Top 6 Updates on the Microsoft Partnership Program

There were some positive updates announced at Microsoft Inspire for their single partnership program now call Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP).

If you didn't get a chance to complete the marathon of Microsoft Inspire sessions then don't worry; I have prepared a summary, so you can relax, and regain your breath.

What's new with the Microsoft Partnership Program?

# 1 - A New Name

Yes, in less than a year, a new name and acronym. Nonetheless, this program is now known as the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, or MAICPP.

# 2 - Expanded Qualification Window

The qualifying window for Solutions Partner has been extended from one month to six months! Instead of having to qualify again in your anniversary window, you'll be able to qualify at any point in the 180 days leading up to your anniversary date.

Allowing partners more opportunity to qualify and visibility into their eligibility status well before the renewal window starts. This makes the renewal process less onerous.

# 3 - Extending Incentives One More Year

Microsoft has heard the partner feedback is extending incentives for another year, which means partners may continue to earn Microsoft Commerce Incentives (MCI) with their Legacy Silver or Gold competencies beyond September 30, 2023.

The new FY24 incentives guide is scheduled to be released the first week of September. Send me a DM if you need a copy and look for the new CSP Customer Add Accelerator for Azure.

# 4 - Skilling as a Benefit

Microsoft will pilot an offer later this year to introduce skilling as a benefit. This offer will give you access to deep technical training on-demand with live labs and include discount exam vouchers for certifications; keep an eye out for that. 

# 5 - New Designations

New designations coming which include a new Training Services designation for learning partners, a Support Services designation and ISV designations for partners.

Training Services Partner designation formerly known as the Learning Partner Program to launch soon. Partners that have signed up for the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program will have access to the Training Services partner performance reports in Partner Centre. This program's full implementation, including access to program benefits is expected for early 2024.

Support Services designation coming in the latter half of fiscal year 2024, will provide a way for customers to identify partners with support capabilities and demonstrated customer success aligned to the Microsoft solution areas.

ISV designations - coming in this fiscal year 2024, will provide a way for customers to identify proven partner solutions aligned with the Microsoft Cloud and industry clouds.

# 6 - New Specializations

Six more Specializations have been added, bringing the total to 31. Each specialization corresponds to one of six Solutions Partner designations that must be obtained before you may earn a specialization.

Partners, here are three considerations when reviewing which benefits are right for you.

• Legacy benefits are still available and will be throughout FY24. Partners can be a "Solutions Partner with legacy benefits" or a "Solutions Partner with solutions partner benefits". There is currently no expiration date for legacy benefits, and Microsoft will offer ample notice before making changes to legacy benefits.
• Specialization benefits are only available if you choose the Solution Partner benefits package when renewing your membership. Specialization benefits cannot be added to legacy benefits.
• The Microsoft Action Pack is available to all partners and can be added even if they already have other benefit packages.

Want to know more? Here are two ways TD SYNNEX can help. 

Live MAICPP Clinics: Get Questions Answered

• Live Q&A for partners looking for more guidance on Microsoft's partnership program.
• Achieve clarity on timelines, partner capability dashboard, certifications, partner center navigation, benefits, incentives and more!
• Offered twice a month on Mondays at 3pm ET.

Register: https://ecosystem.tdsynnex.com/practice-builder/mcpp-clinics/

TD SYNNEX Coaches: Subject Matter Experts on Standby 

• Leverage additional one-on-one support from our extensive Coaches Network.
• Request an MAICPP personalized coaching session towards achieving your Solutions Partner designation.

Sign up: https://ecosystem.tdsynnex.com/coaches/collection/microsoft-coaches/