Introducing the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program

Microsoft is evolving its partner network, composed of more than 400,000 organizations globally, seeking to continue helping both partners and customers in the digital transformation process. While the world continues to change, Microsoft seeks to continue investing and bringing partners everything they need to continue innovating and growing their businesses, delivering solutions that adapt to the changing needs of customers.

You can read more about this announcement on the official Microsoft blog.

How do I get a solution partner designation?

For this, Microsoft has developed a partner capability scoring system that measures their performance, skills and success with customers. Thus, the score will evaluate the partners based on their certifications, added customers, successful implementations and overall growth:

Performance
This category is measured by net customer additions.

Skilling
This category verifies and demonstrates your dedication to training through intermediate and advanced certifications.

Customer success
This category is measured by the growth of use and the number of solution deployments.

To earn a solution partner designation, each partner must score at least 70 points (out of 100 available) across these measurement areas.

You can check your current score by accessing your dashboard in the Microsoft partner portal.

From October 3, 2022 to the date of the partner's next anniversary:

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Obtainable solution partner designations will be available on October 3.

Partners who meet the requirements will earn a solution partner designation and receive the new customer-facing badge.

Legacy competencies and associated badges will no longer be valid, but members who have a competency before September 30, 2022 will continue to receive legacy benefits until their next anniversary date. After that time, we will provide options for them to continue acquiring legacy benefits.

On the date of the partner's first anniversary (after October 3, 2022):

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Partners who earn a solution partner designation can choose to migrate to the upgraded solution partner benefits or keep their legacy benefits, and pay the appropriate fee.

Partners who do not meet the requirements for a solutions partner designation but have renewed a competency by September 30, 2022, will have the option to continue paying the fee to retain their legacy benefits.