HOW THE CLOUD IS CHANGING FOR MICROSOFT PARTNERS

In May, Microsoft announced large-scale changes to what has been a staple among service providers reselling Microsoft services. Specifically, we’ll see the end of “Silver” and “Gold” status, to be replaced by the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program (MCCP), which comes into place on October 3^rd 2022.

This drastic change will impact nearly half a million service providers, the company said, “This deep relationship between Microsoft and our partners spans more than 30 years and, in that time frame, our partners have provided unique solutions across numerous industries, helping countless customers succeed in an ever-changing world. They especially have played a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt amidst the pandemic. As things continue to change and evolve, we are committed to investing in and delivering what partners need to innovate, grow their businesses, and deliver on the promise of digital transformation for customers across organizations and industries.”

The Microsoft Partner Network (MPN), was formed in 2009 and was replaced by the Microsoft Partner Program (MPP), although it has always been changing and upgrading the transition to MCCP is a huge step for all partners, most notably MSPs who have already been reselling Azure and other cloud services.

One of the fastest growing cloud marketplace companies in the world stated how so many companies have begun to rely on Microsoft for this service. Microsoft has since issued this as a response; “we have been preparing for this re-alignment throughout 2022 with a focus on ensuring our partners, who rely on our consolidated billing, automated provisioning, and PSA integrations, can take full advantage of Microsoft’s new approach, with no disruption to operations, and opportunities to attract more customers who are increasingly relying on cloud services.”

Meyer, an ex-senior executive at Microsoft explained that this is about much more than a name change:

“MCCP is a reflection of Microsoft’s vision and investment in cloud services, and their recognition of the overall modernization of IT across the entire digital supply chain,” Meyer said. “Way beyond the end-of-life for MPN Gold and Silver status, the MCPP is truly about driving new proficiencies in a cloud-first world as more discovery, procurement, delivery and management of technology is happening online, through marketplaces like ours.”

The new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program will aim to drive and promote partners' development in six technology areas:

1. Data and AI (Azure)
2. Infrastructure (Azure)
3. Digital and App Innovation (Azure)
4. Business Applications
5. Modern Work
6. Security

This will further impact partners’ license in how they internally use and distribute Microsoft’s products from a ‘’Solutions Partner level’’ to ‘’specialisations and expert programs’’.

This is Microsoft’s response to accommodate for the rapidly expanding market, do you think it was the right decision?