We value partner feedback and celebrate the range of perspectives within our community as we continue to enhance the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. Our second blog of 2025 provides expert insights, updated learning resources, and recent benefits from the last four months to support your development.
Announcements
Microsoft at 50: the journey and future of the partner ecosystem
As we celebrate Microsoft’s 50th anniversary in April, our annual State of the Partner Ecosystem blog was a great opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared with our partners, employees, and customers. Celebrate with us!
Upcoming API changes for Microsoft partners: what you need to know
Security and compliance are vital to maintaining trust and enhancing business efficiency. Our recent blog outlines several significant updates to application programming interfaces (APIs) that Microsoft partners will need to implement over the coming months to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions in business operations. These changes include updates to billing frequency scheduling, Partner of Record (POR) assignment, CSP billing reconciliation APIs, Partner Center pricelist upgrades, and the deprecation of Azure AD graph tokens. Additionally, the blog emphasizes the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and upcoming changes to Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA) attestation methods.
Unlocking unprecedented growth from AI in 2025
Learn about the transformative impact of AI on businesses and the opportunities it presents for Microsoft partners. This recent blog highlights how AI agents are redefining business operations by automating, optimizing, and scaling innovation on the Microsoft AI platform, and emphasizes the paradigm shift brought about by generative AI, which enables businesses to achieve more by supporting humans as personal assistants grounded in work content. It also mentions the increasing demand for mature AI implementations and the significant growth in partners with specializations in Azure AI since January 2024.
Accelerate revenue with the SAP cloud migration opportunity
There is significant market potential for partners to assist customers in migrating their on-premises enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to the cloud using RISE with SAP. This bundled platform as a service offering combines SAP software licensing, cloud infrastructure, and managed services in a single contract. This recent blog highlights the benefits of migrating to the Microsoft Cloud, including enhanced security, AI capabilities, and valuable insights from previously siloed data.
Introducing the Accelerate CSP Renewals campaign in a box
We’re thrilled to announce that the new Accelerate CSP Renewals campaign in a box is now available for all partners, including resellers. This comprehensive set of customizable, ready-to-use materials includes everything you need to guide your partner ecosystem through the renewal and upgrade process, including:
- E-books to provide in-depth information and insights.
- Email templates to facilitate initial outreach.
- Reminder emails to ensure follow-up and engagement.
- Email templates to provide your partners with renewal assets and guide your customers through the final stages of the renewal process.
- Execution guides to help you and your partners implement the campaign effectively.
Ultimately, this campaign in a box is designed to help you streamline the renewal process and align customer subscriptions with their evolving needs—so you can drive higher retention and increased revenue, create lasting relationships, and serve as a trusted advisor for your customers. Access the campaign in a box for partners and indirect providers and get started today.
Program news and updates
Introducing the SMB path to Azure Solutions Partner designations
For the last 50 years, we’ve been evolving and innovating our offerings to better serve our partners and customers. The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is a key part of that evolution and innovation, and we’re excited to share that we have created a streamlined path for partners who primarily work with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to attain Azure Solutions Partner designations.
The SMB path for the Solutions Partner for Security designation is also in progress and will be available later this year. To prepare for the launch, we encourage partners to register for Certification Weeks—five-day training events that help you prepare for advanced role-based certifications so your organization can meet the skilling criteria needed to attain a designation.
Process improvements to make renewals, upgrades easier in CSP
On April 1, we launched a new guided user interface in Partner Center that is designed to ensure that partners who have customers with expiring Enterprise Agreements (EA) with Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 with Teams and Office 365 E1, E3, and E5 with Teams, which are end of sale (EOS), can renew into CSP and keep their Teams entitlement. The functionality in this new interface has been enabled for license-based, per-user subscriptions only.
In addition, we have automated the cancellation and credit support process in Partner Center, enabling duplicate subscriptions resulting from midterm upgrades to be more easily and quickly processed after an upgrade to a higher-level SKU. The AI assistant in Partner Center features a new support prompt for the cancellation of duplicate subscriptions after a midterm upgrade processed through Partner Center. Partners can now follow the prompt guide to submit the information the AI assistant needs to process their support ticket. The AI assistant will then confirm the supported upgrade path and process the support ticket.
Skilling
As a Microsoft partner, you can access various training and certification resources to enhance your skills and expertise in AI, Copilot, security, and cloud solutions. Learn how to sell and position Microsoft solutions, prepare for AI Cloud Partner Program skilling requirements, and hone your technical skills with Partner Project Ready Workshops.
Introducing Microsoft Sales Titan in private preview
We recently introduced Microsoft Sales Titan, a new centralized skilling portal currently in private preview for Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners and set to be available for all partners in summer 2025. Sales Titan aims to elevate sales excellence by providing a structured learning path in two phases: the Proficient phase, focused on security training, and the Titan phase, which includes skill-based assessments, certifications, and sales strategy development.
Microsoft AI Agents Day
This virtual training event aims to provide Microsoft partner teams with knowledge on using agentic AI for business transformation. The training will cover the Microsoft AI story and how to use Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Azure AI Foundry to enhance customer outcomes. Partners will learn about the role of agents in AI transformation, explore customer scenarios, and facilitate engagements across various roles.
Ongoing skilling opportunities
Our popular skilling series offers new dates for:
- Certification Weeks: Designed to accelerate AI and cloud certification paths, ensuring partners stay ahead.
- Partner Project Ready Workshops: These multi-day skilling events are designed to deepen your ability to assess customer needs and seamlessly implement Azure solutions.
- Sales & Pre-Sales Skilling Bootcamps: Create new business opportunities and stand out in the AI and cloud market by investing in sales skilling. Get help with planning, building, and assessing strategies for closing sales opportunities. You will learn how to articulate the value of your solutions and services, expand your sales strategies, and accelerate the customer journey.
- Technical Workshops and AI Partner Training Days: Sharpen your skills with hands-on learning sessions that focus on modern AI, security, and data analytics.
e-book: 10 best practices to accelerate your employees' AI skills
Download this e-book for tips on developing structured AI training that excites employees, insights from their own experience in supporting AI proficiency, and case studies illustrating the future of skilling initiatives, along with guidance for starting your own.
Protect your customers from browser-based attacks with Microsoft Edge for Business
The browser is the primary gateway to company data and AI tools, which means securing this critical endpoint for your customers is crucial. Watch the Edge for Business partner video series to help ensure your customers are not left vulnerable to browser-based attacks. By securing your customers with Edge for Business, you can enhance your security offerings and build customer trust in today's evolving technology landscape.
Benefits and offers
Azure specialization V.Next—a streamlined path to Azure specializations
The Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure specialization—aligned to both the Data & AI (Azure) designation and the Digital & App Innovation (Azure) designation—is getting an updated path to meet the Module B audit requirement. We have introduced Azure specialization V.Next, a streamlined path for partners to earn Azure specializations more efficiently. Initially applied to the Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure specialization, this new approach utilizes data from completed Azure Innovate partner-led scenarios to fulfill Module B of the audit requirement, reducing both time and cost. Module A remains mandatory but now requires completion only every other year. This alternative method is available for both new enrollments and renewals, with plans to extend it to other Azure-aligned specializations in the future.
Dragon Copilot partner assets
Discover the comprehensive suite of marketing resources available in the Dragon Copilot Partner Assets Collection. This curated selection includes essential materials such as Bill of Materials (BOM), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and communication tools, all designed to enhance your promotional efforts for the innovative Dragon Copilot product.
Accelerate CSP Growth with Enterprise customers and new Copilot offers
Supercharge your Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) business growth! This session will feature new Microsoft 365 offers and promotions that will help you grow your Microsoft 365 Copilot and E suites sales with medium enterprises. We’ll also share the latest updates in M365 Copilot and agents, helping you drive AI customer adoption by using the newest capabilities and go-to- market resources. Join to learn more about the Copilot Getting Started promotion and our updated tools and resources designed to maximize the potential of your AI business.
Simplified access, same strategic value: expanding made easier
Starting in May, the Geo-Expansion Readiness Assessment benefit will be shifting to a new format and location. Previously accessed through a tool, this valuable GTM benefit will now be available as a downloadable assessment. Designed for all partners in the Microsoft Partner Program, the Geo-Expansion Readiness Assessment helps partners evaluate their readiness to enter new markets and includes a free consult to support the expansion process. This change simplifies access without removing the benefit—partners will still receive the same strategic value, just in a more flexible and accessible format.
Community and events
Microsoft Build 2025
We invite you to join us at Microsoft Build, taking place May 19–22, 2025. This flagship event offers an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in AI, learn how to work smarter, and elevate your projects. Connect with peers, industry experts, and Microsoft leadership while diving into the code and innovations that will shape the future! Register today as an attendee or join us as a featured partner.
Microsoft Secure
Discover AI-first security innovations with Microsoft leaders as they explore an end-to-end security platform offering comprehensive protection, actionable insights, and best practices. Learn to strengthen defenses using innovative tools and demos, discover investments in security tools, use Security Copilot to enhance detection and remediation, and fast-track AI adoption with insights into the latest security and governance trends.
AI Innovation at scale: key takeaways from NVIDIA GTC 2025
NVIDIA GTC 2025 highlighted the significant advancements in AI and emphasized the role of software development companies in driving innovation across various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. Microsoft, in collaboration with NVIDIA, demonstrated how their AI ecosystem and cloud-powered infrastructure are helping software companies develop and deploy AI solutions at scale. Key trends such as generative AI, AI-driven digital twins, and robotics simulation were discussed, showcasing the transformative impact of AI on enterprise adoption and innovation.
Empowering women in tech and AI through partnership
In March, we celebrated International Women's Day by highlighting Microsoft's commitment to empowering women in technology and AI through various initiatives and partnerships. Learn more about the events and activities organized by Women in Cloud (WIC) and The WIT Network, including workshops, conferences, and awards aimed at fostering career development, mental health, and work-life balance for women in tech.
Honoring excellence and building impactful partnerships
At Microsoft, we recognize the vital role our partners play in driving innovation and delivering compelling solutions to customers worldwide. We believe in fostering a partner ecosystem that strengthens our collective ability to create meaningful impact. In this recent blog, we explore how partners can access information, resources, and support systems designed to help them achieve their goals. We’ll also explore ways to connect with like-minded collaborators who share their visions and aspirations.
Capturing the marketplace opportunity
As customers increasingly centralize their solution procurement, marketplaces have become the preferred buying platform. For software companies, adopting cloud marketplaces accelerates deal closure and increases deal sizes. Serving as a global B2B commerce engine, our marketplace empowers Microsoft partners to provide solutions to customers worldwide. It offers various sales models—digital direct, through partners, or with Microsoft—providing flexibility to align with how customers want to buy and how partners want to sell. Explore our series on maximizing your marketplace opportunity, with a focus on growing your pipeline with digital self-service sales through the Microsoft commercial marketplace:
Compare Partner Benefits packages
Tap into benefits that support how you build solutions, go to market, and connect with the right customers. Compare the benefits Microsoft provides to partners of all sizes, business types, and stages of growth. Choose from 3 cost-saving packages to access the tools your business needs.
The AI Decision Brief and how software development companies are paving the way for AI transformation
A recent report published by Microsoft provides comprehensive insights into the state of generative AI (GenAI) for business leaders, detailing its immediate impact, future potential, and best practices for implementation. Read our blog to discover how generative AI is transforming software development, with Microsoft tools like Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, and OpenAI Service, helping partners accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams.
Optimize AI investments with the latest Azure AI Foundry innovations
Discover how the latest advancements in Azure AI Foundry help businesses optimize AI investments and drive differentiation. Learn how new capabilities enhance model customization, cost efficiency, and AI performance to accelerate innovation.
Azure AI Monthly Marketing Moments: delivering a clear, consolidated view of the latest innovations in Azure AI Foundry
Here’s a look at what landed this month:
- GPT-4.5 is now in preview: A significant step forward in both pre-training and post-training scale, bringing more natural interactions, higher accuracy, and stronger alignment.
- New models from Cohere, Stability AI, and Microsoft: Expanding model choice and flexibility for developers and enterprises.
- Advancements in AI customization: New capabilities for distillation and fine-tuning, making it easier to optimize models for specific use cases.
- Enterprise-ready AI at scale: Enhancements to Azure AI Agent Service, including network isolation (BYO-VNet) for secure, controlled deployments.
We’re also bringing these updates to life across channels:
- Azure Blog is live: Announcing new models, customization tools, and enterprise agent upgrades in Azure AI Foundry.
- The AI Show is back! Seth Juarez and Yina Arenas (VP of CoreAI) break down this month’s biggest updates, with live product demos and real-world use cases.
Celebrating partner success
Unlock the Power of Partnership with Microsoft
At Microsoft, we believe that success is best when shared. That is why we celebrate our partners through Customer Case Study publication and Microsoft Partner Success Stories, two initiatives designed to showcase the incredible impact you’re making with Microsoft technology.
- Are you a partner with at least one solution designation? Customer Case Study publication is your opportunity to elevate your existing customer wins on an official Microsoft website. Provide the content and copy, checking the optional publication check box to gain visibility and share your successes.
- Are you a partner who is looking to create a story to amplify your voice and expand your reach? Nominate your company for a Partner Success story.
From driving innovation to accelerating customer transformation, your stories inspire and empower the global partner ecosystem. Join us in celebrating partner achievements and amplifying success. Here are some of our recent partner success stories:
As the program continues to grow and we continue to improve our offerings, we are excited to bring you regular updates. Be sure to follow us on Linkedin for regular news and updates on the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.