Microsoft Partner Network Hits Stride

Although it was launched on July 1, 2010, the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) has had a number of unfinished elements, many of which come into play on Oct. 1, 2010.

They include the following:

• Registered, Certified, and Gold Certified partner tiers are retired, replaced by Members, Subscribers (a new level), Silver, and Gold Partners
• Gold (formerly “Advanced”) competencies launch, complementing the Silver competencies that became available in July 2010
• Partner Points, used to determine a partner level, disappear
• New partner logos, which partners can use in letterhead and business cards, become available.

In general, the MPN changes the way partner competencies are identified for customers and introduces stricter requirements for Gold Partner status than those that applied to the former Gold Certified Partner Program. Many of the requirements for the new program will be phased in over the next year, giving partners time to take exams necessary to complete new competency requirements, document sales or other partner performance data that is needed for Gold Partner status, assemble customer references, and ensure that customer satisfaction surveys are completed. This will enable partners to meet the requirements for Silver or Gold Partner status when their MPN memberships are renewed in 2011.