What is a Microsoft Solutions Partner?
Programme definition and objectives
Microsoft Solutions Partner is a designation programme launched in October 2022 to replace the previous partner system. The aim of the programme is to align partners with Microsoft's strategic solution areas and provide better communication with enterprise customers. The main objective is to highlight partners' specific skills in the various Microsoft cloud solutions.
Changes compared to the previous Silver and Gold levels
The Microsoft Solutions Partner programme marks the end of the Gold, Silver and Platinum statuses that have existed for over a decade. These old labels have been replaced by more precise certifications, reflecting the major families of Microsoft cloud offerings. This change will enable partners to be better differentiated on the basis of their specific expertise, rather than relying on generic status.
Challenges for Microsoft partners
Opportunities for growth and development
The new programme offers partners the opportunity to become certified in several solution areas, enabling them to broaden their scope of expertise and access new business opportunities. Partners can now demonstrate their skills in specific areas. This approach enables customers to better identify the partners best suited to their particular needs.
Strengthening expertise and specialisation
Microsoft Solutions Partner encourages partners to deepen their knowledge and skills in specific areas. This specialisation enables partners to offer more targeted and higher quality services to their customers.
A guarantee of quality for customers
Certification of partners' skills
The programme assesses partners on their technical certifications and their ability to offer long-term Microsoft solutions that are relevant to the needs of businesses already using Azure or planning to migrate to Azure. This rigorous assessment guarantees customers that certified partners really do have the necessary skills.
Alignment with the latest Microsoft solutions
Microsoft Solutions Partner designations are directly aligned with Microsoft's latest cloud offerings, ensuring that partners are always up to date with the latest technologies.
Guaranteed high-quality service
The programme focuses not only on the implementation of Azure solutions, but also on their actual use by customers. This ensures that partners are committed to delivering a high quality service and ensuring the long-term success of their customers.
The six Solutions Partner designations
Solutions Partner for Business Applications
This designation applies to partners specialising in Microsoft business applications, in particular Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. These partners stand out for their ability to implement ERP and CRM solutions to improve business processes.
They can adapt Dynamics 365 to meet specific customer needs, integrate Power Apps to build custom business applications, and use Power Automate to automate workflows.
They also specialise in data analysis with Power BI, giving them a global view of business operations.
Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure)
This certification is aimed at partners who are experts in data and artificial intelligence solutions on Azure. These partners have expertise in transforming raw data into relevant information. They stand out for their ability to design and implement complex data architectures, using Azure services such as Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Databricks to analyse high-level data.
They also have expertise in AI and machine learning, using services such as Azure Machine Learning to design and implement advanced predictive models.
Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure)
The designation applies to partners who create innovative applications on the Azure platform. These specialists are highly skilled in the design of cloud-native applications, using contemporary technologies such as containers and microservices.
They are experts in DevOps methods and use tools such as Azure DevOps and GitHub to automate development and implementation.
These factors demonstrate that partners have the capacity to support businesses in migrating and enhancing their applications in order to reap the full benefits of the cloud.
Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure)
This certification applies to partners specialising in Azure cloud infrastructure. These specialists are highly qualified in the design, implementation and management of robust and scalable cloud infrastructures. They have in-depth knowledge of essential Azure services such as virtual machines, storage and networks.
They specialise in creating hybrid solutions, offering seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments. They are also trained in optimising costs and improving the performance of Azure infrastructure.
Solutions Partner for Security
Partners specialising in Microsoft security solutions are given this designation. These partners have extensive expertise in protecting digital environments against cyber risks. They are experts in solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Sentinel and Microsoft 365 Defender.
Identity and access management, data protection, application security and incident resolution are all part of their remit. They have the ability to implement comprehensive security strategies that meet the specific needs of each company.
Solutions Partner for Modern Work
This certification is intended for partners offering modern working solutions with Microsoft 365. Designated companies stand out for their ability to create collaborative and productive working environments. They have in-depth knowledge of the entire Microsoft 365 suite, including Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive.
They have expertise in improving work processes, enhancing internal communication and creating security and reliability policies. They also know how to train users to ensure successful adoption of these work tools.
Azure Expert MSP accreditation in July 2023, Cloud Temple has also been designated Solutions Partner for four areas of expertise :
- Azure infrastructure
- Azure digital and application innovation
- Azure data and artificial intelligence
- Security