Introduction
In today’s competitive cloud landscape, Microsoft Solutions Partners must differentiate themselves by showcasing their expertise and success in delivering high-impact solutions. Achieving advanced specializations in Azure, Modern Work, and Business Applications is a powerful way to do this. These specializations not only enhance a partner's credibility but also provide access to exclusive co-sell opportunities, increased visibility in Microsoft’s ecosystem, and prioritized placement in customer-facing directories like the Azure Marketplace and Microsoft AppSource.
This guide outlines the necessary steps, requirements, and best practices for achieving these advanced specializations, enabling your organization to stand out and succeed.
Microsoft Advanced Specializations
Advanced specializations are prestigious designations that build on a Solutions Partner designation. They demonstrate a partner’s deep technical expertise, proven success, and ability to deliver high-quality solutions in specific areas.
Why Pursue Advanced Specializations?
Enhanced Visibility
Advanced specializations prioritise your organisation in Microsoft’s directories, making it easier for customers to find you.
Exclusive Opportunities
Partners gain access to unique co-sell opportunities, marketing resources, and advanced training programs.
Competitive Edge
These specializations differentiate you from competitors, proving your capability to deliver specialized Microsoft solutions.
Classification of Advanced Specializations
Microsoft offers advanced specializations across three primary solution areas: Azure, Modern Work, and Business Applications. Each area addresses different aspects of Microsoft’s cloud offerings, allowing partners to specialize in areas that align with their strengths.
Azure specializations
Azure specializations include:
AI and Machine Learning on Microsoft Azure
Analytics on Microsoft Azure
Build and Modernize AI Apps with Microsoft Azure
Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure
DevOps with GitHub on Microsoft Azure
Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI
Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure
Kubernetes on Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop
Microsoft Azure VMware Solution
Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure
Networking Services in Microsoft Azure
SAP on Microsoft Azure
Azure Advanced Specializations
Azure specializations cater to partners focused on leveraging Microsoft’s cloud platform to deliver scalable and innovative solutions in areas such as AI, data management, and cloud infrastructure.
Key Specialization Areas:
Data & AI
Digital & App Innovation
Infrastructure
Modern Work specializations
Modern Work specializations include:
Adoption and Change Management
Calling for Microsoft Teams
Custom Solutions for Microsoft Teams
Meetings and Meeting Rooms for Microsoft Teams
Modernize Endpoints
Teamwork Deployment
Modern Work Advanced Specializations
Modern Work specializations focus on enabling organizations to enhance workplace productivity, collaboration, and security through Microsoft 365 and related services.
Key Specialization Areas:
Teamwork Deployment
Adoption and Change Management
Custom Solutions for Microsoft Teams
Business Applications specializations
Business Applications specializations include:
Business Intelligence
Finance
Intelligent Automation
Microsoft Low Code Application Development
Sales
Service
Small and Midsize Business Management
Supply Chain
Business Applications Advanced Specializations
Business Applications specializations are aimed at partners who excel in deploying Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solutions, helping businesses optimize their operations, improve customer engagement, and drive growth.
Key Specialization Areas:
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Low-Code Development
Security specializations
Security specializations include:
Cloud Security
Identity and Access Management
Information Protection and Governance
Threat Protection
Achieving Advanced Specializations in Azure
Azure advanced specializations validate a partner’s capability to deliver high-impact solutions using Microsoft Azure. The process involves meeting specific prerequisites, passing audits, and providing customer references.
AI and Machine Learning on Microsoft Azure
Prerequisites
Achieve a Solutions Partner designation in Data & AI or Digital & App Innovation.
Meet performance metrics related to AI/ML deployments on Azure.
Ensure your team holds relevant certifications in AI/ML technologies.
Audit Requirements
A third-party audit is required to assess your AI/ML deployment practices, ensuring they meet Microsoft’s standards.
Best Practices
Develop a comprehensive AI/ML framework covering data preparation, model development, and deployment.
Regularly update your team’s knowledge and certifications to stay current with the latest AI tools and techniques.
Document and share customer success stories that highlight your AI capabilities.
Kubernetes on Microsoft Azure
Prerequisites
Hold a Solutions Partner designation in Digital & App Innovation.
Demonstrate successful Kubernetes deployments on Azure, supported by customer references.
Audit Requirements
A third-party audit is necessary to evaluate your Kubernetes practices, including deployment, management, and scaling.
Best Practices
Standardize Kubernetes deployment processes to ensure reliability and scalability.
Engage with the Kubernetes community to stay informed about best practices and new developments.
Expand your service offerings to include managed Kubernetes services, providing ongoing customer support.
Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure
Prerequisites
Achieve a Solutions Partner designation in Infrastructure or Data & AI.
Meet performance metrics related to infrastructure and database migration projects on Azure.
Audit Requirements
A comprehensive audit will assess your capabilities in migrating complex infrastructures and databases to Azure.
Best Practices
Implement a detailed migration methodology that minimizes risk and ensures data integrity.
Utilize Azure’s native migration tools, such as Azure Migrate and Azure Database Migration Service, to streamline the process.
Create case studies that document your successful migrations, serving as powerful customer references.
Achieving Advanced Specializations in Modern Work
Modern Work advanced specializations focus on Microsoft 365 solutions, enabling organizations to boost productivity, collaboration, and security.
Teamwork Deployment
Prerequisites
Hold a Solutions Partner designation in Modern Work.
Provide customer references that demonstrate your expertise in deploying Microsoft Teams solutions.
Performance Metrics
Meet specific metrics tied to the usage and adoption of Microsoft Teams.
Best Practices
Create a standardized deployment playbook for Microsoft Teams to ensure a consistent and high-quality rollout.
Integrate Teams with other Microsoft 365 tools like SharePoint and OneDrive to maximize collaboration.
Offer comprehensive training and support to ensure that end-users fully adopt and utilize Teams.
Adoption and Change Management
Prerequisites
Hold a Solutions Partner designation in Modern Work.
Submit customer references that validate your ability to manage organizational change and drive user adoption.
Best Practices
Develop a structured change management methodology that includes stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, and training programs.
Establish a dedicated team of change management specialists who can guide clients through the adoption process.
Align change management initiatives with the customer’s business goals to ensure long-term success.
Modernize Endpoints
Prerequisites
Achieve a Solutions Partner designation in Modern Work.
Demonstrate successful endpoint modernization projects, including the deployment of modern desktops and device management solutions.
Best Practices
Prioritize security and compliance in all endpoint modernization efforts, ensuring devices meet organizational and regulatory standards.
Implement a robust monitoring and management strategy to maintain the health and performance of deployed endpoints.
Provide ongoing updates and support to ensure that modernized endpoints continue to meet evolving business needs.
Achieving Advanced Specializations in Business Applications
Business Applications advanced specializations focus on delivering robust solutions using Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, enabling organizations to optimize their operations and improve customer relationships.
Small and Midsize Business (SMB) Management
Prerequisites
Hold a Solutions Partner designation in Business Applications.
Provide customer references demonstrating successful implementations of Dynamics 365 Business Central for SMBs.
Automatic Enrollment: Partners are automatically enrolled in this specialization once they meet the prerequisites.
Best Practices
Tailor Dynamics 365 solutions to meet the specific needs of SMBs, ensuring ease of use and scalability.
Develop industry-specific templates and configurations to streamline the implementation process.
Offer comprehensive training and support to ensure that SMB customers can fully leverage Dynamics 365.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Prerequisites
Achieve a Solutions Partner designation in Business Applications.
Provide references from successful ERP implementations in large enterprises.
Best Practices
Specialize in specific industries to offer targeted ERP solutions that address unique business challenges.
Focus on integrating Dynamics 365 ERP with other enterprise systems to create a unified business platform.
Ensure scalability and performance optimization in all ERP deployments to support business growth.
Low-Code Application Development
Prerequisites
Hold a Solutions Partner designation in Business Applications or Digital & App Innovation.
Ensure at least one Power Apps Consulting offer is published on Microsoft AppSource and tagged with Power Apps.
Automatic Enrollment: Enrollment is automatic once the prerequisites are met.
Best Practices
Promote the benefits of low-code development to customers, emphasizing the speed and flexibility it offers.
Develop reusable components, templates, and connectors to accelerate the development process on the Power Platform.
Invest in continuous training so your team can stay ahead of new Power Platform features and capabilities.
Best Practices for Achieving and Maintaining Advanced Specializations
Achieving advanced specializations is significant, but maintaining them requires ongoing effort and attention to detail. Here are some best practices to help you succeed:
Invest in Continuous Learning
Regularly update your team’s certifications and ensure they stay informed about the latest Microsoft technologies.
Build Strong Customer Relationships
Use successful projects to build a portfolio of customer references and case studies that can be leveraged during the specialization process.
Leverage Microsoft Resources
Utilize the tools and resources available in the Partner Center to track your progress, ensure compliance with specialization requirements, and prepare for audits.
Focus on Quality
Ensure that every project meets the highest standards, as audits and customer references will scrutinize your work closely.
Conclusion
Achieving advanced specializations in Azure, Modern Work, and Business Applications is crucial for Microsoft Solutions Partners aiming to differentiate themselves in the market and unlock new business opportunities. By understanding the requirements, investing in training, and focusing on delivering high-quality solutions, partners can successfully achieve these specializations and gain the associated benefits.
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