Partner Portal, Points Modified

The Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP) has simplified its approach to the points that partners earn to move to higher program levels and has redesigned its membership Web portal to make it easier for partners to determine their partner status. Microsoft has also finalized four additional competencies that partners can attain.

Counting Points

The MSPP awards partners points for various types of partner achievement, such as gaining a new solutions competency (e.g. expertise in security), submitting customer references, gaining Microsoft technical certifications, attending conferences, and building applications that meet logo program requirements. Partners with fewer than 50 points are in the Registered Member tier; by gaining points they can move into the Certified Partner tier (50 to 119 points) or the Gold Certified Partner tier (120 points or more). Partners in higher tiers get additional benefits, such as software for internal use, technical support for themselves or their customers, and a direct line to a contact in Microsoft.