Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Introduces New Capabilities and Updates for Partners

August 7, 2024 Microsoft Partner News

The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP) has recently introduced a range of new capabilities, offers, and updates designed to enhance the way partners can differentiate their technical expertise across a set of priority scenarios with high customer demand. These updates are particularly beneficial for eligible Solutions Partners with certified software designations.

As of July 1, 2024, partners can qualify for top-tier benefits and Azure Migrate & Modernize and Innovate incentives by attaining one of seven Solutions Partner with certified software designations: Azure, Security, or any of the five Industry AI designations. Microsoft is also offering subsidies for assessments conducted by non-Microsoft auditors for qualification for the designations, demonstrating their commitment to investing in partners who develop software and seek differentiation through the Solutions Partner with certified software designations.

Several specializations have also seen updates to their Skilling requirements. The Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure, Teamwork Deployment, and Supply Chain specializations have all been updated to include new certifications and increased certification requirements. Partners currently enrolled in these specializations will be given a grace period until December 31, 2024, to meet these new knowledge criteria.

In addition, the Low Code and Small and Midsize Business (SMB) specializations have been aligned to the official data feeds used by Partner Center for the Business Applications Solutions Partner Designation and all other Business Applications specializations. This change, which took effect on June 24, 2024, affects the Performance and App Source metrics for some partners who achieved or are working toward achieving the Low Code and SMB specializations.

Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to introduce over 20 in-demand product licenses starting January 22, 2025. These new benefits, which include Microsoft Copilot products, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub Enterprise, are designed to help streamline tasks, enhance creativity, and drive efficiency across businesses.

However, as part of this transition, Microsoft will no longer sell the Microsoft Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, and legacy silver/gold benefits on January 22, 2025. Partners with existing benefits can renew them until January 21, 2025, and keep them until they expire one year later. To continue receiving benefits, partners are encouraged to purchase new partner benefits packages or attain Solutions Partner designations.

Finally, starting September 2, 2024, the unlimited cloud support benefit (Signature Cloud Support) included in some of the benefit packages will be limited to 50 incidents. This change only affects new purchases or renewals of these benefits packages starting September 2, 2024.

As a reminder, if you're renewing an Azure specialization for the second year, an audit is required for re-enrollment. Similarly, if you're renewing your Modern Work specialization or Security specialization for the second year, customer references are required for re-enrollment. Microsoft has also moved all partner program transactions to the new commerce platform.

To learn more about these updates and how they can benefit your organization, visit the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program resources gallery, discover how Solutions Partner designations can help showcase your organization, find information on the requirements for specializations, and review the partner program journey map.

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