Field Notes

Microsoft FastTrack: The Most Underused Lever in Your Microsoft Investment

Written by Ramsha Shakeel | Jun 9, 2026, 9:00:55 AM

Most organizations think they’re paying for Microsoft licenses.

What they don’t realize is: They’re also paying for deployment, adoption, and advisory support they’re not using. That’s where Microsoft FastTrack comes in.

What FastTrack Actually Is (Plain English)

FastTrack is a Microsoft-funded program designed to help organizations:

  • Deploy Microsoft 365 (E3/E5)
  • Migrate workloads (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams)
  • Implement security tools (Defender, Purview)
  • Adopt Copilot and modern workplace capabilities

And here’s the key: It’s already included in Microsoft licensing. No additional cost. No separate contract.

The Problem: Most Organizations Don’t Know They Have It

FastTrack isn’t widely understood, and it’s rarely positioned correctly. What we see in the market:

  • Clients assume deployments are entirely on them
  • Security tools like E5 go underutilized
  • Copilot adoption stalls before it starts
  • Migration projects get delayed due to cost concerns

Meanwhile: Microsoft has already allocated funding and resources to help, but they’re not being used.

Why This Matters

  1. Cost Reduction

FastTrack vouchers and Microsoft-funded support can offset deployment costs

  1. Value Creation

FastTrack provides guidance + RKON delivers execution. FastTrack creates a low-risk entry point to get started

Where RKON Fits

This is where most partners get it wrong. FastTrack is not a replacement for a partner. It’s an enabler.

Microsoft provides:

  • Funding
  • High-level guidance
  • Program structure

RKON provides:

  • Strategy
  • Execution
  • Integration
  • Accountability

The Real Value: Faster Time to Outcome

FastTrack changes the conversation from: “Can we afford to do this?”

to:

“How quickly can we move forward?”

  • Reduces cost barriers
  • Accelerates timelines
  • Increases adoption
  • Improves ROI on Microsoft investments

The Opportunity (Right Now)

Many FastTrack benefits—especially deployment vouchers tied to:

  • E3/E5 migrations
  • Security deployments
  • Copilot rollout

…are tied to Microsoft fiscal timelines. That means they expire.

Organizations that don’t act:

  • Lose access to funding
  • Delay initiatives
  • Miss ROI opportunities 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Microsoft FastTrack?

Microsoft FastTrack is a Microsoft-funded program included with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It provides deployment support, migration guidance, adoption resources, and assistance with implementing Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft Copilot.

2. Is Microsoft FastTrack included with Microsoft 365 licensing?

Yes. FastTrack is included with eligible Microsoft 365 licenses, including many E3 and E5 subscriptions. Organizations can access deployment and adoption resources without purchasing a separate FastTrack contract.

3. What services does Microsoft FastTrack support?

FastTrack can help organizations deploy Microsoft 365, migrate workloads such as Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams, implement security and compliance solutions, and accelerate the adoption of tools like Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Defender.

4. How does Microsoft FastTrack help reduce project costs?

Because Microsoft funds FastTrack resources and support, organizations may be able to offset certain deployment and migration expenses. This can lower the financial barriers that often delay Microsoft modernization and security initiatives.

5. Does Microsoft FastTrack replace the need for a technology partner?

No. FastTrack provides guidance, resources, and program support, but organizations often need a partner to handle strategy, implementation, integration, and ongoing execution. FastTrack and a trusted partner work together to help achieve business outcomes.

6. Who is a good candidate for Microsoft FastTrack?

FastTrack is particularly valuable for organizations planning Microsoft 365 migrations, security deployments, Copilot rollouts, or broader digital transformation initiatives. Companies with Microsoft E3 or E5 licensing can often benefit the most from the program.

7. How can organizations maximize the value of Microsoft FastTrack?

To get the most from FastTrack, organizations should align the program with their business goals, security priorities, and technology roadmap. Working with an experienced partner can help accelerate deployment, improve user adoption, and increase the return on Microsoft investments.