I get asked this all the time, how do I become a successful partner in the eyes of Microsoft…? You can either have a look here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/ or below for a summary.

Solutions Partner designations

The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program offers Solutions Partner designations, which are aimed at demonstrating an organisation’s broad technical capabilities and experience in high-demand Microsoft Cloud solution areas. These designations reflect your ability to deliver successful customer outcomes and are measured by:

• performance
• skilling
• customer success.

There are six Solutions Partner designations available, each aligning with a specific Microsoft solution area:

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

To attain a Solutions Partner designation, your organisation must earn at least 70 points out of a possible 100, based on net customer adds, skilling (verified by certifications), and customer success (measured by usage growth and successful deployments). You can track your progress toward earning a Solutions Partner designation in the Partner Center.

Once qualified, you can choose between two options during the purchase of your Solutions Partner designation:

• Option 1: New Solutions Partner benefits.
• Option 2: Legacy Gold or Silver benefits (available only to existing partners who had these benefits as of September 30, 2022).

Solutions Partner designations benefits

The benefits associated with Solutions Partner designations include product licenses, go-to-market services, Microsoft solution provider placement, customer-facing badges, co-selling with Microsoft, and more. These are designed to support your business growth, increase customer reach, and expand training and enablement.

Additionally, the Solutions Partner designation has become a prerequisite for obtaining Specialisations and joining the Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) program. This change signifies a shift from the previous requirement of having a Gold or Silver competency to now requiring a relevant Solutions Partner designation.

If your organisation doesn’t yet have the required 70 points, you can receive guidance in the Partner Center on improving your score in each category. This approach allows for a more holistic measurement of your capabilities and better reflects your knowledge and application of that knowledge with customers. For more detailed information on the Solutions Partner designations and their requirements, visit Microsoft’s Partner Center and their Solutions Partner FAQ page.

Example: Solutions Partner designation for Infrastructure (Azure)

To become a managed Microsoft partner in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program and achieve a Solutions Partner designation for Infrastructure (Azure), there are several key steps and resources you should consider:

1. Review the Solutions Partner Designation Benefits: Understand the benefits and requirements of being a Solutions Partner in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. The Solutions Partner Designation Benefits Guide offers detailed information about the updated benefits available to partners​​. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/americas-partner-blog/2022/06/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-microsoft-cloud-partner-program/
   
2. Enroll in Partner Center Programs: Begin by enrolling in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, which has evolved from the Microsoft Partner Network. This program is a hub of resources and offerings essential for building and delivering successful solutions. You’ll need to get a PartnerID and create a Partner Center account​​. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/partner-center-enroll-overview
   
3. Explore Training and Support Resources: Leverage various training and support options provided by Microsoft. These resources include the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program training gallery, the Microsoft Partner Blog, and various webinars and events. Staying informed and up-to-date with the latest program updates, training opportunities, and partner community insights is crucial​​​​. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/americas-partner-blog/2022/06/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-microsoft-cloud-partner-program/ and https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/managed-services
   
4. Develop a Business Plan and Research Your Market: Establish a solid business plan and understand your market environment. This is crucial for positioning your services effectively and driving your business forward​​. https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/managed-services
   
5. Understand Partner Investments and Incentives: As a Microsoft partner, you could be eligible for incentives and investments based on your selling activities and impact. Engage with the Partner Investments Forum and other resources to learn more about these opportunities​​. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/americas-partner-blog/2023/06/15/six-easy-steps-to-becoming-a-microsoft-partner/
   
6. Access the Cloud Migration Playbook: Enhance your service offerings and support your customers’ migration to the cloud. The Cloud Migration playbook provides valuable insights into consulting and operations management​​. https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/managed-services
   
7. Participate in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program: For direct and indirect resellers, the CSP program is a way to grow your cloud business. This program includes terms and opportunities for selling cloud solutions, both globally and in national clouds​​. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/partner-center-enroll-overview
   
8. Consider Advanced Designations: Depending on your business capabilities and specialisation, you may look into programs like the Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) program, especially if your company excels in selling and managing Azure services​​. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/partner-center-enroll-overview

These steps and resources provide a comprehensive approach to becoming a managed Microsoft partner and achieving the Solutions Partner designation for Infrastructure (Azure). Continuously engaging with the Microsoft partner community, staying informed through newsletters, webinars, and training sessions, and making strategic use of the resources and support available, will be key to your success in the program.