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Microsoft Partner Program 2025: Benefits, Requirements and Incentives
In a recent webinar, I gave an overview and some insight into Microsoft’s partner program structure, requirements, and benefits for 2025. Here’s a quick overview of what I covered and what partners need to know.
Solution Partner Designations
The partner program is divided into SMB and Enterprise tiers, with Enterprise typically requiring more extensive workloads and certified users. To maintain a solution partner designation, partners must:
– Achieve a minimum score in all required categories (Performance, Skilling, etc.)
– Maintain net new customer additions (target: 4 net new qualifying customers)
– Complete necessary certifications at both intermediate and advanced levels
Skilling Requirements
Partners should prioritize the skilling requirements as they’re typically the easiest to achieve. Key certifications include:
– MS-900 series certifications
– MS-102 for advanced certification
– Technical assessments specific to modern work solutions
New Benefits for 2025
For existing partners renewing their designation, Microsoft has introduced new benefits including:
– 5 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses
– 200 Teams E5 licenses
– 25 Business Premium licenses
– Teams Enterprise licenses
Customer Success Metrics
Partners should monitor their customer success metrics carefully. Important considerations include:
– Microsoft services usage (40% threshold in the last 12 months)
– Services like SharePoint, Teams Calling, and Intune implementations
– 30-day delay possible for metric updates
– Direct support tickets through Microsoft portal for metric queries
Transition Periods and Renewals
Partners should be aware of important timing considerations:
– 6-month transition period after qualification
– Applies when moving between program tiers
– Particularly important when key personnel changes occur
– Renewal periods affect access to new benefits
Incentives Program
The current incentives program runs until September 30th, 2025, with these key features:
Eligibility Requirements:
– Must have one of six partner designations
– Legacy silver accountancy partners may still qualify
Earning Structure:
– Earning period: July to December
– Payment structure: 60% rebate, 40% Co-op funds
– Example: On $10,000 earned
– $6,000 paid as direct rebate
– $4,000 available as Co-op funds
Co-op Fund Usage:
– Can be used for marketing events
– Applicable for Copilot events
– Can cover membership fees
– Requires proper documentation and claims process
Best Practices for Partners
1. Assign dedicated ownership for program management
2. Complete all necessary tax documentation
3. Regularly review benefit utilization
4. Monitor incentive earnings and claims
5. Keep track of certification requirements
6. Query metrics directly with Microsoft when needed
Important Notes
– Partners must achieve scores across all categories – partial qualification isn’t sufficient
– Support tickets should be opened directly with Microsoft for metric queries
– Program benefits and incentives structure may change annually
– Partners should actively manage both benefits and incentives to maximize return
Conclusion
The Microsoft Partner Program continues to evolve with a strong focus on AI and modern work solutions. Success requires careful attention to program requirements, regular monitoring of metrics, and active management of benefits and incentives. Partners should ensure they’re not leaving value on the table by fully understanding and utilizing all available benefits and incentive opportunities.
About Michael
Michael Coyle is the Modern Work Technical Sales Lead at MicroWarehouse.