Welcome to the latest update for Microsoft partners. As we embark on a new fiscal year, Microsoft is excited to share several important announcements, updates, and opportunities designed to drive success and innovation. From new benefits packages and product launches to awards and training resources, these updates will help partners stay ahead in the ever-evolving technology landscape. Dive into the details below to learn how you can leverage these initiatives to enhance your business and better serve your customers.
Announcements
MCAPS Start for Partners
Microsoft recently celebrated the start of its new fiscal year with MCAPS Start for Partners, a digital event aimed at integrating partners into the go-to-market strategy early in the fiscal year. This event is designed to foster collaboration and drive collective success. Partners can view the on-demand keynote and breakout sessions on the Key Takeaways.
Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits
Three new benefit packages were introduced earlier this year to cater to the diverse needs of partners at different growth stages. These packages are now available to all partners. During MCAPS Start for Partners, it was announced that over 20 new product licenses, including Microsoft Copilot, Defender for Endpoint, and GitHub, will be added to these packages in the coming months. For more details, partners can tune in to the on-demand sessions.
2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards
The 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards winners and finalists have been announced. These awards recognize exceptional contributions and innovations from global partners and highlight the significant impact Microsoft partners have on customers, showcasing outstanding successes and innovations across various technologies and industries. Discover this year’s winners and finalists here.
New Copilot+ PCs Bring Partner Opportunity
In collaboration with device partners, Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, a new category of Windows PCs designed specifically for AI. These devices create new opportunities for partners to support customers in the future.
Expanding the Secure Future Initiative (SFI)
Microsoft is expanding the Secure Future Initiative, launched last November, to better protect partners and customers. More information about the role partners play in securing the ecosystem can be found on the Partner blog.
Advancing Accessibility Impact
Chief Partner Officer Nicole Dezen discussed accessibility advancements, the Accessibility Horizon Methodology, and resources for increasing inclusion in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day in May. Read more on the Partner blog.
2024 Work Trend Index
Microsoft and LinkedIn have released a report on the state of AI at work, sharing insights into how AI is reshaping the labor market and the AI tools employees are seeking.
Partner Program Updates
Partner Center Technical Corner: June 2024 Edition
The latest Partner Center updates include a review of Solutions Partner designations, information on securing the channel, and other newly released offerings.
Compliance Admin Role in Partner Center
Improve security hygiene by designating a point of contact for compliance-related matters in the Partner Center. Assign a Compliance admin today to ensure your organization is prepared for compliance-related inquiries and engagements with Microsoft.
Dynamics 365 Business Central Products in CSP Channel
The Microsoft commercial marketplace now allows the sale of Dynamics 365 Business Central apps to the CSP channel. This enables independent software vendor (ISV) partners to leverage the Microsoft network of CSPs and helps CSP partners expand their solution portfolios with value-added Dynamics 365 Business Central apps.
Upcoming Events by Microsoft Microsoft Ignite in November
Partners are invited to join Microsoft Ignite in Chicago this November. Sign up to get notified when registration begins and explore featured partner packages available at various price points.
FY25 GTM Launch Event
FY GTM Launch event for Microsoft solution partner for Modern Work and Microsoft Solution Partners for Business Applications. Register to accelerate your Copilot practice at the Partner-led GTM Launch Event on July 22, 8 AM PT. Learn about the go-to-market priorities and initiatives planned for FY25 to support your customers' lifecycle.
Microsoft Build 2024
At Microsoft Build 2024, over 60 new products and solutions were announced, continuing the evolution and expansion of AI tools for developers. Dive deeper with the following blogs and resources. Microsoft Build 2024: empowering partners through AI and cloud innovation
Hannover Messe 2024
April’s event showcased AI's potential to build a more connected and sustainable industrial ecosystem. Revisit some of the solutions presented at the event on the Partner blog.
Microsoft Offers
Azure Pricing Offers and Resources
Assist your customers in making informed decisions at every stage of their cloud journey by choosing the pricing offers that best meet their needs. Explore various Azure pricing offers and resources to optimize your cloud investments.
Azure OpenAI Service Provisioned Throughput Units (PTU)
Microsoft is expanding the customer purchasing flexibility of Azure OpenAI to include a Provisioned Throughput Unit (PTU) offering that is available through self-service and CSP partner-supported models. PTUs provide consistent latency for uniform workloads, making them ideal for scaling AI solutions. A shorter 30-day reservation commitment option has also been added for added flexibility. Learn more at MCAPS Start for Partners
Benefits for Partners
Build and Modernize AI Apps Campaign in a Box
Spark interest and generate leads for your Azure solutions with a customizable marketing campaign. This campaign helps encourage business leaders to build and modernize business-critical apps with AI. Launch your campaign today in the Partner Marketing Center.
Solutions Partner with Certified Software Designations Resources
Access materials, including Microsoft Learn documentation, a playbook, and an FAQ, to help partners who develop software attain these new designations. These resources provide comprehensive guidance to achieve certification and recognition.
Training & Resources
Microsoft partners can access various training and certification resources to enhance skills in AI, Copilot, security, and cloud solutions. Improve sales knowledge and technical skills with partner Project Ready Workshops.
Microsoft Sales & Pre-sales Bootcamps
This is where partners can find various training options to improve their sales knowledge and skills on different Microsoft solutions.
Microsoft Partner Project Ready Workshops
Develop advanced technical skills in architecting, deployment, and implementation for Microsoft Azure. These workshops are suitable for both pre-sales and technical roles.
Azure Training
Learn how to use GitHub and GitHub Copilot, build and modernize AI apps on Azure, leverage Microsoft Fabric for data engineering and insights, implement real-time intelligence, migrate and secure Windows and SQL Server workloads, and explore Azure OpenAI and contact center modernization.
Business Applications Training Available trainings include Contact Center Modernization Deep Dives, Low Code App Modernization for Developers Workshop, Build and Extend AI-powered copilots with Copilot Studio, and Business Performance Planning and Analytics. Modern Work Training
Available trainings include Better Sell Copilot with M365 Business Case Builder and More, Copilot for Microsoft 365 Deployment & User Enablement Bootcamp, Power your AI Transformation with Copilot and the Copilot Stack, and Build a Foundation of Secure Productivity to Get AI-Ready.
Security Training
Available trainings include Fortify your Data Security with Microsoft Purview, Migrating your SIEM Solution to Microsoft Sentinel, Deploy and Optimize Sentinel, and Copilot for Security.
Additional Resources
Discover the right learning path for you, including always-on, self-service training and scheduled, instructor-led courses and events. Check out the Partner Skilling Playbooks and sign up for the Partner Skilling Newsletter.
Extend Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365
Learn how Copilot for Microsoft 365 works and how to customize it for your customers’ unique needs with the Copilot Scenario Library.
Celebrating Partner Success
From manufacturing and retail to healthcare and professional services, Microsoft partners are helping customers across industries achieve more. Here are some recent success stories:
Witivio
Enhancing employee experiences with Microsoft Copilot. Witivio builds solutions on the Microsoft 365 tech stack to help employees complete daily tasks more efficiently, such as onboarding, scheduling, and managing facilities.
Securing worker safety with AI. Linker Vision's Observ platform transforms manufacturers' monitoring of the factory floor, ensuring enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
Revolutionizing fraud detection with Azure AI. SymphonyAI leverages Azure AI to develop innovative solutions that help businesses detect and prevent fraud, driving significant improvements in operational security.
Bridging justice gaps in South Africa with My AI Lawyer. Legal Interact is democratizing access to legal services with its unique Azure-built solution, helping to bridge justice gaps and provide affordable legal assistance.
Enhancing IT admin choice and flexibility with Microsoft Copilot and Now Assist. ServiceNow’s generative AI experience delivers direct, conversational responses to requests and connects exchanges to AI-powered workflows, enhancing both employee and IT admin experiences.
Delivering advanced location intelligence with Microsoft Azure. Esri's cloud-forward geospatial platform allows organizations to view, edit, manage, and analyze data to make more informed decisions.
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