Your path to Microsoft partnership in 6 steps

Do you want to take your technology business to the next level, leverage the power of the Microsoft Cloud and artificial intelligence, and significantly expand your reach? Then the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MCPP) is the perfect starting point for you!

Whether you're an established IT service provider, an emerging software manufacturer (ISV), or a company looking to expand your Microsoft expertise – a partnership with Microsoft opens doors. This article will guide you step by step through the process and show you how to become part of a global community focused on growth and customer success.

More than just a title: What does the Microsoft partnership really bring?

Before we dive into the details of signing up, let’s briefly highlight why a partnership with Microsoft is so valuable:

• Growth & Customer Access: Reach millions of potential customers worldwide and accelerate your business growth through Microsoft’s established sales channels and marketplaces.

• Technology & Innovation: Gain access to exclusive tools, resources, and an unparalleled portfolio of AI technologies to develop powerful, customer-centric solutions.

• Credibility & Differentiation: Showcase your proven expertise with official designations and badges, stand out from the competition, and build trust with your customers.

• Support & Training: Benefit from extensive training offerings (often role-specific), technical support, and valuable go-to-market resources to successfully market your solutions.

• Global Community: Become part of a dynamic, worldwide ecosystem of partners, exchange ideas, and learn from the best.

The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MCPP): Explained Briefly

Perhaps you were aware of the "Microsoft Partner Network" (MPN). In 2022, Microsoft evolved this and rebranded it as the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MCPP). As Rodney Clark, Microsoft’s then Channel Chief, explained:

This change better reflects the enormous and ongoing shift of business operations to the cloud and demonstrates how Microsoft intends to support its partners in the future. It aligns our partners’ go-to-market strategies with how customers are buying today.

The focus is clearly on the Microsoft Cloud and the opportunities through Artificial Intelligence to best prepare partners for the current and future demands of the market.

Your Path to Microsoft Partner in 6 Steps

Getting started with the MCPP is structured and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Register and Create an Account

It all starts with a simple click. Visit the Microsoft Partner website and click on “Become a Partner.” Here, you create your free account by providing basic information about your company and your business goals.

Step 2: Confirm and Validate Company Data

In the next step, you provide important business data such as your company address and the legal contact person. Depending on the country, providing your commercial register number may also be required. Microsoft will then verify this information as well as the ownership of your business email address and your employment status. Pay attention to time-sensitive instructions you receive by email.

Step 3: Activate Resources with the Microsoft Action Pack

Once your account is set up, you can purchase the Microsoft Action Pack. Think of it as your starter kit for the partnership. It includes valuable software licenses (often for internal use – IURs), technical support, and other benefits to help you build and expand your Microsoft practice.

Step 4: Prove Expertise and Differentiate (Solutions Partner Designations)

This is where the real differentiation starts. Microsoft offers six Solutions Partner Designations that reflect your technical skills and achievements in specific solution areas of the Microsoft Cloud:

To achieve such a designation, you must reach a specific Partner Capability Score. This score measures your performance in three key areas:

• Performance: Measured by net customer growth.

• Skilling: Proof of certified employees in your team.

• Customer Success: Measured by usage increase among customers and successful implementations.

Achieving a designation signals your competence to customers and is often a prerequisite for further specializations with which you can demonstrate even deeper expertise.

Step 5: Utilize the Partner Center as a Central Point of Contact

The Microsoft Partner Center is your cockpit for the partnership. Here you can:

• Track your progress on the Partner Capability Score.

• Manage your benefits and licenses.

• Access customer insights.

• Use the score simulator to plan next steps.

• Manage your associations to maximize points.

Familiarize yourself with this tool – it is essential for managing your partnership.

Step 6: Foster Growth and Utilize Support

Partnership is not a one-way street. Microsoft actively supports your growth:

• Investments & Incentives: Check your eligibility for financial incentives based on your sales activities.

• Go-To-Market: Utilize resources like co-branding materials and solution-specific sales documents.

• Selling with Microsoft: Work with Microsoft to generate demand and develop sales strategies.

• Training Center: Continuously expand your knowledge of Microsoft products and solutions.

• Partner Community: Network, stay informed, and learn from other partners.

Start Your Growth Journey Today!

The path to becoming a Microsoft Partner is clearly structured and offers companies of all sizes tremendous opportunities. From accessing cutting-edge technology to tapping into new customer bases to enhancing your credibility – the benefits are diverse. The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is designed to support you on your journey and foster your growth.