Updated: March 20, 2024

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Solutions
Partner designations, specializations, expert programs, benefits, requirements and more.
The content herein is being provided solely for discussion and general information purposes. The content
provided herein should not be construed as recommendations or guarantees of success. The information
described herein is subject to change and should not be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee,
commitment, or any other type of representation on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining to and related
to your business needs including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc.,
rests solely with your business.

Overview
Welcome to the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. We are committed to our partnership and
helping you grow your business. Our simplified partner programs are aligned to how we go to
market and validate partner capabilities to deliver successful customer outcomes by investing in
your growth and profitability.

• To learn more about the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, review helpful assets in the
training gallery on the Microsoft partner website, and Microsoft docs pages.
• MARCH 20, 2024 UPDATE: Additional questions specific to Solutions Partner with
certified software designations for partners who develop software have been added to
the FAQ. Please see the starting page number within Table of Contents.

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 • JANUARY 22, 2023 UPDATE: Additional questions specific to Partner Launch Benefits,
Partner Success Core Benefits, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits have been added
to the FAQ. Please see the starting page number within Table of Contents.
• Helpful tips:
o Ctrl+F to open a search window and locate a specific character, word, or phrase
in the FAQ document.
o Ctrl+Click on a topic located in the Table of Contents to jump to that specific
topic.

Table of Contents
Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program ..........................................................................................................3
Solutions Partner designations ....................................................................................................................3
Benefits, incentives, and requirements .................................................................................................... 16
New partner benefits packages, badging, Logo Builder letters, incentives, and other partner
benefits packages .......................................................................................................................................... 21
New partner benefits packages ...................................................................................................................... 21
Badging................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Logo Builder letters ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Incentives ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Other partner benefits packages .................................................................................................................. 23
Specializations, Azure Expert Managed Service Provider, and Microsoft Action Pack ............... 25
Specializations ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Azure Expert Managed Service Provider offering................................................................................... 30
Microsoft Action Pack ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Independent Software Vendors ................................................................................................................ 32
Indirect Providers .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Training Services partner ............................................................................................................................ 46
Support Services partner............................................................................................................................. 46

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Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program
Why is the Microsoft Partner Network name changing?
The Microsoft Partner Network changed to the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program in October
2022. This new name prioritizes our focus on the cloud and ensures that Microsoft and our
partners are equipped for the road ahead. Whether you build and sell services, software
solutions, or devices, the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program will build on the foundation and
success of the Microsoft Partner Network and will remain a place for all partners to align with
the critical areas of technology that customers need to be successful.

How have you evolved the Microsoft Partner Network program?

We have simplified our partner programs, focusing on differentiating services solution
capabilities, to meet customer’s needs and introduced the Solutions Partner designation,
anchored on the Microsoft Cloud in six solution areas aligned to how Microsoft goes to market:
Business Applications, Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure
(Azure), Modern Work, and Security. This new model provides two qualifying levels: Solutions
Partner and specialist/expert. For more information, please visit the Microsoft partner website.

When did these changes occur?

On October 3, 2022, Solutions Partner designations are available for partners to attain. To learn
more about these changes, please visit the Microsoft partner website.

Solutions Partner designations

What are Solutions Partner designations?

Solutions Partner designations are anchored on the Microsoft Cloud in six solution areas aligned
to how Microsoft goes to market. By attaining Solutions Partner designations, you demonstrate
your organization’s capabilities in delivering customer success in the solution areas. That’s
valuable for you, because it’s where we see customer demand, and where the opportunity is for
partners to scale to meet customer needs. The six designations are Solutions Partner for
Business Applications, Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure
(Azure), Modern Work, and Security.

A Solutions Partner designation helps to easily identify partners with experience in high demand
Microsoft Cloud solution areas, and that have delivered successful customer outcomes. Success
is measured by customer success, skilling, and performance. For more information about the
Solutions Partner designations, please visit the Microsoft partner website.

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Why should I attain a Solutions Partner designation?
Customers want to work with partners who have the right skills and capabilities to meet their
needs, along with a demonstrated ability to deliver customer success. The Solutions Partner
designations clearly differentiate you from your competition. By attaining a Solutions Partner
designation, you demonstrate your commitment to skilling and training and highlight the
innovations and successful solutions you are building and delivering that contribute to
customers’ success.

By attaining Solutions Partner designation, you will demonstrate your organization’s breadth of
capabilities in delivering customer success in the solution area aligned to how Microsoft goes to
market. That is valuable for you, because it is where we see customer demand, and where the
opportunity is for partners to scale to meet customer needs.

To learn more about the Solutions Partner designations, please visit the Microsoft partner
website.

What are the benefits associated with Solutions Partner designations?

Program benefits will continue to support you as you grow your business. The Solutions Partner
designations benefits include internal use licenses (IUR) as well as other familiar benefits such as
go-to-market services and resources, support and more. All Solutions Partner designations
include benefits such as marketing, support, and advisory benefits. Each designation also has
specific incremental benefits.

To learn more about Solutions Partner benefits, please visit the benefits guide on the Microsoft
partner website.

How can I attain a Solutions Partner designation?

A Solutions Partner designation has a holistic measurement framework, the partner capability
score, which measures performance, skilling, and customer success. So, it is not just what you
know, it is how you apply that knowledge to what you do for customers every day. This holistic
measurement provides you flexibility to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and experience.

To attain a Solutions Partner designation, you will need to earn a minimum of 70 points (with
points in each category and sub-category) out of the possible 100 points that are available.

For more information about specific requirements, please visit Microsoft Docs:

• Solutions Partner for Business Applications: aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps

• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

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 • Solutions Partner for Business Applications: aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps
• Solutions Partner for Modern Work: aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.
• Solutions Partner for Security: aka.ms/solutionspartnersecurity

Is Solutions Partner the same thing as the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner

Program?
No. The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is for all organizations who choose to partner with
Microsoft, whether they build and sell services, software or devices. It is optimized for the
Microsoft Cloud and is how we provide partners with access to our technology ecosystem,
platforms, benefits, and incentives to empower them to deliver customer success, drive growth,
and stay at the forefront of cloud transformation. Solutions Partner is a designation that
partners can attain to showcase their technical capability and customer success. The designation
can help partners differentiate their organization with customers. The initial six Solutions Partner
designations are now generally available, and we are continuing to work on future designations.
We’ll share more information in future.

Is Microsoft planning to introduce designations aligned to industries?

Yes. We are working on industry designations anchored on the Microsoft Industry Clouds and
prioritizing retail, healthcare, and financial services. Industry designations will be aligned in the
future to both Solutions Partner and ISV programs to help services and ISV partners further
differentiate their organization’s capabilities and marketplace offers. We will share more details
in the coming months.

How will Microsoft educate customers on the changes to designations (i.e.,

from legacy competencies to Solutions Partner designations and future
industry designations)?
We will educate customers in a variety of ways including directly and providing our partners with
materials and assets to use in their own campaigns. We’ll share more information in future.

Where can I track my progress towards attaining a Solutions Partner

designation?
You can track your progress towards earning a Solutions Partner designation by signing into
Partner Center and navigating to the Solutions Partner page.

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Where can I see what points I have for a Solutions Partner designation?
Admins can sign into the Solutions Partner page in Partner Center to see how their organization
is progressing towards the Solutions Partner designation.

When will the data be updated in the Solutions Partner dashboard on

Partner Center?

Performance and Customer Success subcategories are typically refreshed by the 20th of every
month. However, there may be more minor data refreshes throughout the month.

Skilling subcategories are typically refreshed within a week after certification is completed.

If something doesn't appear to be reported correctly on the Solutions

Partner dashboard, who do I contact for assistance?
Please log a ticket with Support at https://partner.microsoft.com/support.

I have questions about the partner capability score and points.

What is the difference between partner capability score and the partner
contribution indicator score?
PCI (Partner Contribution Indicator) score has seven key indicators used to assess your progress
toward attaining or retaining a legacy Cloud Business Applications competency only.

With the introduction of Solutions Partner designations, PCI will no longer be used, and we are
moving to a new holistic measurement called the partner capability score which measures
performance, skilling, and customer success categories aligned with each solution area. A
minimum of 70 points (with points in each category and sub-category) out of the possible 100
points that are available, is needed to attain a Solutions Partner designation. For more
information, please visit the training gallery on the Microsoft partner website.

Is it possible to earn partial points in a category?

Yes. You can earn partial points in whole increments. For example, if a metric requires three
customer adds with a total of 30 total points and you obtain one customer add you will earn 10
of the 30 total points.

For more information about specific requirements, please visit Microsoft Docs:

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 • Solutions Partner for Business Applications: aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps
• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra
• Solutions Partner for Business Applications: aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps
• Solutions Partner for Modern Work: aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.
• Solutions Partner for Security: aka.ms/solutionspartnersecurity

What if I do not have the 70 points required to meet the Solutions Partner
designation?
If your organization does not have the 70 points required to meet the Solutions Partner
designation, you can sign into the Solutions Partner page in Partner Center for guidance on how
you can improve your score in each of the categories: performance, skilling, and customer
success.

My organization doesn’t currently have a Solutions Partner designation,

what’s the best way I should refer to my current standing with Microsoft
when engaging with customers?
All organizations who are members of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program can refer to their
organization as a Microsoft partner or a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
This includes partners in the ISV Success program, partners who have chosen to purchase
Microsoft Action Pack, and partners who continue to purchase legacy competency benefits.

What happens if we attain the Solutions Partner designation but dip below
70 points between attaining the designation and our anniversary date?
At any time after October 3, 2022, if your organization meets requirements for the Solutions
Partner designation, you’ll immediately receive the corresponding customer-facing badge. On
your anniversary date, not beforehand, we'll check if you still meet the requirements. If you do,
you'll retain the Solutions Partner designation and corresponding badge after paying the annual
fee. We will not remove a badge you have earned if you fall below 70 points before your next
anniversary date.

Is the 70 points for the Solutions Partner designation only or does it

contribute to the specialization and expert programs?
70 points is the minimum requirement to attain a Solutions Partner designation. Note that it is
70 points out of a possible 100 points, and partners need to have points in all subcategories.
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The associated Solutions Partner designation are now the prerequisite for specializations and
expert programs. For example, to earn the Calling for Microsoft Teams specialization, a partner
first needs to attain the Solutions Partner for Modern Work designation, then meet the
specialization requirements which are otherwise unchanged. For more information on the
requirements visit the specialization pages on the Microsoft partner website.

Our partner capability score is currently 50 points or less, but we are

working towards an advanced specialization, will that boost our score?
No. Specializations (previously called advanced specializations) and expert programs will
continue to be a way to further differentiate your organization’s deep technical expertise.

Solutions Partner designations are the first opportunity to differentiate your organization's
capabilities in delivering customer success. 70 points is the minimum requirement to attain a
Solutions Partner designation. Note that it is 70 points out of a possible 100 points, and partners
need to have points in all subcategories. The associated Solutions Partner designation are now
the prerequisite for specializations and expert programs. For example, to earn the Calling for
Microsoft Teams specialization, a partner first needs to attain the Solutions Partner for Modern
Work designation, then meet the specialization requirements which are otherwise unchanged.
For more information on the requirements visit the specialization pages on the Microsoft
partner website.

Does the work I am doing with government, education and nonprofit

customers count towards my partner capability score?
We are currently working on changes to ensure partners are being credited with work they are
doing with education and nonprofit customers. We do not have timing on this work and will
share an update when we have more information. We are also investigating whether it is
possible to include work with government customers. We expect the government credit to take
longer and will share an update when we have new information.

I have questions about the new customer-facing badges and benefits.

What badges are available for the Solutions Partner designations?
New customer-facing badges for the Solutions Partner designations are available starting
October 3, 2022. There is one badge per solution area which represents the Solutions Partner
designation. There is also a Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud badge, for partners who attain
all six Solutions Partner designations.

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How are badges and benefits distributed between a partner global account
and a partner location account?
Designation badges and benefits are attained on the partner global account (“PGA") level;
badges and benefits can be distributed to the partner location account(s) (“PLA”) that are
associated to the PGA. It is at the discretion of the PGA regarding how to distribute benefits to
PLA(s). To learn more about the relations between PGA and PLA, go here: Two levels of MPN
partner accounts - Partner Center | Microsoft Docs

If a partner has multiple PGAs, they can choose to consolidate by following these steps
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/merge-
accounts?msclkid=46915f2ed07e11ec9095d7db342d8208

Where can we find the new logo designation design guidelines for print
and website/digital use? Will there be black/white/transparent images
available?
Color and black and white versions of the badging are available for download from Logo Builder
in Partner Center once partners have attained the designations. Badge use guidelines are
available in Logo Builder and on the Microsoft partner website.

If I meet all the requirements for an additional designation, will the benefits
be available immediately, or is there a time delay in Partner Center?
If you earn a subsequent designation in between anniversary dates, you will be able to access
the subsequent benefits immediately – you do not have to wait until your upcoming anniversary
date.

If I attain an additional designation mid-year, is the designation valid for

twelve months from attainment or is it valid through the next anniversary
date?
The designation is valid until the anniversary date of when the first designation was attained. For
example, if a Solutions Partner for Modern Work designation is attained November 2022, and
then Business Applications is attained January 2023 and Security in February 2023, all three
designations will have the same anniversary date of November 2023.

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When can I update my benefits to the new benefits package?
No changes are made to benefits between anniversary dates. The next time you can update your
benefits package is your next anniversary date. If you do not qualify for a Solutions Partner
designation at your next anniversary date, you can choose to renew your legacy benefits. If you
qualify for a Solutions Partner designation, you can choose to renew your legacy benefits or opt
for the Solutions Partner designation benefits package.

I have questions about fees.

What is the fee to attain a Solutions Partner designation?
The annual fee to attain a Solutions Partner designation is $4,730 USD (or equivalent, local fees
vary). This is aligned to the existing fees to attain a legacy gold competency.

For partners with a legacy competency by September 30, 2022, who attain a Solutions Partner
designation, the required annual fee is based on the benefits selected and is due at your existing
anniversary date (as listed in membership page in Partner Center).

For example, if you choose the Solutions Partner designation benefits, you will pay an annual fee
of $4,730 USD (or equivalent, local fees vary) aligned to the legacy gold competency fee. If you
choose to retain the legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the legacy competency you
held on September 30, 2022), you will pay a fee aligned to your legacy silver or gold
competency fee (local fees vary).

You can choose to attain one Solutions Partner designation, or more, if applicable to your
business. Once you attain a Solutions Partner designation, subsequent Solutions Partner
designations can be attained, after requirements are met, with no additional fee.

For more information, please visit the Microsoft partner website.

Do we need to pay a separate fee for each of the six Solutions Partner
designations and what is the fee?
The annual fee for the Solutions Partner designation, regardless of how many designations, is
$4,730 USD (or equivalent, local fees vary), aligned to the legacy gold competency fee. As it
works with competencies today, if a partner earns subsequent designations, they do not need to
pay the fee again.

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How do Solutions Partner designations work with publishing a Managed
Services offer with Commercial Marketplace?
On October 3, 2022, existing partners, who had a competency on September 30, 2022, will be
able to publish Managed Services offer types until October 3, 2023. New partners or partners
who did not have a competency on September 30, 2022, are now required to have a Solutions
Partner designation to publish a managed services offer.

How do Solutions Partner designations work with publishing a Consulting

Services offer with Commercial Marketplace?
On October 3, 2022, existing partners, who had a competency on September 30, 2022, will be
able to publish Consulting Services offer types until October 3, 2023. A Solutions Partner
designation will be required beginning October 3, 2023. New partners or partners who did not
have a competency on September 30, 2022, are now required to have a Solutions Partner
designation to publish a consulting services offer.

How do Solutions Partner designations work with co-sell?

Existing services partners with co-sell ready status, who had a competency on September 30,
2022, will be able to publish Consulting Services offer types until October 3, 2023. A Solutions
Partner designation will be required beginning October 3, 2023.

What happens to my existing and new applications I’m considering

publishing on Microsoft AppSource if I do not qualify for a new Solutions
Partner designation(s) on October 3, 2022, and beyond?
For Consulting Service and Managed Service offer types only, on October 3, 2022, existing
partners, who had a silver and/or gold competency on September 30, 2022, will be able to
continue publishing these offer types on Microsoft AppSource until October 3, 2023. A Solutions
Partner designation will be required beginning October 3, 2023 to create a Consulting Service
and/or Managed Service offer. New partners or partners who did not have a competency on
September 30, 2022, are now required to have a Solutions Partner designation to publish these
offer types on Microsoft AppSource. To learn about the publishing criteria for other offer types,
please go here.

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I have broad questions about the requirements.
Are the customer references/evidence going to be 100% telemetry based
or will they require manual/ verbal approval and verification from each
customer for each scenario?
The customer references are referring to requirements as part of certain specializations. There
are currently no planned changes for existing specializations in market. As a result, there is no
change in how customer references are validated at this time. The partner capability score is a
telemetry-based score based on data that exists in Partner Center. You will need to ensure the
data such as DPOR and CSP and certifications is being captured and reported accurately, but
once you've made those connections, the data will be updated monthly and daily for skilling.
More information on requirements and how to link reporting is available on the Microsoft Docs
pages.

Is it possible to earn more than the maximum number of points in a

category?
No. You cannot earn more points than the total possible points in each category.

I have earned more than 70 points for a Solutions Partner designation.

When will I receive a badge?
Once you have attained a Solutions Partner designation, your customer-facing badge will be
available to download from Logo Builder in Partner Center.

Where an exam, certificate, or assessment counts for more than one

Solutions Partner designation, can the same skill (exam, certificate, or
assessment) be completed by the same Microsoft Certified Professionals
(MCP)?
Yes.

Can one person with their exam passed be linked to more than one
Solutions Partner designation?
Yes.

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Where do I go to learn more about the various association types that are
necessary to receive recognition and points associated with performance
and customer success categories across the Solutions Partner designations?
Find out more about linking your partner ID on Partner Center document on Microsoft Docs.

Specifically:
• Link a partner ID for CSP Tier 1 or 2
• Link a partner ID for Azure performance - PAL or DPOR (microsoft.com)
• Link a partner ID for CPOR

Sometimes partner associations are declined by global admins; how should

we handle this requirement?
It's important for partners to start conversations with customers now to ensure appropriate
associations are in place ahead of October 2022.

How are partner associations such as CPOR and PAL impacted if a customer
is served by multiple partners?
Association types such as CPOR and PAL allow partners to be associated at the customers'
workload level so that more than one partner who is working in the customer’s environment is
recognized for the work they have completed.

Will GDAP be added to report partner association to meet the partner

capability score requirements?
GDAP is not currently one of the attribution methods for partner capability score requirements.
Depending on which Solutions Partner designation you are pursuing, you will need to link CPOR,
DPOR or CSP. Please refer to the requirements information on Microsoft Docs for more
information.

I have questions about competencies

Did competencies go away?
Yes. September 30, 2022 was the last day for partners to renew competencies. Starting October
2022, competencies will no longer be valid, meaning that badges will go away, and
competencies will not be promoted by Microsoft. Partners will retain their benefits.

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I missed renewing my legacy competency ahead of September 30, 2022.
Can I submit a request for an exception and still renew my competency
even though it is now October 2022?
There is no exception process for partners who did not renew their competency at the time of
their anniversary date ahead of the September 30, 2022 deadline. Instead, partners can choose
to subscribe to Microsoft Action Pack, work towards a Solutions Partner designation, or if they
are an ISV partners, they can sign up for the ISV Success program (currently in private preview
and moving to public preview later this year).

My competency renewal is after September 30, 2022, can I renew under

legacy before my anniversary date?
No. You can't renew your legacy competency before your anniversary date. If your anniversary
date was after September 30, you will have options. If you meet the requirements, you
immediately attain a Solutions Partner designation and the new customer-facing badging.
Legacy competencies and associated badges are no longer valid after September 30, 2022.
However, you will retain your legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the competency
you held on September 30, 2022), until your next anniversary date. On our anniversary date, if
you don't meet the requirements for the Solutions Partner designation, you will have the option
to pay the fee and retain your legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the competency
you held on September 30, 2022), until your next anniversary date.

If a partner renews their competency, what benefits will they keep and what
will change?
Benefits aligned to legacy competencies are not changing today. Any partner who renews their
legacy competency by September 30, 2022, will retain the benefits associated with their legacy
competency. On their next anniversary date, they will have the option to pay the same fee as
they did previously and retain their legacy benefits. If on their anniversary date they meet the
requirements for Solutions Partner, they will have a choice whether they retain their legacy
benefits or move to the new Solutions Partner benefits.

I have a legacy competency and choose to attain a Solutions Partner

designation. What is the process?
Starting October 3, 2022, Solutions Partner designations are available for partners to attain. If
you meet the requirements and earn the required partner capability score, you immediately
attain a Solutions Partner designation and the new customer-facing badging. Legacy
competencies and associated badges are no longer valid after September 30, 2022. However,
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you will retain your legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the competency you held on
September 30, 2022), until your next anniversary date.

On your next anniversary date after October 3, 2022, you will have the following options:

Qualifications for designation at the time of anniversary:

• Maintain a Solutions Partner designation if you have attained one. Partners will have two
options relating to benefits, they can only pick one option. A partner must choose option
#1 or #2 in order to keep the Solutions Partner designation.
o Option #1: To receive the Solutions Partner designation benefits you will pay the
annual fee. Annual fees for Solutions Partner designation are aligned to the
legacy gold competency fees. OR
o Option #2: Retain your legacy silver or gold competency benefits and pay an
annual fee. Annual fees for legacy silver or gold competency benefits are aligned
to the legacy silver and gold competency fees.

Does not qualify for designation at the time of anniversary:

• Retain your legacy silver or gold competency benefits and pay an annual fee. Annual fees
for legacy silver or gold competency benefits are aligned to the legacy silver and gold
competency fees.

I have a legacy competency and will not attain a Solutions Partner

designation. What is the process?
Competencies and associated badges are no longer valid after September 30, 2022. You will
continue to receive legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the competency you held on
September 30, 2022), for legacy competencies until your next anniversary date. After that time
there will be an option to continue to purchase legacy benefits.

I need to provide proof of having a competency as part of a Request for

Proposal (RFP) process. Is there a way for me to extend my legacy
competency?
Legacy silver and gold competencies will no longer be valid after September 30, 2022, and
partners should discontinue use of the old badges from this date. However, if a partner held a
competency on September 30, 2022, and needs to provide evidence of that to support Request
for Proposal (RFP), partners can download a legacy competency certified letter directly in Logo
Builder starting October 3, 2022.

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Benefits, incentives, and requirements

I have questions about benefits, incentives, and requirements

Will incentives be changing?
If you have a legacy competency, you have options to continue attaining partner incentives.

October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023:

• Option 1: Attain a Solutions Partner designation. Meet the requirements and
immediately become eligible for incentives.
• Option 2: Purchase legacy benefits (benefits you received based on the legacy
competency you held on September 30, 2022), package. This option could apply if:
o Legacy competency is renewed by September 30, 2022.
o Solutions Partner designation is not attained. You can continue to be eligible for
incentives until your first anniversary after September 30, 2022, or later (until
October 1, 2023) if you choose to purchase a legacy benefits package on your
anniversary date.
• Double incentives will not be possible.

October 1, 2023, and beyond:

Attaining a Solutions Partner designation will be required to be eligible for incentives. Legacy
competencies and legacy benefits will no longer be recognized as eligible criteria for incentives,
unless otherwise stated in applicable incentive program terms.

I have attained a Solutions Partner designation. On my next anniversary

date, should I move to the new Solutions Partner benefits or stick with my
legacy benefits?
Whether a partner should renew their existing legacy benefits or move to the Solutions Partner
benefits is a decision for each partner organization to make based on their own circumstances
and alignment to their organization’s goals and business plan. We recommend comparing the
legacy benefits and Solutions Partner benefits listed in Partner Center before making your
decision to ensure you have the latest information.

How do I check what legacy benefits I am receiving today?

Partners should review their legacy benefits in Partner Center to ensure they have the latest
information.

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If we choose to move to the new benefits, but the following year we no
longer meet the Solutions Partner designation, can we switch back to
legacy benefits?
Yes, legacy benefits will still be available to you if you moved to the new benefits package but then do
not qualify at your following anniversary date. Legacy benefits will only be available to partners who had
a competency on September 30, 2022.

Requirements for Azure-related designations

For Solutions Partner for Azure-related designations, how do the
requirements differ?
The requirements in the Performance and Customer Success categories are the same. The
Skilling category has different required certifications for each of the designations.

For more information about specific Solutions Partner designation requirements, please visit:
• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

For Solutions Partner for Azure-related designations, in the performance

category, what qualifies as a Net Customer Add?
To learn more about the requirements for performance, please visit:
• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

For Solutions Partner for Azure-related designations, in the customer

success category, how is ACR (Azure Consumed Revenue) Growth
calculated?
To learn more about the requirements for customer success, please visit:
• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

For Solutions Partner Azure-related designations, in the customer success

category, how are Deployments measured?
To learn more about requirements for the customer success category for Azure designations,
please visit:
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 • Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

For Solutions Partner for Azure-related designations, in the skilling

category, what certifications are required?
To learn more about requirements for skilling, please visit:
• Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdataai
• Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerdigiapp
• Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure): aka.ms/solutionspartnerinfra

Requirements for Business Applications designation

For Solutions Partner for Business Applications, in the performance
category, what workloads are relevant?
To learn more about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps.

For Solutions Partner for Business Applications, in the customer success

category, what is the monthly consumption value and how is it used?
To learn more about requirements for customer success, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnerbizapps.

How do I meet the skilling requirements for the Business Applications

designation?
To learn about the requirements for skilling, please review the detailed requirements on
Microsoft Docs and in the overview for Solutions Partner for Business Applications deck in the
partner training gallery on the Microsoft partner website.

Requirements for Modern Work designation

For Solutions Partner for Modern Work, in the performance category, what
qualifies as a Net Customer Add?
To learn more about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.

18
For Solutions Partner for Modern Work, in the performance category, how
do I associate my organization with my customers?
For enterprise and SMB customers, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.

For Solutions Partner for Modern Work, in the skilling category, what exams
and certifications are required?
To learn more about requirements for skilling, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.

For Solutions Partner for Modern Work, in the customer success category,
how is the monthly Active usage growth score calculated?
To learn more about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.

For Solutions Partner for Modern Work, in the customer success category,
how is deployed service defined?
To learn more about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnermodern.

How does Solutions Partner for Modern Work map to the Microsoft Cloud
Accelerator Program?
Solutions Partner for Modern Work is an important requirement to be eligible for the Microsoft
Cloud Accelerator Program. Please visit sign into Partner Center to see your eligibility.

What is the reasoning for basing the performance and customer success
requirements for the Modern Work SMB track on greater than 10 seats?
In most cases where the customer account size is less than 10 seats, customers don’t engage
partners to deploy Microsoft 365 and partners are not focused on delivering value-added
services as it is not profitable for them. Because Solutions Partner for Modern Work designation
is designed to identify partners with the skills and proven track record needed to help customers
deploy and use Microsoft 365, we believe focusing on partner capability with servicing
customers with 10 seats or more is the best indicator of this.
19
Requirements for Security designation
For Solutions Partner for Security, in the performance category, can points
be earned for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure workloads?
Yes, partners can earn points from either Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 or both. To learn more
about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnersecurity.

For Solutions Partner for Security, in the performance category, is it the

same process to associate my customers with my organization for Solutions
Partner for Modern Work and Solutions Partner for Security?
To learn more about requirements for performance, please visit Microsoft Docs at
aka.ms/solutionspartnersecurity.

For Solutions Partner for Security, in the performance category, how can I
verify my organization is getting credit for our work with customers?
Customers will be associated with your organization through Partner Center Claiming Partner of
Record (CPOR). For Azure customers will be associated with your organization through the
Partner Admin Link.

For more information about Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR), please visit aka.ms/cpor. Please
select Online Services Usage Microsoft 365 Incentive Resources.

For more information about Partner Admin link (PAL), please visit PAL collection on the
Microsoft partner website.

For certifications that are required in the skilling category and have been
identified for retirement, should I wait to take my exam until a new
certification has been identified?
When certifications retire, there is no immediate impact. Certifications identified for retirement
continue to count toward your partner capability score for one year after retirement or until your
individual certification expires, whichever is sooner, in an effort to give you time to adjust. You
can continue to take these retiring exams until their retirement date if they are the right fit for
your business.

20
Why is the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner association not eligible for
the Solutions Partner for Security designation?
In Security, we classify CSP associations to small and medium businesses. Although any partner
seeking a Solutions Partner designation for Security can use CPOR to be recognized for servicing
a customer’s Microsoft cloud environment. The current program is designed to recognize
partners who manage larger customer accounts.

Why is the existing Enterprise Mobility Management competency mapping

to the Solutions Partner for Security designation?
A secure environment is an always-up-to-date environment. The goal is to facilitate modern
cloud deployment technologies to ensure customers are always secure and up to date.

New partner benefits packages, badging, Logo Builder

letters, incentives, and other partner benefits packages

New partner benefits packages

What are the names of the new partner benefits packages?
The names of the new partner benefits packages are:
• Partner Launch Benefits
• Partner Success Core Benefits
• Partner Success Expanded Benefits

What are the prices of the new partner benefits packages

The prices of the new partner benefits packages are:
• Partner Launch Benefits: USD 345.00
• Partner Success Core Benefits: USD 895.00
• Partner Success Expanded Benefits: USD 3,995.00

Prices in local currencies are displayed in Partner Center. We use the same foreign exchange (FX)
currency rates that are used for Microsoft Cloud products.

Are these new partner benefits packages available for annual purchase?
Yes. These partner benefits packages can all be purchased annually and are valid for 12 months.

21
When are these new partner benefits packages launching and are they
available in my market?
The three new partner benefits packages are available for purchase in thirty (30) major markets
from January 22, 2024 (United States, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia,
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, India, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom).
Other markets will be launched by the end of March 2024. Please check Partner Center for
availability.

Which product benefits are included with these new partner benefits
packages?
Please reference the Benefits Guide for more information.

Can a partner organization purchase more than one (1) of each of the
individual partner benefits packages? For example, can an organization
purchase three (3) Partner Success Expanded Benefits packages?
No. An individual partner global account can only purchase one (1) of a given partner benefits
package at a time. This is the same as other Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program membership
benefits.

Can a partner organization purchase one of each of the new partner

benefits packages at the same time? For example, can an organization
purchase one (1) Partner Launch Benefits, one (1) Partner Success Core
Benefits, and one (1) Partner Success Expanded Benefits package?
Yes. A partner can purchase and receive the benefits associated with each of the new partner
benefits packages at the same time.

Badging
Is customer-facing badging included with partner benefits package
purchases?
No. Customer-facing badging is not included with these partner benefits packages.

22
Logo Builder letters
Are there Logo Builder letters available for the new partner benefits?
No. There is not a Logo Builder letter available for Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success Core
Benefits, or Partner Success Expanded Benefits.

Incentives
Is there incentive eligibility for any of the new partner benefits?
No. Incentive eligibility is not currently available for Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success
Core Benefits, or Partner Success Expanded Benefits.

Are there any changes to Microsoft Commerce Incentives?

No. There are no current changes to Microsoft Commerce Incentives.

Other partner benefits packages

Can my organization continue to purchase a Microsoft Action Pack with the
new partner benefits packages?
Yes. Partners can continue to purchase or renew their Microsoft Action Pack.

Are there any changes to the Microsoft Action Pack product benefits?
No. The product benefits associated with Microsoft Action Pack are not changing.

Can my organization continue to purchase a Microsoft Learning Action

Pack with the new partner benefits packages?
Yes. Partners can continue to purchase or renew their Microsoft Learning Action Pack.

Are there any changes to the Microsoft Learning Action Pack product
benefits?
No. The product benefits associated with Microsoft Learning Action Pack are not changing.

Can my organization continue to renew our legacy silver benefits?

Yes. Partners can continue to renew their legacy silver benefits.

23
Are there any changes to legacy silver benefits?
No. There are no changes to legacy silver benefits.

Can my organization continue to renew our legacy gold benefits?

Yes. Partners can continue to renew their legacy gold benefits.

Are there any changes to legacy gold product benefits?

No. There are no changes to legacy gold benefits.

If we choose to purchase Partner Success Expanded Benefits instead of the

legacy silver or gold benefits package, will we lose our status as a legacy
silver or gold competency partner?
Yes. If a partner wants to keep their legacy silver or gold status, they must continue to renew
their legacy silver or gold benefits package.

Are there any changes to Solutions Partner designation product benefits?

No. There are no changes to Solutions Partner designation product benefits.

My organization currently has a Microsoft Action Pack and legacy silver or

gold benefits package. Can my organization purchase the new partner
benefits packages now, or do we need to wait until our anniversary date?
The purchase of any of the partner benefits packages is not tied to your existing anniversary
date. You can purchase the new partner benefits packages when they are available in your
geography.

Stacking
My organization has a Solutions Partner designation; can we purchase the
new partner benefits packages?
Yes. You can purchase the new partner benefits packages alongside your Solutions Partner
designation and receive the benefits of both.

24
Refunds
My organization just purchased a Microsoft Action Pack/legacy silver or
gold benefits in the last ninety (90) days. Can we request a refund so we
can purchase one of the new offerings?
The existing refund process applies. No special refunds or discounts will be provided.

Specializations, Azure Expert Managed Service Provider,

and Microsoft Action Pack

Specializations
How are Microsoft advanced specializations changing?
Advanced specializations are now called specializations. If you attain a Solutions Partner
designation, specializations further validate and differentiate your deep technical experience and
expertise. Specializations demonstrate your ability to deliver project-based services related to
specific technical scenarios aligned to the solutions areas, and with how we go to market.
Earning a specialization strengthens and differentiates you from your competition in areas with
high customer demand. We are also introducing new badges and benefits. To learn more about
specialization benefits, please visit the benefits guide on the Microsoft partner website. If you
had an active advanced specialization on October 3, 2022, it will automatically transition to
specialization.

Because legacy gold competencies are no longer be valid, Solutions Partner designations are
now the prerequisites to earn specializations. You will have until the anniversary date of your
specialization to ensure you meet the relevant Solutions Partner designation aligned to your
specialization to retain your specialization. You will not be allowed to renew your specialization
at your specialization anniversary date if you have not attained the aligned Solutions Partner
designation.

What is the difference between Solutions Partner designations and

specializations?
The Solutions Partner designation becomes the first opportunity for you to demonstrate your
breadth of skills, knowledge and set yourself apart from the competition. Once you attain a
Solutions Partner designation, you can further differentiate your deep technical expertise and

25
experience with specializations through the Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider
(MSP) program.

When will changes to the advanced specializations happen?

Starting on October 3, 2022, Solutions Partner designations are available for partners to attain
and are a prerequisite to earn, maintain, and renew a specialization.

If you had an active advanced specialization on October 3, 2022, it will automatically transition
to specialization. Because legacy gold competencies are no longer be valid, Solutions Partner
designations are now the prerequisites to earn specializations. You will have until the
anniversary date of your specialization to attain the required Solutions Partner designation
along with the other specialization requirements. You will not be allowed to renew your
specialization at your specialization anniversary date if you have not attained the aligned
Solutions Partner designation.

What will change if my organization has already earned an advanced

specialization?
On October 3, 2022, Solutions Partner designations became the prerequisite to earn, maintain,
and renew a specialization. We are also introducing new badges and benefits. If you had an
active advanced specialization on October 3, 2022, it will automatically transition to
specialization. Because legacy gold competencies are no longer be valid, Solutions Partner
designations are now the prerequisites to earn specializations. You will have until the
anniversary date of your specialization to ensure you meet the relevant Solutions Partner
aligned to your specialization to retain your specialization. You will not be allowed to renew your
specialization at your specialization anniversary date if you have not attained the aligned
Solutions Partner designation.

26
Once I attain a Solutions Partner designation, what specializations can I
earn?
Eligibility for specializations is based on the Solutions Partner designation you have attained. For
specializations aligned to more than one Solutions Partner designation, partners need only
attain one of the required Solutions Partner designations. See table below for mapping:

Solutions Partner designation

Specialization
BA D&AI D&AI INFRA MW SEC
Adoption and Change Management X
AI and Machine Learning on Microsoft Azure X X
Analytics on Microsoft Azure X
Build and Modernize AI Apps with Microsoft Azure X X
Business Intelligence X X
Calling for Microsoft Teams X
Cloud Security X
Customer Solutions for Microsoft Teams X
Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure X
DevOps with GitHub on Microsoft Azure X
Finance X
Hybrid Cloud Infra with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI X X X
Identity and Access Management X
Information Protection and Governance X
Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure X X
Intelligent Automation X X
Kubernetes on Microsoft Azure X X
Meetings and Meeting Rooms for Microsoft Teams X
Microsoft Azure VMware Solution X
Microsoft Low Code Application Development X X
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop X
Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure X X
Modernization of Web Apps to Microsoft Azure X X
Modernize Endpoints X
Networking Services in Microsoft Azure X
Sales X
SAP on Microsoft Azure X
Service X
Small and Midsize Business Management X
Supply Chain X
Teamwork Deployment X
Threat Protection X

27
Can I earn any specializations if I have any of the three Azure-related
designations (Data & AI, Digital & App Innovation, Infrastructure)?
No. Eligibility for specializations is based on the designation(s) you have attained (see table
above) and specific requirements for each specialization. For specialization requirement details
please sign into Partner Center.

What are the benefits associated with specializations and expert programs?
After you earn a specialization or expert designation, you will have access to benefits that
include a customer-facing badge to display on your business profile in the Microsoft AppSource
partner gallery, prioritization ranking in the commercial marketplace, evaluation for active
cooperative selling opportunities with Microsoft field sellers, and more.

Additionally, as part of the benefits associated with the Solutions Partner designation, if you
subsequently earn a specialization, you will receive incremental product benefits to help further
accelerate your business. Incremental benefits for specialization and expert programs are only
available with Solutions Partner benefits and cannot be added to legacy benefits.

To learn more about Solutions Partner benefits, please visit the benefits guide on the Microsoft
partner website.

Can I receive benefits associated with specializations and expert programs

before my renewal date?
No. The new incremental benefits for specializations and expert programs are tied to the
benefits for Solutions Partner designations and must be selected (by paying the aligned fee)
instead of choosing to retain legacy benefits (and paying the aligned fee). The ability to select
your benefits will be available at your first membership anniversary date after attaining a
Solutions Partner designation.

To view an example of the timeline and options for receiving the benefits associated with
specializations and expert programs, please visit the section titled ‘Illustrative example’ in the
benefits guide on the Microsoft partner website.

Will I receive benefits associated with specializations and expert programs if

earned after my renewal date?
If you already have the relevant Solutions Partner designation and have opted to select the
Solutions Partner benefits (and pay the fee), incremental specialization benefits are received
when the specialization is earned and will be available through your next renewal date.
28
The total number of specializations or expert program associated benefits must be within the
respective maximum benefit cap amounts for each category of specializations and expert
programs.

To view an example of the timeline and maximum benefit cap amounts for receiving the benefits
associated with specializations and expert programs, please visit the section titled ‘Illustrative
example’ in the benefits guide on the Microsoft partner website.

What happens to my advanced specialization on October 3, 2022, if my

organization chooses not to attain a Solutions Partner designation?
Advanced specializations changed to specializations on October 3, 2022. On this date, legacy
gold competencies are no longer valid, and Solutions Partner designations became prerequisites
to earn specializations. You will have until the anniversary date of your specialization to ensure
you meet the relevant Solutions Partner aligned to your specialization to retain your
specialization.

Example scenario:
Partner A
• Current competency: Gold Security, anniversary date November 11, 2022
• Current advanced specialization: Threat Protection, anniversary date February 3, 2023

On October 3, 2022, Partner A has 60 points towards the Solutions Partner for Security
designation and has an Active Threat Protection advanced specialization. Partner A must attain
the Solutions Partner for Security designation before the anniversary date of their Threat
Protection specialization to maintain that specialization. If Partner A is unable to attain the
Solutions Partner for Security designation, they will not be able to renew their Threat Protection
specialization.

We are working to earn an advanced specialization; can we still apply with

our gold competency?
Yes, applications to earn advanced specializations were accepted through September 30, 2022,
with the caveat that the last day to renew competencies was September 30, 2022, and
competencies must be current when applying for advanced specializations.

On October 3, 2022, attaining a Solutions Partner designation will be required to earn, maintain,
and renew a specialization.

29
What is the process to renew an advanced specialization?
Advanced specializations became specializations on October 3, 2022. At that time prerequisites
to earn, maintain, or renew a specialization became attaining a Solutions Partner designation.
Legacy gold competencies are no longer valid. The renewal process will be triggered based on
the anniversary date of your current specialization. All anniversary dates from July – December
2022 have been pushed back six months to give time to accommodate the Microsoft AI Cloud
Partner Program changes. The first renewals will begin in February 2023. Check your
Specialization anniversary date in Partner Center > Membership > Advanced Specialization.

Facts about the process:

• Solutions Partner designation required
• Year 1: To renew the specialization, you will need to meet telemetry-based requirements
(such as performance, certifications) only. The telemetry-based requirements are valid
for one year and revalidated annually. Telemetry requirements will be reviewed for all
anniversary dates beginning February 2023.
• Year 2: To renew the specialization, you will need to meet the telemetry-based
requirements and complete the manually validated requirements (such as audits or
providing customer references depending on the specialization). The audits and
customer references requirements are valid for two years and re-validated every other
year. These will start with anniversary dates beginning February 2024.
• Year 3+: Following years will follow the same process with telemetry requirements
annually and telemetry + manually validated requirements every other year.

The renewal window will open 60-days before your anniversary date and closes on your
anniversary date (with a 30-calendar day grace period). Partners must meet the published
requirements within the 90-day period to renew their specialization.

After a Solutions Partner for Azure designation is attained, what

specializations can be earned?
Specialization requirements are specific to each specialization. For more information on
specialization requirements log into Partner Center.

Azure Expert Managed Service Provider program

What is happening with the Azure Expert MSP program?
There are no changes to the Azure Expert MSP program outside of the impact of the move from
competencies to Solutions Partner designations. After October 3, 2022, when the Solutions
Partner designations are available for partners to attain, all three Azure-related Solutions Partner
designations, Data & AI (Azure) Digital & App Innovation (Azure), and Infrastructure (Azure) are
required as a prerequisite for the Azure Expert MSP. Once you have attained the Solutions

30
Partner designations you will need to meet the additional requirements. To learn more, please
visit the Azure Expert Managed Services Provider information on the Microsoft partner website.

To learn more about Solutions Partner benefits, please visit the benefits guide on the Microsoft
partner website.

Is Microsoft planning to make changes to the Azure Expert MSP

designation?
Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (MSP) continues to be a way for partners to distinguish
your organization’s sustainable, repeatable, and efficiently managed services across the full
cloud lifecycle, allowing your customers to focus on their business priorities. There are no
changes to this program as it exists today outside of the update to prerequisite from legacy
competencies to Solutions Partner designations and the prerequisite for partners to have
attained all three Azure-related designations: Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation
(Azure) and Infrastructure (Azure). Should this change, we will provide partners with notice
ahead of any updates being implemented.

When will Solutions Partner designations be a requirement for earning

Azure Expert MSP?
On October 3, 2022, all three Azure-related Solutions Partner designations, Data & AI (Azure),
Digital & App Innovation (Azure), and Infrastructure (Azure) are required as a prerequisite for
the Azure Expert MSP.

What happens to my Azure Expert MSP status on October 3, 2022, if my

organization does not qualify for the Azure Solutions Partner designations?
On October 3, 2022, to maintain your Azure Expert MSP status your organization will need to
attain the required Azure-related Solutions Partner designations and the legacy Gold Cloud
Platform competency will no longer be valid. Your organization will have until the anniversary
date of your Azure Expert MSP to attain all three Azure Solutions Partner designations. If you
have not met the Solutions Partner designations, then you will not be allowed to renew your
Azure Expert MSP status.

31
My organization is currently working to earn Azure Expert MSP, can we still
apply with our Gold competency?
Applications to earn Azure Expert MSP closed on September 30, 2022, with the caveat that the
last day to renew competencies was September 30, 2022.

Starting October 3, 2022, attaining all three Azure Solutions Partner designations is required to
earn, maintain, and renew Azure Expert MSP.

Is there a plan to update the Azure Expert MSP badges to align with the
new Solutions Partner designation badges?
No. We have updated the Azure Expert MSP badges to remove the word gold, given that legacy
gold competencies are no longer valid.

Microsoft Action Pack

Will there be changes to Action Pack?
There are no changes to Action Pack. For more information about Microsoft Action Pack, please
visit the Action Pack information on the Microsoft partner website.

Independent Software Vendors

Overview
We are pleased to announce the general availability of Solutions Partner* with certified
software** for partners who develop software, or ISVs. Certified software designations provide
an opportunity to better connect with customers and to unlock additional benefits from
Microsoft. By becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software, partners can differentiate
their software solution in areas of high customer demand, increase their discoverability in the
commercial marketplace, connect with more customers, and take advantage of marketing and
branding resources designed to help them accelerate their revenue in a rapidly growing market.

These designations distinguish a software solution’s specific capabilities and help customers
identify solutions for their business needs.

Disclaimer: Intended for general information purposes only as a high-level overview of the
certified software designations. Information herein is subject to change, without notice.

32
Why has Microsoft launched Solutions Partner with certified software
designations?

At Microsoft, we recognize that what each partner needs to succeed is unique to their business
model, size, and stage of growth. To better support our partners who develop software —we
continue to invest in benefits, resources, and initiatives that meet them where they are through
our Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. To help businesses build smarter from day one, we
have created the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to support founders from idea to exit with
Microsoft Azure credits, expert guidance, developer tools, and access to trusted partners.
Through ISV Success, we provide benefits and resources, including cloud credits, software
licenses, developer tools, and consultations, that help partners build, publish, in our Marketplace
and grow well-architected software solutions on the Microsoft Cloud.

Now, we have built upon the existing partner program by adding Solutions Partner designations
for qualifying software solutions with the goal of helping partners better connect with customers
and Microsoft sellers searching for software solutions to address their industry and/or solution
area challenges.

What are the eligibility criteria for the new certified software designations
once they are generally available?
Eligibility will be based on several criteria including, but not limited to, commercial marketplace
transactability (for applicable offers), a technical review of the solution’s interoperability with the
Microsoft Cloud and a demonstrated track record of customer success. Below we have shared an
overview of the qualification criteria for Solutions Partner with certified software and the
detailed criteria across each certified software designation for solution area and Industry AI.
More details of the eligibility criteria are available in Partner Center.

General Criteria

Category Metric(s)
Commercial The solution (i.e., “offer”) must be published to the Microsoft
marketplace commercial marketplace. Certain certified software designations
require that the solutions attain an IP co-sell eligible status and/or be
transactable, as outlined below.

References:
• Publishing guide by offer type - Microsoft commercial
marketplace - Marketplace publisher | Microsoft Learn
• Microsoft commercial marketplace transact capabilities -
Marketplace publisher | Microsoft Learn
33
 • Co-sell requirements - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn).

Technical Solutions will be subject to a technical review or audit to ensure that

the solution follows the best practices of interoperating or integrating
with Microsoft products, services and platforms thereby making it
easier for customers to identify the software that will work seamlessly
with the Microsoft workloads they already use. The technical review
will vary by certified software designation (refer to the tables below
for more information).

Customer success The non-technical criteria will be measured by metrics that show a
track record of commercial performance and deployments, including
Marketplace Billed Sales (MBS), and other relevant measures by
designation, as well as by evidence of customer satisfaction, if
applicable, either through commercial marketplace ratings, or at least
two artifacts of evidence from customers, and/or case studies. For the
industry designations, the submitted customer evidence artefacts will
cover all of the customer success criteria. **:

** Commercial marketplace ratings criteria are planned to be

mandatory following one year of the general availability launch date
of this partner offer. The criteria will be enforced at the following
designation renewal for a particular partner solution.

References:
• Revenue dashboard in commercial marketplace analytics -
Partner Center | Microsoft Learn
• Ratings and Reviews dashboard for the commercial
marketplace - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn

Solutions Partner with certified software for Azure

Category Metric(s)
Commercial Solutions must be Azure IP co-sell eligible.
marketplace
References:

• Co-sell requirements - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn

34
Technical Solutions must pass a technical review audit that assesses the
interoperability with Azure products, platforms, and services, with
specific criteria according to the solution’s integration scenario(s):
• Data
• AI provider
• Compute
• Container
• Integration (e.g., connectors)
• Control Plane

Customer success Solutions and partners must satisfy the following criteria:
1) (Partner criteria): Commercial performance measured by the
same criteria as the FY24 IP co-sell top tier marketplace
performance criteria, namely that partners must meet one of
the following criteria over a trailing twelve-month period:
- USD$4 million marketplace billed sales (MBS) transactions,
OR
- 12 net-new customer adds to the marketplace of greater
than USD10,000 each, OR
o “Net-new” here means net-new to the Microsoft
commercial marketplace (not net-new to Microsoft)
and/or net-new to the specific partner.
- 30 marketplace transactions with eight unique customers
o Must be at a minimum value of USD100.
2) (Solution criteria): Customer satisfaction measured by one of
the following criteria for the solution:
- At least a 4.5 average commercial marketplace rating and
with 15 or more ratings, OR
2 artefacts of verifiable customer evidence (including, but not limited
to, case studies), relevant to the product and solution area.

References:
• Azure IP co-sell top-tier benefits - Partner Center | Microsoft
Learn

35
Solutions Partner with certified software for Business Applications

Category Metric(s)
Commercial Solutions must be Business Applications IP co-sell eligible.
marketplace

Note: Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dataverse and Power Apps
offers do not need to be transactable at this time given commercial
marketplace transactability capabilities.

References:

• Co-sell requirements - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn

Technical Solutions must pass a technical review audit that assesses the
interoperability with Business Applications products, platforms, and
services, with specific criteria to assess feature overlaps, operational
excellence, data handling and more.

References:
Please review the Azure technical requirements documentation.

Customer success
Solutions and partners must satisfy the following criteria:
1) (Partner criteria): Commercial performance measured by
partners meeting USD$1 million marketplace billed sales
(MBS) transactions over a trailing twelve-month period. We
are evaluating additional metric(s) that may be added in the
future to capture non-transactable Business Applications
offers.
2) (Solution criteria): Customer satisfaction measured by one of
the following criteria for the solution:
- At least a 4.5 average commercial marketplace rating and
with 15 or more ratings, OR
2 artefacts of verifiable customer evidence (including, but not limited
to, case studies), relevant to the product and solution area.

36
Solutions Partner with certified software for Modern Work

Category Metric(s)
Commercial Microsoft 365 solutions do not need to be transactable at this time
marketplace given commercial marketplace transactability capabilities.

Technical Solutions will need to complete the Microsoft 365 App Compliance
Program certification.

References:
• Microsoft 365 App Compliance Program - Microsoft 365 App
Certification | Microsoft Learn

Customer success Solutions and partners must satisfy the following criteria:
1) (Partner criteria): Commercial performance measured by one
of the following criteria over a trailing twelve-month period:
- Partners meeting USD100,000 marketplace billed sales
(MBS) transactions, OR
- Solutions averaging 50,000 Teams Apps monthly active
users (MAU)

2) (Solution criteria): Customer satisfaction measured by one of

the following criteria for the solution:
- At least a 4.5 average commercial marketplace rating and
with 15 or more ratings, OR
- 2 artefacts of referenceable customer evidence (including,
but not limited to, case studies), relevant to the product
and solution area.

References:
• Please review the technical review documentation for Business
Application

37
Solutions Partner with certified software for Security

Category Metric(s)
Commercial Solutions must be Azure IP co-sell eligible.
marketplace

References:

• Co-sell requirements - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn

Technical Solutions must pass a technical review according to the Security

platform or product that they integrate with:
• Sentinel: The solution must have passed the publishing criteria
and be active in the Microsoft Sentinel Content hub gallery

Note that if the solution integrates with a Microsoft Security platform

not listed, it may still be eligible for the Microsoft Intelligent Security
Association (MISA), which covers a broader set of platforms (refer to
link below).

References:
• Please review the Sentinel content and solutions
documentation
• aka.ms/MISA

Customer success Solutions and partners must satisfy the following criteria:
1) (Partner criteria): Commercial performance measured by the
same criteria comprising the FY24 IP co-sell top tier
marketplace performance criteria, namely that partners must
meet one of the following criteria over a trailing twelve-month
period:
- USD $4 million marketplace billed sales (MBS) transactions,
OR
- 12 net-new customer adds to the marketplace of greater
than USD $10,000 each, OR

38
 o “Net-new” here means net-new to the Microsoft
commercial marketplace (not net-new to Microsoft)
and/or net-new to the specific partner.
- 30 marketplace transactions with eight unique customers
o Must be at a minimum value of USD $100
2) (Solution criteria): Customer satisfaction measured by one of
the following criteria for the solution:
- At least a 4.5 average commercial marketplace rating and
with 15 or more ratings, OR
- 2 artefacts of verifiable customer evidence (including, but
not limited to, case studies), relevant to the product and
solution area.

Also please note that customer evidence specifically for the Security
designation does not need to be publicly verifiable referenced but
may need to be validated by the customer.

References:
• Azure IP co-sell top-tier benefits - Partner Center | Microsoft
Learn

Solutions Partner with certified software for Industry AI

Note that the term ‘Industry AI’ refers to the following five individual industry-specific certified
software designations which have a similar criteria structure:

• Certified software for Retail AI,

• Certified software for Healthcare AI,
• Certified software for Sustainability AI,
• Certified software for Manufacturing AI, and
• Certified software for Financial Services AI.

Category Metric(s)
Commercial marketplace Solutions must meet the applicable co-sell eligibility
requirements.

References:

• Co-sell requirements - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn

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 Technical Solutions will need to pass two steps of technical review criteria:

1. Complete one of the appropriate solution area technical

review criteria, then
2. Complete an additional technical review audit
demonstrating the use of one or more AI capabilities in
industry-specific ways. These AI capabilities include:
plugging into an existing Microsoft Co-pilot, use of
generative AI to build an industry specific co-pilot, an
industry application built on Fabric, and/or the
development of an industry foundational model.

Customer success Solutions and partners must satisfy the following criteria:

At least 2 artefacts of verifiable customer evidence (including,

but not limited to, case studies), must be reviewed and
demonstrate alignment to an industry-specific scenario.

What are the benefits of attaining a certified software designation?

Benefits provided upon attainment of a certified software designation include the following and
are valid for one year:
• Customer-facing badging: When a partner becomes a Solutions Partner with certified
software, their solution will be shown as a certified software on the Microsoft commercial
marketplace including Azure Marketplace and Microsoft AppSource. This badge
matters—68% of customers searching for software solutions evaluate vendor
certifications and badging when making purchasing decisions.2 Partners will also be able
to download a badge from LogoBuilder on Partner Center and use it on their marketing
collateral.
• Microsoft solution play cards: Designed to facilitate relevant and easy discovery by
Microsoft sellers, use these cards to highlight the scenarios your software solution
addresses.
• Nurture assets, emails, and call scripts: Partners can use these assets, emails, and
scripts to drive demand and increase sales funnels for their solution and its certification.
• Customer-facing solution briefs: Outlines a summary of your solution with use cases
and value propositions tailored to each partner’s target audience for use in various go-
to-market strategies, which can be customized to reflect their unique brand.
• Marketing concierge: Access subject matter experts who can provide assistance with
available marketing benefits and guidance with the fulfillment process—helping ensure
partners experience the full benefits of becoming a Solutions Partner with certified
software.

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 • Enhanced Microsoft seller discoverability: A solution will show as a certified software
in Microsoft seller platforms to help when the sellers are searching for solutions.

What will the badge/brand for the new designations look like?
Partners can now view and download their Solution Partner with certified software badge from
LogoBuilder on Partner center and use it on their marketing collateral. More information can be
found on the LogoBuilder documentation.

When will the certified software designation be generally available?

Solutions Partner with certified software is now generally available.

How can our organization apply for a certified software designation once
generally available?
Certified software designations are now generally available, partners can apply for a certified
software designation for their solution starting from the Referrals workspace of Partner Center,
within the ‘Co-sell/Solutions’ tab. From there, partners can click on their published solutions and
see how they are tracking towards the qualification criteria of the designations, and if eligible,
apply for the designations. All partners can now sign in to Partner Center to check their
progress, apply for the designations and unlock the new benefits.

Will there be any fees associated with the application?

In general availability, fees may apply in order to process technical validations and customer
evidence reviews, assessed by a 3rd party auditor. These fees will vary according to various
factors such as the type or number of designations applied for, and depth of review required.

Can our organization apply for and attain multiple certified software
designations with a single solution?
Yes. A partner can apply for multiple certified software designations with a single solution,
provided the solution meets the specified qualification criteria for each certified software
designation. While it is often easiest to submit applications for multiple designations
concurrently, applications can occur at different times.

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Can our organization enroll in ISV Success and apply to attain the new
certified software designations concurrently once they are generally
available?
Yes. Depending on an organization’s business priorities and goals, eligible partners can enroll in
ISV Success (which is available to join today) while attaining certified software designations.

Will our organization still be eligible to attain other available solution area
designations and/or specializations?
Yes. Eligible partners will be able to attain solution area designations and/or specializations and
certified software designations. Any metrics that are applicable for both solution area
designation and the certified software designations will not influence the eligibility of either one.

If our organization earns a new certified software designation, can we

maintain our existing benefits—such as product licenses or internal use
licenses (IUR)—from our legacy gold/silver competency?
Legacy competencies and associated badges are no longer valid as of September 30, 2022.
However, partners who renewed their competency before September 30, 2022, can continue to
purchase legacy benefits (benefits they received based on the competency they held on
September 30, 2022), even if they attain a certified software designation once generally
available. Currently, there is no end date for legacy benefits, and we will provide partners with
advance notice if this changes.

How will attaining the new certified software designations impact our
organization’s existing Microsoft commercial marketplace listings?
Certified software solutions provide the opportunity to have enhanced Microsoft seller
discoverability in the commercial marketplace through distinct customer-facing badging.
Partners that don’t have a certified software designation for their solution can continue to list
and differentiate their solutions in the commercial marketplace.

Does our organization need to take any action today with respect to the
new certified software designations?
All partners can now sign in to Partner Center to check their progress, apply for the designations
and unlock the new benefits. Please also visit the Solutions Partner with certified software learn

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documentation and our resource gallery for all the most up-to-date information on certified
software designations.

Do Azure IP co-sell benefits help attain a Solutions Partner with certified

software designation?
Meeting requirements for top tier benefits can help you qualify for Solutions Partner with
certified software designations for solution area(s). Details can be found in the qualification
criteria for the solution areas above. For more information on Azure IP co-sell, please visit our
Azure IP co-sell resource gallery.

I’m a partner who develops software, how does the Microsoft AI Cloud
Partner Program help me?
The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is designed for all partners. Whether you build and sell
services, software solutions, or devices, our partner-focused business platform opens the door
to the Microsoft ecosystem of resources, tools, and opportunities to support your success on the
Microsoft Cloud. To better support any partner who develops software, or ISV, that wants to
work with us, we’re investing in programs, resources, and initiatives that meet you where you
are.

To help remove the traditional barriers to founding a tech company, we launched Microsoft for
Startups Founders Hub, where you can grow your business at your pace with Microsoft tools
and platforms, guidance from business leaders and technical experts, and startup-friendly offers
from Microsoft partners.

Next, ISV Success is open to all ISV partners to help them access benefits to build and publish
apps faster, accelerate innovation, and reach more customers. For partners who are ready to
publish on the commercial marketplace and are interested in accelerating co-sell and pipeline
growth, we have Azure IP co-sell benefits available. In addition, for partners who are ready to
differentiate their software solutions, Solutions Partner with certified software provides partners
with the opportunity to increase their discoverability in the commercial marketplace and
connect with more customers.

Find out more about how we’re supporting ISV partners today. Visit here.

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What impact do these changes have on ISVs becoming co-sell ready?
There is no change to how a software solution becomes co-sell ready or incentivized. Details on
how to obtain the co-sell can be found in the Partner Center documentation on Microsoft Docs.

I’m an ISV partner with an existing silver or gold competency, what action
do I need to take?
If your anniversary date is before September 30, 2022, make sure you renew your competency
by September 30, 2022 as that is the last day to renew existing legacy competencies. After
September 30, no new competencies can be attained.

Partners with active legacy competencies after September 30, 2022, will retain the associated
benefits. On your next anniversary date, you will have the option to pay the same fee and retain
your legacy benefits. If you meet the requirements for Solutions Partner, you will have the
option to pay the fee and move to the new Solutions Partner benefits instead. As an ISV partner,
you can also consider the ISV Success program which is the pathway for ISV partners within the
Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, in addition to Solutions Partner designations.

Does Microsoft plan to introduce a higher level of enhanced benefits for

ISV partners, similar to the incremental benefits available for
specializations?
Yes. An enhanced benefits package is a part of ISV Success. Details can be found on the ISV hub.

As an ISV, I see a clear focus on the Microsoft commercial marketplace.

What are the benefits of the marketplace?
The Microsoft commercial marketplace enables partners to reach every Microsoft customer,
scaling instantly to 141 geographies. They can simplify sales cutting through red tape and
enabling scale across 17 currencies and over 50 tax IDs. Partners can also reach the 98% of
Fortune 500 organizations that use the Microsoft Cloud and by empowering customers to fulfil
their cloud consumption commitment by buying eligible solutions through marketplace,
demand continues to increase with a 288% YoY increase in SaaS billed sales and 52% YOY
increase in deal size.

Microsoft disclaimers

“Solutions Partner” refers to a company that is a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner
Program and may offer software, services, and/or solutions to customers. Reference to
“Solutions Partner” in any content, materials, resources, web properties, etc. and any

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associated designation should be not interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof
of effectiveness or functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or
warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs
including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc., rests
solely with your business.

*A certification is (1) specific to the solution’s interoperability with Microsoft products and (2)
based on self-attestation by the solution owner. Solutions are only certified as of the date the
solution is reviewed. Solution functionality and capability are controlled by the solution
owner and may be subject to change. The inclusion of a solution in the marketplace and any
such designations should not be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of
effectiveness or functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or warranty
on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs
including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc. rests
solely with your business.

Indirect Providers

I’m an Indirect provider, how should I think about the Microsoft AI Cloud
Partner Program and the resellers?
The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is designed for all partners, including you and your
resellers.

For your resellers

Resellers can join the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and attain the various designations
within it as they align to their organizational goals and priorities. Resellers should refer to all
materials and resources in the Training Gallery and Partner Center to learn more about what the
Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program means for them. Resellers with competencies on September
30, 2022, will not lose their benefits, and will have the option to renew their legacy benefits at
their next anniversary date whether they qualify for a Solutions Partner designation or not at
that time.

For your work directly with customers

If in addition to your work as an indirect provider you have a direct-to-customer business for
your services, software solutions, or devices, our partner-focused business platform opens the
door to the Microsoft ecosystem of resources, tools, and opportunities to support your success
on the Microsoft Cloud. You can attain the various designations within the partner program as
they align to your organizational goals and priorities. Refer to Partner Center and the Training
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Gallery to learn more about what the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program means for your
customer-facing business.

For your work as an indirect provider

To better support your resellers’ growth, we are exploring avenues for making your reseller
scores available to you to help you support and grow your resellers. In your work with your
resellers regarding the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, refer to the materials in the Training
Gallery as your primary sources of detail, and leverage Partner Center to review your resellers’
scores with them.

Training Services partner

Overview
On March 20, 2024, Microsoft announced designations for Training Services partners. Starting
mid-April 2024, partners who qualify for the Solutions Partner for Training Services designation
will be able to complete their enrollment and receive designation-specific badges distinguishing
their services from other partner types within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.

Learn more about the Training Services designation on the Training Services partner webpage or
join the Training Services Partner Community to receive updates.

Support Services partner

Overview
On March 20, 2024, Microsoft announced that partners with a Solutions Partner for Support
Services will soon receive exclusive new benefits, including paid support agreement pricing and
access to a knowledge-based library of curated materials designed to help partners resolve
incidents quickly and efficiently, in addition to customer-facing badging.

General availability and additional details will be shared later this year.

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