Windows Embedded Partner Program FAQs

The Windows Embedded Partner Program (WEPP) is a strategic world-wide program focused on providing partnering and marketing opportunities to companies delivering products, services, or solutions based on Windows Embedded platforms. WEPP goes beyond proving sales and marketing services by establishing relationships between developers, software and hardware manufacturers, training firms, and more.

The Windows Embedded Partner Program supports partners who are using Windows Embedded technologies –Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded NavReady, Windows Embedded Standard, Windows Embedded Enterprise, Windows Embedded POSReady, and Windows Embedded Server.

First you need to set up a Windows Live ID, and join the Microsoft Partner Network by going here. Microsoft Partner Network is designed to recognize your expertise, reward you for the total impact you have in the marketplace, and deliver value to help your business thrive.

Once you have joined the Microsoft Partner Network, you can complete the WEPP online application here.

Next, review and sign the online WEPP Agreement and Logo Agreement.

Upon acceptance of your application, you will be sent a Microsoft Reciprocal Non-Disclosure Agreement. Sign and return the Microsoft Reciprocal Non-Disclosure Agreement to Microsoft. Microsoft will notify you when your membership is activated. You will then be able to enter promotional information about your business, create your company’s Windows Embedded Marketplace profile, and download marketing and sales content.

The Windows Embedded Partner Program provides a rich collection of benefits to enhance your company’s identity, marketing efforts, and technical readiness. A high level overview of the current benefits associated with the Windows Embedded Partner Program is listed here. Benefits and requirements vary depending on the Partner Level (Registered, Silver, Gold).

The program requirements for the Windows Embedded Partner Program are listed here. Requirements and benefits vary depending on the Partner Level (Registered, Silver, Gold).

The application process is fee-free. However, Windows Embedded Partners must continue to meet the program requirements to maintain their active status in the program.

An email notification of acceptance or decline of the application will be sent to your Primary Contact address listed on your company’s WEPP application approximately 3 business days after you have applied. The email for all Partner accepted applicants will include a Microsoft Reciprocal Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). You must sign and return the NDA for processing by Microsoft, before you receive “Active” Partner status. Activation may take up to three weeks following Microsoft’s receipt of the signed NDA.

A second email is sent to the same address as a final activation notification

No. Windows Mobile-based solutions are covered in the Microsoft Partner Program within the Mobility Competency. More information is available here.

Yes. In 2010 you will see a number of changes to both the benefits and requirements of the Silver and Gold levels of the Windows Embedded Partner Program.

Window Embedded partners have asked for more focus driving Windows Embedded business. New benefits will help partners stay current, and new requirements will reward efforts that drive sales – for partners, for our distributors, and for the Windows Embedded Business.

Changes to the Silver and Gold levels of WEPP will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

Partners have told us that they would like more direct contact with Distributors, technical training, technical support, and access to software. With that:

To view current benefits, go here.

Starting in 2010, WEPP members will earn the Silver and Gold levels by completing and reporting activities that earn points in the WEPP program. Please see the WEPP Requirements page for the full story on the new WEPP program requirements.

Each partner will have the opportunity to report their activities throughout the year in our Activity Reporting Template found on the Partner Resource Center. Each core and elective activity will be worth points that will counts towards the Silver and Gold partner levels.

Points will be accumulated throughout the calendar year, resulting in a re-evaluation of each partner’s level at year end.

For a full listing of the activities, along with their corresponding point values, please visit the Partner Resource Center.

We’ve retooled the requirements at the Silver and Gold levels to reward efforts that drive sales and encourage technical excellence. The new points-based system will ensure consistency in the partner levels worldwide, and will simplify your discussions with your Regional Manager.

Only WEPP members can record and accumulate WEPP points. After joining WEPP, visit the Partner Resource Center to read about the points and to create your 2010 Activity Plan.

As you complete your activities, you should report them in the 2010 Activity Reporting Template which will be available on the Partner Resource Center on January 1st. Reporting your activities in this template will ensure you receive your WEPP Points. Points will typically be awarded for activities done January 1st – December 31st, however for this first year, you will be able to report activities completed October 1st 2009 – December 31st 2010.

Your level will not change on January 1, 2010. Points will be accumulated throughout the calendar year, resulting in a re-evaluation of each partner’s level throughout the year. A touch-point will take place in the April 2010 timeframe to see how you are doing with regards to the goals set in your activity plan.

Each Silver and Gold partner will have the opportunity to work with their Microsoft Regional Manager to create a 2010 Activity Plan, which will serve as your action plan to obtain the points necessary to keep, or upgrade, your WEPP level. Note: For this first year, a touch-point will take place in the April 2010 timeframe to see how you are doing with regards to the goals set in your activity plan. At that time, those partners who are on track to meet the new thresholds will maintain their status.

In January current Gold partners will be enrolled in a one-year MSDN Premium Subscription. At the end of the year, 2009 Gold partners may renew their subscription at a discounted rate, and partners who earned Gold level for 2010 will receive a new MSDN Subscription. If a partner is Gold level in both 2009 and 2010, and they take advantage of the discounted renewal rate, they would then have two MSDN Subscriptions in 2010.

While you must be a member of the Microsoft Partner Program to participate in the Windows Embedded Partner Program, the two programs are separate. While there are some overlapping activities, they must be reported to each program separately to ensure your receive your points.

Please visit the Partner Resource Center for a full description of the new benefits and requirements, including detailed information about the new points-based requirements for Silver and Gold levels.

Additionally, contact us at mswepp@microsoft.com for questions or support.