MPN Competency Evolution to Cloud

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More customers are demanding cloud solutions and that trend is expected to continue. IDC Research predicts that by 2020 “Greater Cloud Spending” will exceed $500B. With this continuing trend we need to evolve together and as such Microsoft is announcing MPN program changes. These changes will align Partners with earning a cloud competency, while streamlining the program.

Earning a cloud competency provides core competency benefits you’re already familiar with, including additional Internal Use Rights (IURs), Visual Studio subscriptions, a monthly credit for Microsoft Azure, and a competency logo to help market yourself. Plus, you’ll get additional help to support providing cloud solutions, such as technical pre-sales assistance, unlimited Signature Cloud Support, and access to additional incentives. 

There are many tools to help Partners with this transition. The MPN Evolution page includes information on each of the competencies that are being retired from the Microsoft portfolio. We encourage you to visit this page for more information, including FAQs, transition timelines and the latest news. You can also read the blog post from Gavriella Schuster, General Manager, Microsoft Partner Network, as she explains the program strategy and provides greater details on the competency changes.

The MPN Evolution schedule has been designed to give you time to develop capabilities in cloud solutions, build new practices, transform your business, and transition into one or more of the cloud competencies available. 

July 30, 2016 is the last day to sign up for a retiring competency. We will no longer accept new applications for retiring competencies after July 31, 2016.

  • October 30, 2016 is the last day to renew a retiring competency. You must renew the retiring competency on or before your anniversary date or before October 30th, 2016, whichever is earlier. We will no longer accept renewals for retiring competencies after October 31, 2016.
  • January 30, 2018 is the last day to be active in a retiring competency. The competencies officially retire on January 31, 2018.

Next steps for MPN program members:

1) Go to the MPN Evolution page and read about the retiring competencies, FAQs, offers and other resources.

2) Use the MPN Evolution Competency Guide to understand the best path for your company.

3) Visit the Partner Membership Center to check your anniversary date and manage your competency membership.

If you have any questions about these changes, please contact Microsoft’s Regional Service Centre at 1-800-676-7658.