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About partner profile

Learn more to assist in filling out your partner profile.

To learn more about partner definitions, click or tap the following subjects:

Form factors

User profile definitions

Microsoft partner types

Form factors

  • 2-in-1 detachable: device can convert to tablet mode, keyboard is removable.
  • 2-in-1 convertible: device can convert to tablet mode, keyboard is not removable.
  • All-in-one: desktop device has integrated CPU and monitor.
  • Desktop: desktop device has integrated CPU and separate monitor.
  • Notebook: represents traditional clamshell device.
  • Phone: device has display smaller than 5.5”, runs Windows Phone operating system (OS).
  • Small tablet: device has display smaller than 9”, does not run Windows Phone OS.
  • Large tablet: device has display greater than or equal to 9” and smaller than 17”, keyboards not included.

User profile definitions

The following are definitions of some of the criteria that you will need during the Device Partner Center registration process:

  • Reseller Top Parent ID (or Reseller TPID): a code that Microsoft assigns to identify corporate headquarters of a Reseller that buys a product from a Channel or Authorized Distributor and sells down-channel to end users. This partner ID is required for Resellers and System Builders that participate in the Microsoft Device Partner Edge program and are eligible to earn program points for qualified software purchases that are made from a Channel or Authorized Distributor.
  • Microsoft Partner Network ID (or MPN ID): the identification number that a partner is assigned when the partner registers for the Microsoft Partner Network Program.

Microsoft partner types

The following are Microsoft partner types, along with their definitions:

  • Android OEM: a partner that produces or distributes products or services on a variety of device types on alternative operating systems, such as Android and Linux. Android Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may be Multi-National Accounts (MNA) or Local Device Partners and can support multiple operating systems, including Windows.
  • Distributor (Disti): a Microsoft partner with which we have a direct contract. The Distributor may distribute the software to a System Builder or Reseller, which then sells it to a third party. Additionally, they sell MNA devices that are preinstalled with Windows.
  • Embedded/IoT Distributor: part of a channel that is made up of two Microsoft partner types: Embedded Direct OEMs and Embedded Distributors. These Distributors serve thousands of Indirect OEMs, providing them with Microsoft products to build with. Indirect OEMs are typically small manufacturers or developers. Indirect OEMs do not have any engagement with Microsoft, so all product offering and pricing is set by the Distributor to the Indirect OEM.
  • Embedded/IoT OEM: part of a channel that is made up of two Microsoft partner types: Embedded Direct OEMs and Embedded Distributors. Embedded Direct OEMs have one or more agreements with Microsoft, and they create their own products by using Microsoft embedded products.
  • Local Named OEM (LOEM): a company that produces or distributes Windows devices, products, or services within a regional geography and usually has a localized presence within its country.
  • Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR): a company that refurbishes computers by using Genuine Microsoft software. These companies have a worldwide presence and ship a minimum of 2,000 PCs per month.
  • Multi-National Accounts (MNA): an OEM account that produces or distributes products or services in one or more countries/regions by establishing a branch or affiliate in-country or in-region. All MNAs have a global presence; they are top-volume OEMs around the world that have direct agreements with Microsoft.
  • Original Design Manufacturer (ODM): partners that produce and distribute white-box devices down-channel that are to be branded by channel partners, including but not limited to MNA, Named, Distributor, and Retailer partners.
  • Registered Refurbisher: a company that delivers genuine preinstalled Microsoft software licenses to small and medium-size customers on the PCs that they refurbish.
  • Reseller: a partner that is the customer of a System Builder or Distributor and sells through the computer system that is distributed with software, typically to an end user.
  • System Builder: an OEM, assembler, or software preinstaller that produces a computer system that is preinstalled with a Windows OS and sells it to a small or medium business (SMB) or consumer.
  • System Integrator (SI): an individual or business that builds and implements enterprise-wide IT applications for clients by combining hardware and software products.
  • Third-Party Integrator (TPI): a partner that is approved by Microsoft and has been hired or authorized by a company to integrate a software application that they own into Microsoft software.