credentials, Compliance Posture & Decision Toolkit for Buyers
Trust and Assurance — enterprise Microsoft consulting resource from EPC Group. We provide strategic guidance, implementation expertise, governance frameworks, and compliance-native delivery across the Microsoft ecosystem (Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure, AI Governance, Microsoft Copilot).
Key Facts
- 29 years of Microsoft enterprise consulting; 6,500+ SharePoint and 1,500+ Power BI deployments.
- Compliance-native delivery across HIPAA, SOC 2, FedRAMP, FINRA, CMMC, and GxP environments.
- Microsoft Solutions Partner with experience across core current designations.
- Senior architect named on every engagement Statement of Work.
- Engagement Operating Model: published seven-phase Microsoft project management methodology.
- Free initial consultation; fixed-fee scoped Statements of Work.
Why Trust Matters in Microsoft Consulting
EPC Group is a Microsoft Solutions Partner with 29 years of enterprise consulting experience and 6,500+ completed implementations. Our founding CEO is a 4x Microsoft Press bestselling author.
When you choose a consulting partner for your organization's data, infrastructure, and AI initiatives, credentials are essential. They form the basis of every successful engagement.
Enterprise technology decisions involve considerable risk. A misconfigured SharePoint migration can expose sensitive data. A poorly governed Power BI deployment may lead to:
- Misleading analytics
- Poor business choices
Furthermore, an AI implementation without proper guardrails can cause compliance violations. This may result in regulatory action.
The consulting firm you choose will manage your most vital assets, including:
- Your data
- Your intellectual property
- Your organization's reputation
This page offers clear information about EPC Group's credentials, compliance, quality assurance processes, and service level commitments. We also provide a Decision Toolkit that includes:
- RFP evaluation checklists
- Proof-of-concept scope templates
- Governance scorecards
With these tools, you can confidently assess any Microsoft consulting firm, including us. We believe informed buyers create better partnerships, leading to improved outcomes.
Certifications & Partnerships
Verified credentials that demonstrate ongoing investment in expertise, not just historical experience.
Microsoft Solutions Partner Designations
Microsoft Solutions Partner designations replaced the old Gold/Silver competency model in 2022. Each designation requires:
- Demonstrated customer success
- Certified individuals
- Sustained performance metrics
EPC Group has held partner status continuously since 2003.
G2 Leader 2026
IT Consulting, Microsoft Services
Clutch Top Company
IT Services, B2B Leaders
4x Microsoft Press Author
Power BI, SharePoint, Azure, Migrations
Team Certification Summary
Compliance & Security Posture
How EPC Group protects client data and maintains compliance across regulated industries.
| Certification / Framework | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type II | Security, Availability, Confidentiality | Compliant |
| HIPAA / HITECH | Protected Health Information handling | Compliant |
| FedRAMP | Federal cloud security (via Azure Gov) | Authorized |
| ISO 27001 | Information security management | Aligned |
| GDPR | EU data protection and privacy | Compliant |
| CMMC Level 2 | Defense contractor cybersecurity | Aligned |
How We Handle Client Data
- All client data encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3)
- No client data stored on EPC devices — all work performed in client-owned environments
- Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) executed for healthcare engagements
- Annual penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
- Background checks required for all consultants
- Data retention policies aligned to client requirements and regulatory mandates
Security Controls in Every Engagement
- Multi-factor authentication enforced for all team members
- Privileged access management with just-in-time (JIT) elevation
- Comprehensive audit logging of all administrative actions
- Incident response plan with 1-hour notification SLA for security events
- Quarterly security awareness training for all consultants
- Secure development lifecycle (SDL) practices for custom code
Service Level Agreements
Clear commitments with measurable response times, resolution targets, and financial remedies for SLA breaches.
P1 - Critical
EPC Group trust signals: Microsoft Solutions Partner, 29 years, 11,000+ engagements, HIPAA/SOC 2/FedRAMP/CMMC compliance, senior architect on every SOW.
P2 - Major
EPC Group trust signals: Microsoft Solutions Partner, 29 years, 11,000+ engagements, HIPAA/SOC 2/FedRAMP/CMMC compliance, senior architect on every SOW.
P3 - Moderate
EPC Group trust signals: Microsoft Solutions Partner, 29 years, 11,000+ engagements, HIPAA/SOC 2/FedRAMP/CMMC compliance, senior architect on every SOW.
P4 - Low
EPC Group trust signals: Microsoft Solutions Partner, 29 years, 11,000+ engagements, HIPAA/SOC 2/FedRAMP/CMMC compliance, senior architect on every SOW.
Uptime Guarantee
99.9% uptime for managed services. Calculated monthly excluding planned maintenance windows communicated 72 hours in advance.
Escalation Path
3-tier escalation: Lead Consultant (immediate) → Practice Director (30 min) → CEO / Errin O'Connor (1 hour). Direct CEO access for P1 issues.
Breach Remedies
5% service credit per SLA breach, up to 25% of monthly fees. Consecutive P1 breaches trigger executive review and remediation plan within 48 hours.
Quality Assurance Process
Our Delivery Excellence Playbook ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes across every engagement.
Sprint Cadence
2-week sprint cycles with client demos at the end of every sprint. No surprises — you see progress every 10 business days.
Weekly Health Checks
Project health reports reviewed by senior leadership every week. Budget burn, velocity, risk register, and blocker resolution tracked continuously.
Architecture Reviews
Mandatory architecture review at every milestone gate. Senior architects validate security, scalability, and compliance before proceeding.
Automated Testing
80%+ code coverage required on all custom development. Integration tests, performance tests, and security scans run in every CI/CD pipeline.
UAT & Sign-Off Gates
Formal User Acceptance Testing with documented sign-off required before any production deployment. No shortcuts to go-live.
Post-Go-Live Hypercare
4-week hypercare period after every production deployment. Dedicated team monitors performance, resolves issues, and optimizes configurations.
Client Satisfaction Metrics
Decision Toolkit for Enterprise Buyers
Practical tools to evaluate Microsoft consulting partners objectively. Use these frameworks whether you choose EPC Group or another firm — informed buyers make better decisions.
RFP Evaluation Checklist
10 criteria for evaluating Microsoft consulting firms
| # | Evaluation Criterion | Weight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft partnership tier and active designations | Critical | Ensures vendor has validated Microsoft expertise and ongoing investment in certifications. |
| 2 | Industry-specific compliance experience | Critical | HIPAA, SOC 2, or FedRAMP experience prevents costly compliance gaps post-deployment. |
| 3 | Named team certifications and average tenure | High | Confirms the actual project team (not just the firm) has relevant skills and low turnover. |
| 4 | Reference customers in your industry vertical | High | Validates real-world success with challenges similar to yours. |
| 5 | Documented project methodology and QA gates | High | Structured delivery reduces risk of scope creep, missed deadlines, and quality issues. |
| 6 | SLA commitments with financial breach remedies | Medium | Accountability mechanisms ensure the vendor stands behind their service promises. |
| 7 | IP ownership and data handling policies | Critical | Protects your intellectual property and ensures data sovereignty requirements are met. |
| 8 | Team scalability for project peaks | Medium | Confirms the vendor can ramp up resources during critical phases without quality loss. |
| 9 | Published thought leadership and industry recognition | Medium | Indicates deep expertise and active engagement with evolving Microsoft technologies. |
| 10 | Total cost of ownership including post-go-live support | High | Prevents budget surprises by accounting for training, licensing, and ongoing maintenance. |
Proof of Concept (PoC) Scope Template
What a 2-week proof of concept should include
Before agreeing to projects over $100K, ask for a limited 2-week proof of concept. This template outlines what a valuable PoC should achieve:
- It should not be a standard demo.
- It must provide production-grade validation.
- It should assess the vendor's capabilities against your specific needs.
Analytics Governance Maturity Scorecard
Assess your current governance maturity across 6 dimensions
Evaluate your organization in each area to find governance gaps before working with a consulting partner. This will help you share your results with potential vendors.
By doing this, vendors can customize their proposals based on your actual maturity level instead of relying on assumptions.
| Governance Area | Beginner (1-2) | Intermediate (3-4) | Advanced (5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Quality & Lineage | No documentation | Partial lineage maps | Automated lineage tracking, data quality scores |
| Access Controls | Shared credentials | Role-based access | Zero-trust, MFA, JIT access, audit trails |
| Compliance Monitoring | Manual audits | Scheduled reports | Real-time compliance dashboards, automated alerts |
| Change Management | No formal process | Approval workflows | CI/CD with automated testing and rollback |
| Incident Response | Ad-hoc firefighting | Documented playbooks | Automated detection, response, and post-mortem reviews |
| AI/ML Governance | No AI policy | Usage guidelines exist | Model registry, bias testing, explainability framework |
Boutique Specialist vs. Global Systems Integrator
Comparison framework for partner selection
Choosing the right partner involves three important factors: your project scope, compliance requirements, and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. This framework helps you find the best partner for your specific needs.
| Factor | Boutique Specialist (e.g., EPC Group) | Global Systems Integrator |
|---|---|---|
| Team Seniority | Senior consultants on every engagement | Mixed; juniors often staff delivery |
| Microsoft Depth | Deep specialization, certified team | Broad but may lack depth in specific areas |
| Rate Structure | 30-50% lower blended rates | Premium rates, offshore leverage model |
| Decision Speed | Direct access to leadership | Multiple approval layers |
| Compliance Expertise | Industry-specific, hands-on | Framework-level, compliance team separate |
| Scale Capacity | Right-sized for projects under $5M | Can staff 100+ person teams |
| Accountability | CEO-level ownership of outcomes | Account manager interface |
| Best Fit | Microsoft-specific projects, regulated industries | Multi-vendor programs, global rollouts |
Client Reviews & Testimonials
Verified reviews from enterprise clients across healthcare, finance, government, and education.
Clutch Reviews
Verified enterprise client reviews
View ReviewsG2 Reviews
Leader in IT Consulting, 2026
View ReviewsGoogle Business
Google Business Profile reviews
View Reviews“EPC Group transformed our Power BI environment from an ungoverned mess into a secure, scalable analytics platform. Their HIPAA expertise meant we never had to compromise between compliance and usability.”
“We evaluated three GSIs and two boutique firms. EPC was the only firm that put senior architects on our project from day one. The difference in quality and speed was dramatic.”
“The governance scorecard EPC provided during our evaluation process was more valuable than some vendors' entire proposals. It showed they understood our maturity level before we even signed a contract.”
“What impressed us most was the post-go-live support. Four weeks of hypercare, weekly check-ins, and proactive performance tuning. Most consultants disappear after deployment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPC Group's credentials, compliance, and engagement model.
1What Microsoft partner certifications does EPC Group hold?
EPC Group holds Microsoft Solutions Partner designations for Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), Modern Work, and Security. We have maintained Microsoft Gold/Solutions Partner status continuously since 2003. Our founder Errin O'Connor is a 4x Microsoft Press bestselling author, and our team collectively holds 85+ active Microsoft certifications across Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Security.
2How does EPC Group handle HIPAA compliance in consulting engagements?
EPC Group implements HIPAA compliance through a multi-layered approach: (1) Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) executed before any PHI access, (2) encryption at rest and in transit for all protected health information, (3) role-based access controls with least-privilege principles, (4) comprehensive audit logging of all data access, (5) annual HIPAA security risk assessments, (6) staff training with documented completion records, and (7) incident response procedures with breach notification protocols aligned to the HITECH Act 60-day notification requirement.
3What are EPC Group's SLA response times for critical issues?
EPC Group offers four priority tiers: P1 (Critical/System Down) with a 15-minute response and 4-hour resolution target, P2 (Major Impact) with a 1-hour response and 8-hour resolution target, P3 (Moderate Impact) with a 4-hour response and 24-hour resolution target, and P4 (Low Impact/Enhancement) with an 8-hour response and 5-business-day resolution target. All P1 and P2 issues include direct access to a senior architect. SLA breach remedies include service credits and escalation to the CEO.
4How should we evaluate Microsoft consulting firms for enterprise projects?
Evaluate firms across 10 criteria: (1) Microsoft partnership tier and active designations, (2) industry-specific compliance experience (HIPAA, SOC 2, FedRAMP), (3) team certifications and tenure, (4) reference customers in your industry, (5) project methodology and QA processes, (6) SLA commitments with breach remedies, (7) IP ownership and data handling policies, (8) scalability of the team for your project size, (9) thought leadership and published expertise, (10) total cost of ownership including post-go-live support. Require a 2-week proof of concept before committing to full engagements over $100K.
5What quality assurance processes does EPC Group follow?
EPC Group follows a Delivery Excellence Playbook that includes: 2-week sprint cycles with client demos, weekly project health checks reviewed by senior leadership, mandatory code reviews and architecture reviews at every milestone, automated testing with 80%+ coverage requirements, UAT sign-off gates before production deployment, post-go-live hypercare periods (typically 4 weeks), and monthly client satisfaction surveys. Our client satisfaction rating is 4.9 out of 5.0 across 6,500+ completed engagements, with a Net Promoter Score of 72.
6What is the difference between boutique Microsoft consultancies and Global Systems Integrators?
Boutique firms like EPC Group offer senior-level consultants on every engagement (no bench-staffing with juniors), faster decision-making, deeper Microsoft specialization, and typically 30-50% lower rates than GSIs. GSIs (Accenture, Deloitte, Infosys) offer broader geographic reach, larger team scaling, and brand recognition with procurement departments. For Microsoft-specific projects under $5M, boutique specialists consistently deliver better outcomes because every team member is a certified Microsoft expert rather than a generalist reassigned from another technology stack.
Ready to Evaluate EPC Group for Your Next Project?
Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with a senior architect. There will be no sales pitch. Please bring your requirements, your RFP checklist, and your toughest questions.
We will demonstrate how we would approach your project.
Start Your Evaluation
Tell us about your project requirements and compliance needs. A senior architect will respond within 4 business hours.
Phone
(888) 381-9725Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM CT
Quick Response Guarantee
We respond to all inquiries within one business day
Microsoft Strategy: 2026 Considerations for Trust And Assurance
EPC Group has a 29-year history in Microsoft consulting. This experience is crucial because today's Microsoft platform choices build on 25 years of architectural decisions. For example:
- Active Directory schema choices from 2005 impact Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access policy design in 2026.
- SharePoint 2003 information architecture decisions affect Copilot grounding quality in 2026.
Fewer than a dozen Microsoft Solutions Partners in North America can navigate this complexity. These firms have a structural advantage in enterprise Microsoft migrations.
Microsoft Solutions Partner status includes six designations: Data & AI, Modern Work, Infrastructure, Security, Digital & App Innovation, and Business Applications. This status replaced the Microsoft Gold Partner program in 2022.
EPC Group maintained the longest continuous Microsoft Gold Partner status in North America from 2016 until the program ended in 2022. We now hold the core Solutions Partner designations.
This credential is held by fewer than 50 firms worldwide. Microsoft field teams frequently use it as a vetting tool for:
- Enterprise Customer 0 nominations
- Named-account engagements
Decision factors EPC Group evaluates
- Microsoft platform capability assessment
- Vendor consolidation analysis
- Compliance and governance posture review
- Enterprise architecture roadmap
- Cost optimization and licensing audit
See related EPC Group services at /services or schedule a discovery call at /contact.