25.08.2026 | Efima has achieved the Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialization awarded by Microsoft in summer 2026. The recognition demonstrates Efima’s ability to deliver demanding data, analytics, and reporting solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem while creating the foundation for impactful AI adoption.
Data’s new role: From reporting to business steering
The rapidly changing business environment is challenging organisations to make more effective use of their data. Looking only at past performance is no longer enough. Data is needed to support predictive decision-making, business development, and the adoption of new technologies. In particular, the growing use of artificial intelligence and agentic solutions highlights the importance of high-quality, up-to-date, and easily accessible data.
The Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialization helps organisations identify partners with proven capabilities to support customers through this transformation.
Efima, which has earned the specialization, has delivered dozens of data and analytics solutions across multiple industries using Microsoft Azure technologies. These projects share a common goal: to integrate and refine business data from a wide range of source systems and reliably deliver relevant information where it is needed most, whether for decision-making, reporting, process development, or increasingly, AI-driven use cases.
“Right now, many of our customers are assessing whether their data is ready for the AI era. Data has always been important, but today its quality, accessibility, and governance determine whether organisations can truly benefit from AI and future agentic solutions. When the data foundation is in place, companies can move beyond analysing the past towards deeper insights, better decision-making, and data-driven processes. Microsoft’s recognition is an important validation that we have been building these capabilities in the right direction together with our customers”, says Jussi Puustinen, Business Director at Efima.
Efima’s expertise extends beyond technical data implementations. The company acts as a strategic business development partner to its customers, combining capabilities in process improvement, data management, and the development of business-critical enterprise systems and architectures. This holistic understanding ensures that data solutions are built around genuine business needs, with a clear understanding of where data originates, how it evolves, and how it can become part of everyday decision-making.
From heavy one-off projects to continuous development
Modern data platforms such as Microsoft Fabric have lowered the threshold for embarking on data initiatives. Generally available since November 2023, Fabric brings together tools for data integration, storage, analytics, reporting, and advanced AI capabilities in a single platform. Functions that previously required multiple separate solutions can now be delivered through one unified environment.
A unified data platform accelerates development, reduces data silos, and makes shared information easier to leverage across the organisation.
Efima has been helping customers adopt Microsoft Fabric from the very beginning, supported by several successful customer projects, a track record reflected in the Microsoft recognition it has now achieved.
“Our experience shows that centralised data warehousing and advanced analytics are no longer privileges reserved for large enterprises. Fabric enables an incremental approach with rapid business benefits, making modern data management a realistic opportunity for small and medium-sized organisations as well, especially those for whom large-scale, multi-year transformation projects have not been feasible. At the same time, organisations can build a solid foundation for AI adoption and introduce new capabilities as business needs and technology continue to evolve”, explains Tuomo Lagerström, Service Area Lead at Efima and an experienced Data Architect.
Moving forward with confidence alongside a recognised partner
Achieving the Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialization requires demonstrated success in customer deliveries, certified expert competencies, and capabilities validated through an independent audit.
For customers, the specialization provides a clear and reliable way to evaluate a partner’s expertise. It confirms that the partner has Microsoft-recognised and independently verified capabilities in delivering advanced data and analytics solutions, backed by real-world customer experience. The recognition also gives partners enhanced opportunities to leverage Microsoft resources in support of customer success.
“The business value of AI is built on high-quality data. Efima has helped its customers develop data capabilities that support better decision-making, business development, and practical AI adoption. The Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialization is recognition of this expertise and Efima’s ability to help customers take the next step in making better use of their data”, says Tarja Jernström, Commercial Partner Lead at Microsoft.
More information
Efima, Business Director Jussi Puustinen
jussi-kristian.puustinen@efima.com, +358 40 6744748
About Efima
Efima helps medium-sized and large organisations accelerate growth by improving business processes and creating competitive advantage through innovative use of AI and data. At the core of our services are modern technologies, strong business insight, and close, people-driven partnerships with our customers. Nearly 200 top experts support our customers from our offices in Helsinki and Tampere.
