The MCAPS Start for Partners event unveiled several exciting developments designed to empower Microsoft partners. Let's delve deeper into three key areas: partner benefits and designations, skilling initiatives, and the revamped incentive structure.
Partner Benefits and Designations:
- Tailored Packages: Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced three new benefit packages – Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, and Partner Success Expanded. These packages are designed to cater to the diverse needs of partners at various growth stages. They offer a range of benefits to help you take your business to the next level.
- Expanded Offerings: The good news doesn't stop there. MCAPS announced the upcoming addition of over 20 new product licenses to these benefit packages in the coming months. This includes valuable additions like Microsoft Copilot, Defender for Endpoint, and GitHub. These expanded offerings will further equip partners to deliver comprehensive solutions to their customers.
- Recognition through Designations: Microsoft acknowledges the achievements of its partners through various designations. These designations showcase your expertise and commitment to Microsoft solutions, potentially increasing your credibility and attracting new clients. Stay tuned for more information on the specific designations offered.
Skilling: A Focus on Partner Empowerment
- Extensive Training Resources: Microsoft is committed to investing in your success and offers a wide range of skilling resources. These resources include AI workshops, boot camps, and certification programs designed to help you and your team build expertise in Microsoft Azure, Copilot, and Fabric. By upskilling your workforce, you can stay ahead of the curve, deliver more valuable solutions, and differentiate yourself in the marketplace.
- Project Ready Workshops: These workshops are designed to accelerate the deployment and implementation of Microsoft solutions for your customers. This allows you to deliver faster results and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Sales Boot Camps: Boost your team's knowledge and skillset through targeted sales boot camps. These programs can equip your sales force with the insights and strategies needed to effectively sell Microsoft solutions and close more deals.
- The AI Partner Training Roadshow: This new initiative is designed to specifically support services partners in their quest to grow their AI expertise. By participating in this roadshow, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills to confidently offer AI-powered solutions to your customers.
- Increased In-Person Training: Due to high demand from partners, Microsoft announced 12 more in-person AI Partner Training Days next year. These events will be aligned with the Microsoft AI Tour customer events, providing even more opportunities to enhance your team's skills.
Incentives: Fueling Partner Growth
- Comprehensive Incentive Portfolio: The MCAPS program offers a robust incentive structure designed to accelerate your growth, reward solution-focused wins, and incentivize the delivery of maximum customer value. These incentives are tailored to motivate partners throughout the customer journey.
- Alignment with Business Priorities: In FY25, Microsoft will place a strong emphasis on aligning incentives with key business priorities. This ensures that partners are rewarded for driving outcomes that are most strategically important to Microsoft.
- Differentiated Rewards: The revamped incentive structure offers rewards that are differentiated based on various factors. These factors include partner type (e.g., Gold Partner, Silver Partner), solution area (e.g., security, cloud migration), and customer segment (e.g., Small and Medium Businesses, Enterprise). This targeted approach ensures that partners are recognized and rewarded for their specific contributions.
- Increased Focus on SMC Segment: FY25 will see a significant increase in incentives for partners who focus on the Small, Medium, and Corporate (SMC) customer segment. This makes it an attractive space for partners seeking to expand their reach and profitability.
- Copilot Investment Boost: Partners play a vital role in the Copilot customer journey. Recognizing this, Microsoft is increasing its Copilot investment by 10x over last year. This signifies a commitment to supporting partners in successfully deploying and managing Copilot solutions for their customers.
- Security Focus with Increased Investments: Security remains a top priority for Microsoft and its partners. MCAPS announced a $90 million investment in security initiatives for FY25. This includes the continuation of programs like Threat Protection assessments and the introduction of new offerings like Data Security assessments. These programs can empower you to deliver robust security solutions and address the evolving security needs of your customers.
- Rewarding Throughout the Customer Journey: Microsoft understands the importance of supporting partners throughout the customer journey, not just at the point of sale. MCAPS highlighted several programs designed to incentivize partners for driving customer adoption and ongoing success. For example, the focus on Microsoft 365 Core Execution translates to increased CSP incentives for strategic solutions like Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and Business Premium. Partners can earn significant rewards by helping customers leverage these solutions effectively.
