Your partner capability score in the security domain must meet the specified criteria to achieve the status of Solutions Partner for Security. The partner capability score takes into account partner performance, skilling, and customer success and is based on data already available in the Partner Center.
Security partners can focus on offering services and solutions for either Microsoft 365 workloads or Azure services. As a result, the evaluation criteria concentrate on both the usage and performance of Microsoft 365 and the revenue generated from Azure.
Key Workloads and Solutions
To achieve the Microsoft Solution Partner for Security designation, partners must excel in implementing and managing specific security workloads. These workloads are critical for providing organizations with a robust security framework.
Azure Workloads
Sentinel
Azure Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool that provides intelligent security analytics. It integrates with various data sources to offer real-time threat detection and response capabilities. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Sentinel helps security teams identify and mitigate threats faster and more efficiently, making it a crucial component of any security strategy.
Azure Defender
Azure Defender offers extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities, providing comprehensive protection across multiple layers of an organization's environment. It includes security features for virtual machines, databases, storage, and more. Azure Defender's advanced threat protection helps organizations detect and respond to attacks, ensuring a robust defense against cyber threats.
Network Security
Network Security encompasses a range of tools and policies designed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over networks. It includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure VPNs, among other technologies. Effective network security measures prevent unauthorized access and ensure the secure transmission of sensitive information.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a framework of policies and technologies that ensures the right individuals access the right resources at the right times. It involves managing user identities and controlling access to critical systems and data. IAM solutions help organizations protect against unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Microsoft 365 Workloads
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID, formerly known as Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Premium, provides comprehensive Identity and access management services. It helps organizations manage user identities, enforce multi-factor authentication, and secure access to applications and data. Entra ID is essential for ensuring secure and efficient access management.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 protects organizations from advanced threats, including phishing and business email compromise. It provides robust email security, safeguarding against malicious links and attachments. Defender for Office 365 ensures that organizations can detect and respond to threats promptly by offering real-time threat intelligence.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoints
Microsoft Defender for Endpoints is a holistic endpoint security solution that offers advanced threat protection for devices. It integrates with other security tools to defend against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Defender for Endpoints helps organizations maintain the security and integrity of their devices.
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Microsoft Defender for Identity monitors and protects user identities by detecting suspicious activities and potential security breaches. It leverages signals from on-premises and cloud environments to identify and respond to identity-based threats. Defender for Identity plays a crucial role in safeguarding an organization's identity infrastructure.
Microsoft Information Protection
Microsoft Information Protection helps organizations classify, label, and protect sensitive information. It provides tools for identifying and securing data across various platforms, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Information Protection helps organizations manage and protect their critical information assets.
Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that manages devices and applications, ensuring security compliance. It enables organizations to enforce security policies, manage mobile devices, and secure corporate data. Intune helps organizations maintain control over their device ecosystem, enhancing overall security.
Partner Association Types and Key Metrics
Partner association types and key metrics are crucial for evaluating a partner's performance and impact on customer success. Microsoft uses these metrics to assess a partner's ability to drive customer engagement and adoption of security solutions.
Azure Net Customer Adds
Azure Net Customer Adds refer to the increase in customers who adopt Azure services over a specified period. This metric is essential for evaluating a partner's effectiveness in attracting new clients to Microsoft's cloud platform. The focus here is on specific workloads critical to security, highlighting the partner's ability to provide comprehensive solutions.
Partner Association Types
Partner Admin Link (PAL)
The Partner Admin Link (PAL) is a designation that allows partners to demonstrate their impact on customer success. It links partner organizations directly with customer subscriptions, showcasing the partner's role in managing and supporting the customer's Azure environment. PAL helps partners gain recognition for their contributions and enhances their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Net Count of Tenants
The net count of tenants refers to the number of unique customers (tenants) with an average Annual Contract Revenue (ACR) of $100, considering both the current and previous year. This metric helps evaluate the partner's effectiveness in maintaining and growing their customer base, highlighting their success in delivering value to clients consistently.
Microsoft 365 Net Customer Adds
Microsoft 365 Net Customer Adds measure the increase in the number of customers adopting Microsoft 365 services. This metric is crucial for assessing a partner's ability to attract new clients to Microsoft's suite of productivity and security solutions. The focus here is on specific workloads that enhance security and productivity within organizations.
Partner Association Types
Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR)
The Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR) designation recognizes partners who drive significant customer engagement and success. It links partner organizations with specific customer engagements, showcasing the partner's role in delivering value and achieving customer outcomes. CPOR helps partners gain recognition and strengthen their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Net Count of Tenants
The net count of tenants refers to the number of unique customers (tenants) with more than 25 Post Authentication Users (PAU), comparing the last month and the same month last year. This metric evaluates the partner's ability to grow their customer base and maintain high levels of user engagement, demonstrating their success in delivering value to clients.
Azure Deployments
Azure Deployments refer to the implementation of Azure services within an organization's environment. This metric is essential for evaluating a partner's ability to successfully deploy and manage Azure solutions. The focus here is on specific workloads that enhance security and operational efficiency.
Partner Association Types
Partner Admin Link (PAL)
The Partner Admin Link (PAL) designation allows partners to demonstrate their impact on customer success. It links partner organizations directly with customer subscriptions, showcasing the partner's role in managing and supporting the customer's Azure environment. PAL helps partners gain recognition for their contributions and enhances their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Net Count of Tenants
The net count of tenants refers to the number of unique customers (tenants) contributing a total of $12,000 Annual Contract Revenue (ACR), considering both the current and previous year. This metric evaluates the partner's effectiveness in driving revenue through successful Azure deployments, highlighting their ability to deliver value to clients.
Microsoft 365 Deployments
Microsoft 365 Deployments refer to the implementation of Microsoft 365 services within an organization's environment. This metric is crucial for assessing a partner's ability to successfully deploy and manage Microsoft 365 solutions. The focus here is on specific workloads that enhance security and productivity.
Partner Association Types
Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR)
The Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR) designation recognizes partners who drive significant customer engagement and success. It links partner organizations with specific customer engagements, showcasing the partner's role in delivering value and achieving customer outcomes. CPOR helps partners gain recognition and strengthen their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Net Count of Tenants
The net count of tenants refers to the number of unique customers (tenants) with at least 25 paid licenses and active usage/qualified usage exceeding 15%, comparing the last month and the same month last year. This metric evaluates the partner's ability to grow their customer base and maintain high levels of user engagement, demonstrating their success in delivering value to clients.
Azure Usage Growth
Azure Usage Growth measures the increase in the utilization of Azure services over a specified period. This metric is crucial for evaluating a partner's ability to drive customer adoption and engagement with Azure solutions. The focus here is on specific workloads that enhance security and operational efficiency.
Partner Association Types
Partner Admin Link (PAL)
The Partner Admin Link (PAL) designation allows partners to demonstrate their impact on customer success. It links partner organizations directly with customer subscriptions, showcasing the partner's role in managing and supporting the customer's Azure environment. PAL helps partners gain recognition for their contributions and enhances their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Net Growth in Security Revenue
Net growth in security revenue measures the increase in revenue generated from security solutions over a specified period, considering both the current year and the previous year. This metric evaluates the partner's effectiveness in driving revenue growth through successful Azure deployments, highlighting their ability to deliver value to clients.
Microsoft 365 Usage Growth
Microsoft 365 Usage Growth measures the increase in the utilization of Microsoft 365 services over a specified period. This metric is crucial for assessing a partner's ability to drive customer adoption and engagement with Microsoft 365 solutions. The focus here is on specific workloads that enhance security and productivity.
Partner Association Types
Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR)
The Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR) designation recognizes partners who drive significant customer engagement and success. It links partner organizations with specific customer engagements, showcasing the partner's role in delivering value and achieving customer outcomes. CPOR helps partners gain recognition and strengthen their relationship with Microsoft.
Key Metrics
Active Usage Difference
The active usage difference measures the change in the number of users actively utilizing Microsoft 365 services, comparing the last month and the same month last year. This metric evaluates the partner's ability to drive customer engagement and maintain high levels of user adoption, demonstrating their success in delivering value to clients.
Skilling and Certification Requirements
Skilling and certification are critical components of the Microsoft Solution Partner for Security designation. Qualified individuals must possess specific certifications to demonstrate their expertise in providing security solutions. These certifications ensure that partners have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality security services.
Intermediate Certifications
To qualify as a Microsoft Solution Partner for Security, individuals must be certified in all of the following areas:
Azure Security Engineer Associate
The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates expertise in implementing security controls, threat protection, and managing Identity and access. It covers various aspects of securing Azure environments, ensuring that certified professionals can design and implement robust security solutions.
Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst certification demonstrates proficiency in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. It focuses on using Microsoft security solutions to protect against threats and ensure compliance. This certification is essential for professionals responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's infrastructure.
Additional Certifications
In addition to the mandatory certifications, individuals must hold at least one of the following certifications:
Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator
The Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator certification validates skills in designing, implementing, and managing identity and access management solutions. It covers various aspects of securing user identities and managing access to resources, ensuring that certified professionals can protect against unauthorized access.
Microsoft Information Protection Administrator
The Microsoft Information Protection Administrator certification demonstrates expertise in implementing information protection solutions. It covers topics such as data classification, labelling, and protection, ensuring that certified professionals can secure sensitive information and comply with data protection regulations.
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification validates advanced skills in designing and implementing comprehensive security solutions. It covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including threat protection, identity management, and information protection. This certification ensures that professionals can develop and implement effective security strategies.
Solution Partner Designations Security Product Benefits
Conclusion
Achieving the designation of Microsoft Solution Partner for Security is not only a mark of technical excellence but also a strategic advantage in today's cybersecurity landscape. Partners with this designation are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide comprehensive security solutions, ensuring that organizations can navigate the complexities of modern security challenges with confidence.
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