Effective October 3, 2022, Microsoft has launched a new partner program called Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. The main goal of this change was to simplify the complex system that the original affiliate program had grown into, while bringing more added value to customers.
Prior to the launch of the new program, certified Microsoft partners, such as SOFTIP, were part of the Microsoft Partner Network. Based on meeting defined criteria, they were awarded competencies in a wide range of specialised areas, either at Gold or Silver level. By the end of September 2022, for example, SOFTIP had twelve gold competencies out of a total of eighteen.
What changes the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program brings
The Microsoft Partner Network Program has been renamed the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. The original Microsoft Gold and Silver Partner statuses ended on 30 September 2022. They have been replaced by a single-level designation Microsoft Solutions Partner.
The original 18 competencies have been replaced by 6 designations (entitlements) divided into areas that are essential for the digital transformation of processes. In addition, partners can also acquire specialisations for each of the designations, which are evidence of their deeper knowledge in the field:
The criteria for partners have also changed significantly and are now much more demanding. In order to become a Microsoft Solutions Partner, a partner must demonstrate their skills through a points system in the following three categories (one for each design):
What designs does SOFTIP have
As a successful Microsoft Gold Partner for many years, SOFTIP has met the above demanding criteria and has been awarded up to 5 Microsoft Solutions Partner designations. And it was the very first company in Slovakia and on the same day as Microsoft published the new conditions.
SOFTIP has five Microsoft Solutions Partner designs falling into the following areas:
Data & AI │ Azure - data management and artificial intelligence solutions,
Digital & App Innovation │ Azure - digital solutions and application innovation in the cloud,
Infrastructure │ Azure - migration of key infrastructure components to the Microsoft Azure cloud,
Modern Work - Increase productivity and modern employee collaboration with Microsoft 365 / Office 365,
Security - Cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses from online threats.
We are currently the only partner on the market that can cover the entire lifecycle of a solution based on Microsoft Cloud services (from Microsoft Azure through Microsoft 365 to Security). Like Cloud Solutions Provider at the same time, we provide customers with comprehensive licensing of Microsoft products and services, including the professional support that this licensing program includes.
What these changes mean for you
The short answer is: confidence that you have the best on the market.
By changing the 18 competencies into a smaller and clearer number of 6 designs, Microsoft has made it easier for customers to choose the right technology partner that specializes in their exact area of interest.
And since the criteria for the partner program are now extremely demanding, customers can be sure that the Microsoft Solutions Partner is a true expert in the field. Therefore:
Read also: Easier orientation, much higher demands. Microsoft changes partner criteria (softip.sk)