Staying Close to the Work: The People Powering Appstrato

For SAM/ITAM/FinOps Enthusiasts

In a fast-moving tech landscape filled with automation, buzzwords, and boardroom strategies, it’s easy to forget that the most transformative ideas still come from those closest to the work. At Appstrato, we’ve built a platform to modernize IT and software services—but the real story isn’t just about digital transformation. It’s about people. It’s about staying hands-on. And it’s about not losing sight of what matters most: solving real problems for real customers.

Appstrato: A Platform with Purpose

Appstrato was born from a simple observation: many organizations struggle to match their IT and software needs with the right expertise at the right time. Traditional models—whether it’s long-term contracts or vague consultancy retainers—often fail to deliver agility or accountability. We designed Appstrato to address that gap. Our platform allows customers to access packaged services, vetted consultants, and performance-driven delivery on demand.

But platforms alone don’t solve problems. People do.

Why We Stay Close to Service Delivery

Within Appstrato, Natalie Fox and Steven Davison—have several decades of hands-on experience leading some of the most complex IT projects in the market.

Natalie, brings deep “Microsoft street smarts” to the table—one of the sharpest in the sector. Having been on the frontline of Microsoft licensing, optimization, and compliance engagements, she knows how to navigate the intricate Microsoft ecosystem to secure the right outcomes for clients, not just theoretically, but in practice where it matters most.

Steven is one of the industry’s leading strategists, trusted by major enterprises to transform their approach to IT and software delivery. His strategic interventions have saved organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars, both in project costs and in business-as-usual operations, by getting the model right upfront and making sure delivery is sustainable.

Over time, they have seen the industry change dramatically. But one thing has remained constant: the only way to lead effectively is to stay close to the work.

Thats why they both continue to take on selected project work directly. It’s not about ego—it’s about excellence. Staying close to service delivery ensures as a business, we remain sharp, pragmatic, and in touch with the real challenges businesses face today.

Learning from the Frontline

The greatest insights don’t come from reports or dashboards—they come from conversations with customers, real-world problem-solving, and the unpredictable moments when theory and reality collide.

By actively working on client projects, we can spot emerging trends, dissect what’s working, and quickly recalibrate when market conditions shift. Whether it’s the accelerating adoption of AI-driven FinOps solutions, the tightening complexities around Microsoft licensing, or evolving global sourcing strategies, we’re not learning about these trends from reports—we’re living them.

This allows us to offer advice that’s both strategic and rooted in real-world viability—not theory, but action.

More Than Just a Business Model

Appstrato isn’t just a marketplace or a managed service—it’s a reflection of how we believe tech services should work. Transparent. Responsive. Accountable. And yes, a little bit human.

Our customers aren’t just looking for tools or templates. They’re looking for people who understand their challenges, who won’t waste their time, and who’ll deliver real value. We’ve intentionally built a culture and a business that attracts professionals who think the same way we do—people who’ve done the work and who still love doing it.

A Network of Experts, Not Middlemen

We often say Appstrato is a platform built by consultants, for consultants. It’s not a faceless portal. Every engagement reflects our commitment to quality, integrity, and results. And because we’re personally invested in maintaining those standards, we don’t just review metrics—we step into the work ourselves.

This also helps with mentorship and quality control. When newer consultants join the platform, they benefit from direct interaction with people like Steven and Natalie—not just as managers or approvers, but as collaborators. We’ve created a community, not just a company.

A Rare Opportunity to Work Directly with Us

Given our focus on driving Appstrato’s platform development and personally vetting freelance talent globally, we are selective about how we allocate our time.

We offer limited one-hour advisory sessions for organizations that want direct access to our expertise—whether it’s strategic guidance on optimizing a software estate, reshaping IT delivery models, or navigating Microsoft licensing pitfalls.

If you’re an organization looking for practical help from people who’ve walked the path—or a consultant who still wants to be close to the real work—then we’re probably on the same wavelength.

Let’s talk – you can  Contact us – Get Support & Learn About Our Delivery Platform:…..

But be quick—our availability is extremely limited!

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