Microsoft has officially introduced its new cloud partner program. Unveiled in broad outline last March, it is a redesign of the “Microsoft Partner Network” program, which becomes the “Microsoft Cloud Partner Program”. In a blog post, Nicole Dezen, director of partners at Microsoft and the company’s vice president of global partner solutions, summarized the potential benefits for partners.
New partner categories
Six new partner designations are introduced for the occasion:
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companies active in data management and AI and analytics solutions in Azure
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infrastructure providers specializing in Azure migration
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firms that develop, run and manage Azure applications
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companies that develop and run solutions for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform
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Microsoft 365 tools specialists
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providers that provide compliance, security and identity management solutions
Silver and gold badges are no longer valid
In his blog post, the Microsoft channel manager pointed out that these changes have implications for the nature of certifications. The silver and gold badges are no longer valid, but partners will continue to benefit from the existing advantages until their anniversary date of the start of the contract. Or later by paying a fee. The other option is to become a Solutions Partner with updated benefits under the new program.
The new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program will also include the company’s ISV Success program, which was unveiled at the Microsoft Inspire conference. A confidential overview of the program is currently available to selected partners.