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Partner
Mar 16,2022

Evolving the Microsoft Partner Network programs

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This is the first blog in a series exploring the evolution of the Microsoft Partner Network into the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. Additional entries exploring the new Solutions Partner designations for Business Applications, Modern Work, Security, and Azure are on the Microsoft Partner Blog.

Today, as a part of our investment in the cloud as a strategic lever for innovation and growth, and as a reflection of our continued commitment to partners, we announced key changes to the Microsoft Partner Network programs. Effective October 2022, we are changing the name of our partner program from “Microsoft Partner Network” to the “Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.” The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program is for all partners in our ecosystem, whether they build and sell services, software solutions, or devices.

We’re simplifying our partner programs with Solutions Partner designations, anchored on the Microsoft Cloud in six solution areas aligned to how Microsoft goes to market.

  • Data & AI (Azure)    
  • Infrastructure (Azure)    
  • Digital & App Innovation (Azure)    
  • Business Applications    
  • Modern Work    
  • Security

By attaining these designations, you can 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. This new model provides two qualifying levels: solutions partner and specialist/expert.

We are implementing these changes to help you succeed. Our ongoing investments in partners are designed to help expand your capabilities to create value in the market, to connect with customers, and to win new business. Together, we will grow our ability to provide innovative, customer-centric, trusted solutions. Thank you for your partnership.

Watch these short videos to learn about these changes:

Evolving the Microsoft Partner Network:

https://vimeo.com/688601796

Microsoft Cloud Partner Program: Understanding the partner capability score:

https://vimeo.com/688603381

Read more on the Official Microsoft Blog and on the Microsoft partner website.