Since our last partner recap in July, we have continued to evolve our offerings to better support all partners, whether you build and sell services, software solutions, or devices. From the launch of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program to new customer research, these are the most important updates to know:
Microsoft Inspire sessions are now on-demand: We held our annual partner event in July, and session recordings and resources are now available to revisit or experience for the first time. You can find, view, and revisit the most relevant information from Inspire with this guide on the partner blog.
The launch of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program: The latest evolution of our partner ecosystem officially went live on October 3. Hear from Channel Chief Nicole Dezen on what the Cloud Partner Program means for your organization. Accompanying this launch is the general availability of new Solutions Partner designations — partners should check the latest requirements for each designation and refer to the Solutions Partner benefits guide for additional information. With the launch of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, MPNID is now PartnerID. This is a change in taxonomy only. There is no change to the value of the ID nor how we use the ID operationally. This update in taxonomy will roll out over time across Microsoft partner tools and sites, including Partner Center, from October 3 ,2022 onwards.
Establishing your partner associations: For partners wanting to attain a Solutions Partner designation, associations not only contribute to your partner capability score, they also give Microsoft valuable visibility into your work and the professional certifications that individuals in your company have earned — ultimately allowing more informed connections between partners and potential customers. For more information on which associations are right for you, as well as additional steps to maximize your Partner Capability score, explore the partner associations playbook.
Advancing the opportunities for ISV partners: We are pleased to provide updates on the new pathway for ISV partners within the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. Currently in private preview, this program offers tailored support as you develop, expand, and sell across the Microsoft Cloud. The ISV Success Program will be moving to public preview later this year. You can find out more about the ISV Success Program public preview by attending a new virtual event, Microsoft Marketplace Summit, on November 15. Register here to attend (registration opens October 20).
Your partner website, redesigned: To offer a more seamless user experience, the partner website interface has been redesigned in line with recent changes. The partner blog features an overview of the changes to help you easily find the resources you’re looking for.
AMMP Partner-led release: As an extension of our Azure Migration and Modernization Program (AMMP), this release provides an easy way for Azure Expert MSP and partners with an Azure specialization to nominate customers for migrating and modernizing through the program. Partners can now nominate customer projects into AMMP using the self-serve dashboard in Partner Center and help them move with confidence to the cloud.
Updated FY23 partner incentive programs: As shared on the partner website, these earning opportunities are designed to reward partners who drive customer value, and all members are encouraged to become familiar with the latest offerings. Starting November 1, 2022, partners participating in Microsoft Commerce Incentives (MCI) program will begin earning cooperative marketing funds (co-op). The 60% rebate/40% co-op earning split will be applied to the MCI Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure new commerce Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) engagements. Partners can sign in to the Microsoft partner website at aka.ms/partnerincentives for details.
Newly available and updated Modern Work and Security Build Intent Workshops: These partner-led engagements are designed by Microsoft to help you demonstrate more value, build intent, and accelerate opportunities for Modern Work and Security. Aligned with Solution Plays and customer needs, workshops include step-by-step guidance and content to assess customer needs, demonstrate the “Art of the Possible,” and build actionable deployment plans. Partners can now explore available workshop opportunities by topic.
Recent licensing changes:
- New Teams Rooms licensing brings together the value of existing Teams Rooms features, new innovations, and the managed services platform in one license. These changes will simplify the journey for your customers and accelerate adoption with a new licensing structure and an update to Teams Rooms managed services. Read the official announcement to learn more.
- In response to partner feedback, Microsoft has also implemented major revisions and upgrades to our outsourcing and hosting terms. With these changes, we are working to offer more flexibility and options for software outsourcing that benefit both partners and customers globally.
Announcing the new Microsoft Learn: This reimagined product family brings together training, certifications, documentation, including Partner Center documentation and Partner Center announcements, and a variety of other resources for learning about Microsoft products. The Learn hub is available to individuals and organizations and is designed to help you get the most value from our products and services so that you can make the biggest impact. Find out more on the Microsoft Learn blog.
New audience research: To help partners succeed in the partner ecosystem and consumer marketplace, we recently unveiled two new studies filled with fresh insights:
- The SMB Voice and Attitudes to Technology Study brings together perspectives from 3,000 businesses in 10 countries around the world, exploring the opportunity for partners to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in their digital transformation. Heather Gordon, Worldwide Small & Medium Business Segment Leader at Microsoft, is unpacking our findings on the partner blog with examinations of key customer insights including the attitudes of tech “early adopters,” and upcoming segments on cybersecurity, millennial trends, and digital skilling.
- We also commissioned a study with IDC to examine key drivers of partner profitability and growth, including a survey of 765 Microsoft partners globally and interviews with 12 Microsoft partners. The resulting eBook has helpful stats for all partners to better understand the value of Microsoft to our partner ecosystem. You can read more in this blog from Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President, Nicole Dezen.
Enable energy data to do more in the cloud: A new, fully managed platform service is our latest resource for a large and diverse global energy partner ecosystem. Benefitting energy companies, energy-related businesses and the partner companies that service them, Energy Data Services offers an enterprise-grade solution for discovering actionable insights and improving efficiency. Learn more about the opportunity to help your energy customers transform.
As always, more information on these and other announcements are available on the Microsoft Learn website. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and feedback as we continue to grow the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program to better serve our customers and drive growth in new areas.