Lean TECHniques Earns Microsoft Solutions Partner Designations in Data & AI and Digital & App Innovation

Lean TECHniques, an Iowa-based technology consultancy, today announced it has earned two Microsoft Solutions Partner designations: Data & AI (Azure) and Digital & App Innovation (Azure).

The recognition — held by only a small group of consultancies within Iowa — gives Lean TECHniques’ clients a stronger path forward on Azure, including access to Microsoft funding for pilots and proofs of concept, direct technical support from Microsoft engineers, and other Microsoft resources.

“Most of our clients aren’t starting from scratch. They’re working through years of accumulated systems, integrations, and technical debt while trying to move forward with modernization and AI initiatives,” said Tim Gifford, Chief Innovation Officer at Lean TECHniques. “These designations mean we can bring more to the table — deeper Microsoft collaboration, access to innovation funds to accelerate progress, and faster access to the right technical resources. That translates directly into better outcomes for the organizations we serve.”

The Data & AI designation recognizes Lean TECHniques’ ability to build modern data platforms and AI-ready environments on Azure — work that complements Lean TECHniques’ recently launched Data & Analytics practice. The Digital & App Innovation designation reflects Lean TECHniques’ depth in cloud-native application development, legacy application modernization, and DevOps practices.

“These designations reflect what Lean TECHniques has always been about — helping organizations take on mission-critical modernization and software delivery work and, just as importantly, teaching their teams how to own and sustain that capability themselves long after we’re gone,” said Scott Sauber, Lean TECHniques’ Director of Engineering and a Microsoft MVP. “I’m excited for how these designations will help us deepen that impact with our clients.”

Lean TECHniques’ Microsoft expertise spans Azure infrastructure and migration, application modernization, data platform engineering, DevOps with GitHub and Azure DevOps, AI solution development and AI enablement.

ABOUT LEAN TECHNIQUES
Lean TECHniques is a Midwest-based technology consultancy that helps companies transform technology from a cost center into a competitive advantage. Lean TECHniques partners with organizations operating complex technology environments to strengthen software delivery, build scalable cloud and data platforms, apply AI with discipline, and elevate product management and design practices. Lean TECHniques was named the 2025 IT Service Provider Technology Company of the Year by the Technology Association of Iowa. Learn more at leantechniques.com.