A heartfelt thank you to our partners for a fantastic FY23, and welcome to FY24! As we enter a new fiscal year, let’s remember that our success is interdependent and continue to support one another, celebrate our achievements, and learn from our collective experiences.

By staying true to our shared vision, we can achieve our individual goals and leave an indelible mark on the industries we serve. Let’s raise a virtual glass to a remarkable FY23 and the promise of FY24! Thank you again. May the journey we embark upon today be filled with growth and endless possibilities!

– Nina Harding, CVP, Americas GPS

Register here for the new Americas Partner Insiders Call on August 16 at 10:00 AM PT to hear about key solution area plays for FY24. You can also register to watch previous calls on demand.

If you weren’t able to attend Microsoft Inspire, you can watch the sessions on demand to learn more about our plans for FY24.

The Americas Partner Insiders Newsletter highlights key messages from Microsoft for the month. Use these Quick Links to go directly to the content that’s most relevant to your business:

Quick links

Modern Work and Security

SHARPEN YOUR SURFACE SELLING SKILLS WITH EXPERTZONE
ExpertZone is a learning platform comprised of quick gamified missions and stories built to get and keep you up to speed with the Surface for Business portfolio. From 101 introductions to the devices in our portfolio to deep dives into security, there’s something for everyone who wants to start or grow as a Surface seller. Check out what’s available!

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Azure

START FY24 STRONG WITH THESE AZURE SOLUTION PLAY RESOURCES FOR SMB CUSTOMERS
Our Azure focus in FY24 remains on helping customers migrate and secure their Windows Server + SQL Server workloads. Get started by exploring the latest resources to help you understand the customer opportunity and train your staff how to pitch Azure. A partner best practice is to target your existing Modern Workplace customers and pitch them Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).

Download the resources today!

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Business Applications

CHECK OUT THESE DYNAMICS 365 COPILOT ENABLEMENT RESOURCES
With Dynamics 365 Copilot, we introduced the world’s first AI copilot natively built-in to our CRM and ERP applications. We’ve created some awesome enablement resources for you on our enablement portal to guide any Dynamics Presales, Technical Evangelists to enable these capabilities and incorporate into customer and prospect conversations. To learn more, register for these Dynamics 365 Copilot training events today!

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Enabling an Inclusive Economy

JOIN OUR MICROSOFT INSPIRE 2023 INCLUSIVE GROWTH SESSIONS
Learn how we can collectively enable inclusive growth as a Microsoft partner ecosystem. Register for our on-demand breakout sessions and live community discussions on:

• • Driving accessible digital transformation and innovation.
  • Enabling supplier diversity and bringing impact solutions to market.
  • Leveraging community partnerships for GTM.
  • Nurturing inclusive leadership, diverse representation, and allyship within our organizations.

See the catalog for a full list of inclusive growth sessions.

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LinkedIn

UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO BREAKING THROUGH ON THE LINKEDIN FEED
Powerful creative can help businesses generate 10-20x more sales! Improving your ability to stand out on the LinkedIn feed can have a significant impact on your revenue. Read this blog to learn 10 tips and best practices for creating content that engages your audience.

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Transformation

AZURE SAVINGS PLAN IN CSP AVAILABLE IN PARTNER CENTER AS OF JUNE 15
Customers benefit from an Azure savings plan for compute, which can help them:

• • Save compared to pay-as-you-go prices on select compute services.
  • Automatically optimize savings across select services globally up to the hourly commitment.
  • Save on their terms by customizing the plan’s term length, billing frequency, and hourly commitment to fit their needs.

Azure savings plan for compute is an easy and flexible way for customers to save up to 65 percent on compute costs. Visit the readiness gallery to learn more.

STAY UP TO DATE ON THE CSP IN NCE JOURNEY WITH THE PARTNER TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY MAP
Download this journey map to see a list of the key milestones in our journey to Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) new commerce and guidance on the actions that partner organizations should take. You’ll find information about CSP new commerce capabilities that are available now and what’s planned over the coming months.

ACHIEVE MORE WITH THESE ESSENTIAL PARTNER SUPPORT RESOURCES
As a valued partner, you have access to a wealth of Microsoft resources to help you accelerate your business and achieve your goals. Read this blog in the series for details on the essential partner support resources to help you achieve more.

JOIN OUR DEDICATED INSPIRE SESSION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM MEANS TO YOU
The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program has seen tremendous growth this year and continues to evolve. We’ve been in active listening mode and have heard how partners want the program to develop to help them better serve their customers.

Register for this on-demand Inspire session to learn how Microsoft is continuing to deploy new offers to meet the unique needs of all partner types. You’ll be among the first to hear about the upcoming changes and find out how to seize this opportunity to innovate and grow a successful business.

LEVERAGE THESE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Read this blog for guidance on what you need to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead; and continue to leverage the following resources to grow within the Program:

• • Unlock the possibilities and learn how to grow your business with the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Playbook! As a comprehensive guide, the Playbook gives you an overview of the Program, its requirements, benefits, and partner incentives to help you take the next steps.
  • Join the conversation between Microsoft and other US partners through your journey to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.
  • Visit the training gallery for the resources outlined in the Playbook to learn more about the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, including Solutions Partner designations, benefits, capability score, Partner Center dashboard, and frequently asked questions.

Have questions or need support? Create a request in Partner Center.

KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A SECURITY STRATEGY IN YOUR BUSINESS
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the top challenges of our digital age, and Microsoft partners play a key role in securing cloud transformations around the world. Today’s organizations need a new security model that more effectively adapts to the complexity of the digital age, embraces the hybrid workplace; and protects people, devices, apps, and data wherever they’re located.

• • The Zero Trust framework is a highly effective security model that assumes all activity—even by trusted users—could be a breach.
  • Strengthen your security posture and navigate the evolving threat landscape with Microsoft cybersecurity tools and resources, including the technical training “Security Through the Lens of Zero Trust” that’s recommended to all Microsoft partners.
  • Read this announcement to learn about the steps you need to take today to help secure your business, the partner ecosystem, and upcoming milestones and updates.

Have questions? Join these weekly Q&A sessions on security-related changes and key calls to action.

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Voices for Innovation

MICROSOFT RELEASES MILESTONE AI POLICY WHITE PAPER
Governing AI is the tech policy issue of the moment, with state and federal policymakers considering the potential benefits and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology. Microsoft recently added to the conversation by releasing a white paper, “Governing AI: A Blueprint for the Future,” which includes five key recommendations for addressing many current and emerging AI issues through public policy, law, and regulation. Learn more and access AI policy resources.

Be part of the conversation about AI and other tech policies by signing up for Voices for Innovation, the Microsoft-supported issue education and advocacy community for partners.

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Partner Resources

• • Microsoft is a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA).
    The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!
  • Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our Americas partners.

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Join Us for Events and Activities

• • Partner Academy webinars. Register here for upcoming and on-demand webinars designed to help you have richer conversations with your customers.
  • Partner Training Calendar. Register today for upcoming training events that will accelerate your Microsoft skills. Filter by solution area or solution play, among other options.

For more upcoming events, see the August 2023 Hot Sheet.

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Microsoft’s collective call for equity and justice every day of the year is at the forefront this Pride Month. Together with our partners, we’ll continue to find solutions and drive change—for our customers and across the globe.

With Independence Day, Microsoft Inspire 2023, and FY24 just around the corner, many of us will be taking personal time to relax and gear up for a busy fiscal year ahead. We won’t be hosting a US Partner Insider call in July, so look for details on our August Insider call in next month’s newsletter and register to watch previous Insider calls on demand. And don’t forget to register for Microsoft Inspire, July 18–19!

The US Partner Insiders’ Newsletter highlights key messages from Microsoft for the month. Use these Quick Links to go directly to the content that’s most relevant to your business:

Quick links

Modern Work and Security

NEW SURFACE MARKETING BOMS NOW AVAILABLE!

Surface for Business Repairability is a collection of resources for telling the repairability story of the Surface portfolio. The materials are intended as a direct approach to deliver the Surface repairability story and discuss the benefits of Surface repairability for customers and flexibility in service options.

Cyber resiliency goes beyond protection to recovery, and even rebound. For this to happen, device choice is critical. Our Global Security Campaign BOM includes ITDM worksheet and c-suite guidance, customer OFTs and flyers, pitch decks, and more.

ANNOUNCING THE SURFACE RESELLER EXPANSION PROGRAM

We’re excited to share that Microsoft Surface has expanded access to allow all resellers to purchase Surface devices and accessories (excluding Protection Plans). Now through December 31, 2023, resellers are no longer required to become a Surface Authorized Partner in order to sell Surface to their customers. Surface devices and accessories will be available to you as offerings in your distributors catalogs with restricted pricing programs. This is the perfect opportunity to provide your customers with premium devices that are the best expression of Windows. Reach out to your distributor team or contact Microsoft directly at surfacebreadth@microsoft.com to learn more!

We also encourage you to watch these webinars:

• • Why Surface for Business – A Technical Perspective. Learn more and register here.
  • Surface Reseller Breadth Channel – Profitability 101. Learn more and register here.

Q4 MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS PREMIUM LOCAL ACCELERATOR

Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
Wrap up the fiscal year strong by taking advantage of this exciting offer for Microsoft 365 Business Premium to grow sales! The Q4 offer is now available. To keep the growth momentum and continue motivating customer transition to our new commerce experience (NCE), partners can continue to earn 5 percent in addition to the 2.5 percent promotional offer on every Microsoft 365 Business Premium seat in NCE. Learn more about this offer.

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Azure

RIGHT OPPORUNITY, RIGHT PARTNER, RIGHT ENGAGEMENT, RIGHT COVERAGE

Looking for help to close out FY24 strong? Engage with the Partner-Led Sales Resource (PLSR) desk for help with your large deals! This resource is meant to complement your pre-sales capabilities and help match you with resources to close customer deals. Make sure you fully understand your customer pain points, footprint, solution, and size of opportunity before engaging the team. Fill out the PLSR form to get started. Note This resource is for cloud-only opportunities (net new or dark to cloud).

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Business Applications

NEW ATTACH LICENSES FOR BUSINESS CENTRAL PREMIUM

On May 20, Microsoft launched two new Attach Licenses for Business Central Premium, Dynamics 365 Sales and Dynamics 365 Customer Service, at $20 per application. A recent IDC research report predicts that 70% of SMBs will have significantly increased their IT spending by 2026. The same report shows that 85% of SMBs say digital transformation is a priority, and they are executing initiatives.¹ While finance is their number-one priority, Sales and Customer Service follow very closely in this ranking. The new attach pricing can help you expand your business applications footprint and address the digital transformation needs of your customers, at a great price! Leverage the partner kit with a targeted campaign to your customers.

¹IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Small and Medium-Sized Business 2022 Predictions, October 2021, IDC #US48299421.

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Demand Gen

Watch our Marketing on Azure Marketplace and AppSource YouTube video series. Topics include:

• • Driving traffic
  • Emotionally engage
  • Convince and convert
  • Bridge the gap to sales

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Enabling an Inclusive Economy

SCALING ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIP AND A SHARED APPROACH

In honor of the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day in May, we’re continuing to spread awareness by inviting Microsoft partners to expand our collective understanding and action for digital accessibility and inclusion. Read this blog by Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft, to learn how we can build a shared approach with the accessibility horizon methodology; and create value for our organizations, employees, and customers through accessibility innovations and inclusive digital experiences.

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LinkedIn

TODAY IN SAAS MARKETING: WINNING IN THE NEW AGE OF SAAS

The evolving Software as a Service (SaaS) landscape offers a major opportunity for leaders to rethink their approach toward growth and build strategies that drive long-term value. LinkedIn Ads and Winning by Design partnered on a new SaaS playbook to develop a new approach that introduces the concept of designing an Expansion Mindset for Healthy Growth, highlighting that a successful growth model should focus on marketing across the entire customer journey.

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Transformation

MICROSOFT 365 E3 DMWL PROMO EXTENDED THROUGH FY24 Q1

We’re excited to announce that this offer is being extended through September 30, 2023! In addition to helping customers “Do More with Less,” this extension provides a great opportunity for customers to “get AI-ready” with Microsoft 365.

Offer details: 15 percent discount off the net partner price for annual subscriptions for Microsoft 365 E3

Eligibility: New-to-Microsoft 365 E3 CSP customers; offer limit of 2,400 seats per customer tenant

Platform: Available in NCE CSP only; all geographies

Download the FAQ for details and guidance on how to leverage.

NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE PROMOS VALID UNTIL JUNE 30

Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers, Indirect Providers, and Indirect Resellers
Partners can continue to leverage the following promos through June:

• • The Microsoft 365 SMB New Customer, Upsell, and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal provides a 16.67 percent discount to new-to-Microsoft 365 customers, existing customers upgrading to a more premium product, and customers on legacy CSP migrating to NCE who choose to start with a low-risk monthly commitment.
  • The Dynamics 365 and Power Platform New Customer and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal provides a 16.67 percent discount to new-to-Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform customers who choose to start with a low-risk monthly commitment.

Download the Global Promotions Readiness Guide for details on these offers.

MICROSOFT TEAMS AUDIO CONFERENCING PROMO DISCOUNT

Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Providers
With the expiration of the 12-months free Audio Conferencing promo, learn how to guide your customers to the right Audio Conferencing SKU:

• • Starting October 2020, a promotion that enables free Audio Conferencing for 12 months has been available to CSP partners. This promotion ended in June 2022. At the end of the 12 months, partners who purchased this Audio Conferencing SKU (Product ID: CFQ7TTC0LHSL) will find their subscriptions renewing at the nonpromotional price of $2.50 USD per user/month.
  • Partners can purchase a supplemental $0 add-on SKU (Product ID: CFQ7TTC0JXCZ), which enables Audio Conferencing with unlimited toll dial-in minutes, 60 dial-out minutes per user/month to the United States and Canada phone numbers pooled at the tenant level regardless of tenant location, and Operator Connect Conferencing. Partners who wish to take advantage of the Audio Conferencing $0 add-on SKU will need to purchase the new SKU.

Read this announcement to learn more about next steps and resources.

STAY UPDATED ON THE NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE FOR CSP

Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers, Indirect Providers, and Indirect Resellers

• • Visit the readiness gallery to view the latest CSP launch updates.
  • Register here for the June 22 CSP Partner Community Call. The monthly Q&A sessions provide you with an opportunity to learn more about changes affecting the program. You can submit your questions up to 48 hours before the call.
  • Register here for the July 12 CSP Technical Training. These sessions are designed to assist CSP partners with technical implementation of change. You’ll receive guidance on how to implement changes, get answers to technical questions, and learn about API changes available in sandbox.

*NEW* MULTI-GEO JUST LAUNCHED ON CSP

Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Providers
Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo is a new add-on SKU available to partners or customers who are managing Microsoft 365 subscriptions in new commerce. It enables customers to expand their Microsoft 365 presence to multiple regions or countries within an existing Microsoft 365 tenant while meeting data residency requirements. The three purchase options available include one-year paid monthly, one-year paid annually, and one-month trial subscriptions.

Indirect resellers aren’t eligible to purchase or create subscriptions on behalf of a customer. Read this document on actions indirect resellers can take. For more information, including subscriptions eligibility and prerequisites, download this handbook.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM MEANS TO YOU

Eligible Partners: All
The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program is focused on simplifying partner programs, delivering greater customer value, investing in your growth in new ways, and recognizing how you deliver customer value.

Read this blog for guidance on what you need to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead; and continue to leverage the following resources to grow within the Program:

• • Unlock the possibilities and learn how to grow your business with the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Playbook! As a comprehensive guide, the Playbook gives you an overview of the Program, its requirements, benefits, and partner incentives to help you take the next steps.
  • Join the conversation between Microsoft and other US partners through your journey to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.
  • Visit the training gallery for the resources outlined in the Playbook to learn more about the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, including Solutions Partner designations, benefits, capability score, Partner Center dashboard, and frequently asked questions.

Have questions or need support? Create a request in Partner Center.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURITY STRATEGY IN YOUR BUSINESS

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the top challenges of our digital age, and Microsoft partners play a key role in securing cloud transformations around the world. Today’s organizations need a new security model that more effectively adapts to the complexity of the modern environment; embraces the hybrid workplace; and protects people, devices, apps, and data wherever they’re located. The Zero Trust framework is a highly effective security model that assumes all activity—even by trusted users—could be a breach.

Strengthen your security posture and navigate the evolving threat landscape with Microsoft cybersecurity tools and resources, including the technical training “Security Through the Lens of Zero Trust” that’s recommended to all Microsoft partners. Read this announcement to learn about the steps you need to take today to help secure your business, the partner ecosystem, and upcoming milestones and updates.

Have questions? Join these weekly Q&A sessions on security-related changes and key calls to action.

NEW FOR IP CO-SELL MARKETPLACE IN Q4

Eligible Partners: All
To continue to drive momentum and capture wins in IP Co-sell Marketplace, there are two key updates that have a positive impact on Q4:

• • Marketplace deals over $1M will now go through the standard deal validation process and require a deal validation call with WW versus waiting for customer billing to validate the deal. This change will enable all $1M+ deals to be pulled forward and credited in FY23. Deals must be registered by June 16 to be valid, and the deal review call concluded with a decision no later than June 28 to count towards FY23.
  • Partners are now able to identify pipeline as Marketplace transacted intent when sharing a referral with Microsoft via Partner Center. This change will allow us to much more effectively forecast and manage pipeline and its related impact as we continue to drive for a higher transactable percentage of Marketplace wins. Read this announcement to learn more.

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Voices for Innovation

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) DRAWS INTEREST IN WASHINGTON, DC

Voices for Innovation (VFI) recently hosted a webinar, “The Evolution and Promise of AI,” with John Sampson, Microsoft Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives. John demoed some AI capabilities and discussed growing interest in AI among policymakers. “Congress is still in information-collection mode. We know this is an area that’s ripe for focus for policymakers. They want to address concerns without inhibiting AI’s ability to do good,” he said. Read a recap of the webinar.

Want to stay informed about tech policy developments and receive invitations to VFI’s tech policy webinars? Sign up for VFI’s weekly Executive Briefing newsletter.

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Partner Resources

• • Microsoft is a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA). The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!
  • Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our US partners.

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Join Us (Events and Activities)

• • Enhancing cloud network security for SMB customers. Register now to learn about the latest Azure network security solutions designed for your SMB customers. This digital event takes place on June 14 at 8:00–9:30 AM PT and again at 6–7:30 AM PT.
  • June 14 Partner Investments Office Hours: FY23>FY24 PIE Program. Join the US Partner Investments Team every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM PT to learn about our investment offers and incentive programs. Register here for the June 14 call or to watch a previous session on demand.
  • Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot: The AI-Powered Future of Work. Reserve your spot for this June 22 webinar to learn about Microsoft 365 Copilot and how it unlocks productivity growth for your customers.
  • Multiparty private offers: Simplifying how ISVs & Services partners work together to reach more customers through the Microsoft commercial marketplace. Are you ready to take advantage of multiparty private offers coming to marketplace in FY24? Learn more and register now for our June 27 webinar at 9:00 AM PT.
  • Microsoft Inspire 2023. This year’s event will take place on July 18–19. Register now for the largest partner event of the year! Register here for the Modern Work GTM Pre-Day event on July 17.
  • Partner Academy webinars. Register here for upcoming and on-demand webinars designed to help you have richer conversations with your customers.
  • Partner Training Calendar. Register today for upcoming training events that will accelerate your Microsoft skills. Filter by solution area or solution play, among other options.

For more upcoming events, see the July 2023 Hot Sheet.

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Summer is right around the corner. This is a great time for Microsoft partners to reflect on FY23 accomplishments and get ready for FY24. Leverage the resources, announcements, and events below as a starting point for continued growth in the fiscal year ahead.

Mark your calendar for the US Partner Insider call on June 14 at 10:00 AM PT, when we’ll look ahead to FY24 with Heather Deggans, VP Global Partner Solutions US, GTM. Register for the Insider call.

Quick links

Modern Work and Security

Q4 MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS PREMIUM LOCAL ACCELERATORRemove featured image
Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
Wrap up the fiscal year strong by taking advantage of this exciting offer for Microsoft 365 Business Premium to grow sales! The Q4 offer is now available. To keep the growth momentum and continue motivating customer transition to our new commerce experience (NCE), partners can continue to earn 5 percent in addition to the 2.5 percent promotional offer on every Microsoft 365 Business Premium seat in NCE. Learn more about this offer.

MICROSOFT SURFACE IN HEALTHCARE PATIENT CARE SOLUTIONS FEATURED AT HIMSS23
Last month’s HIMSS23 Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Chicago featured two new patient care solutions leveraging Microsoft Surface in healthcare. EHR (Electronic Health Records) on Surface integrates with a customer’s existing EHR systems, including Epic, Cerner (Oracle), and Meditech.

• • Patient Room Display on Surface Go is a secure digital display mounted outside the patient room door or near the patient bed and supports most EHR systems.
  • Patient Check-in Kiosk Powered by Microsoft Surface Pro streamlines the patient check-in experience by pairing an existing EHR system with Surface Pro multi-touch devices.

Check out the Surface gallery sales assets and demos or reach out to your Surface Account Representative to learn more about these EHR solutions.

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Azure

NEW BOM! WINDOWS SERVER / SQL SERVER MIGRATION KIT
Did you know that Windows Server and SQL Server migration is one of the key plays in FY23? Data is your customers’ most strategic asset. Where that data resides and what you can do with it makes a huge difference to their business.

Check out the resources and campaigns section on the Azure for US partners page. Use these assets to help your sales force get up to speed and start migrating your customers today.

In addition to data modernization and migration, we’ve also updated our other Azure foundation assets. Security is top of mind for many customers today. Learn how Azure can help keep your customers more secure, from Azure Firewall Basic to Azure Virtual Desktop.

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Business Applications

SEE WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE DIRECTIONS PARTNER CONFERENCE
Impacted Audience: Business Applications Partners
If you missed the Directions North America 2023 partner conference, check out this blog for announcements made and other information you’ll want to review. Updates include an SKU that allows customers with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to purchase Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales or Customer Service Enterprise edition for $20/user.

If you need assistance with any large deals, fill out this form to engage with the Partner-Led Sales Resource (PLSR) Team.

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Black Partner Growth Initiative

UPCOMING INNOVATION SUMMIT HOSTED BY BPGI, BCPA, AND APPMEETUP
On May 17 the Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI) will host our inaugural Innovation Summit at the Microsoft Redmond Headquarters. The Innovation Summit will feature executive thought leadership, talks, and workshops from industry leaders and C-level executives within Microsoft. This partner-focused Summit will serve as the graduation of our FY23 Catalyst Accelerator cohort. Attendees are also invited to participate in the inaugural Golf Classic hosted by BCPA.

We’re also seeking brands, businesses, and teams interested in exhibiting for our BPGI Partners and volunteers who want to donate a helping hand. Contact us for additional details.

Share this opportunity and register today!

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Demand Gen

ATTRACT NEW CUSTOMERS WITH A “BETTER TOGETHER” GTM CASE STUDY
A story that showcases your customer’s success is a powerful way to create mindshare. A joint case study that shows how your solutions work with Microsoft technology to solve a customer need can further build credibility to accelerate deals.

Craft a powerful story using this co-branded, customizable case study template to show potential customers how you and Microsoft work together to meet their unique needs.

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LinkedIn

UNDERSTANDING THE B2B BUYER OF THE FUTURE AND WHAT DRIVES THEM
B2B buyers want more digital purchasing coupled with the ability to personalize their buying experience:

• • Online B2B buying is on the rise with 49 percent of purchases now happening online and set to rise to 57 percent in 5 years.
  • More than two-thirds of B2B purchase journeys start online.

Ultimately, B2B buying is increasingly omni-channel with 71 percent of buyers wanting a connected analog and digital buying experience.

Learn more about the future of the B2B buyer in our latest LinkedIn Collective article.

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Transformation

CHECK OUT THE NEW MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM PLAYBOOK
Impacted Audience: All Partners
The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Playbook was developed to ensure we’re providing partners simplicity and clarity. The Playbook will help you navigate the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program and how you can grow within it.

• • Get an overview of the Program and what it means to you and your business.
  • Get step-by-step guidance on how to attain Solutions Partner Designations and Partner Specializations in each of the six solution areas.
  • Learn more about the benefits attached to the Program, as well as the related Partner Investments and Incentives.

Start using the Playbook today!

JOIN THE ISV SUCCESS PROGRAM TODAY
Impacted Audience: ISV Partners
Microsoft continues to invest in programs, resources, and initiatives to meet our partners right where you are, and that includes our ISV partners. The ISV Success Program provides the benefits and resources to help you build, publish, and grow well-architected software solutions on the Microsoft Cloud. Visit the ISV Hub and this guide to learn more about the benefits of the ISV Success Program and join the public preview today!

You should also leverage these training gallery assets and these frequently asked questions to learn more about the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program and the ISV Success Program.

MICROSOFT 365 MULTI-GEO CAPABILITIES ADD-ON SKU COMING SOON
Impacted Audience: Managed and Unmanaged CSP Partners
Beginning June 1, 2023, the Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo capabilities add-on SKU will be available in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) new commerce experience (NCE).

• • Multi-Geo will enhance the value of partners’ Microsoft productivity business by giving customers the ability to meet global data residency requirements within their Microsoft 365 tenant. Customers can expand their Microsoft 365 presence to multiple regions within an existing Microsoft 365 tenant, through the creation of new satellite geography locations to host users’ data. Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo is an add-on SKU with three purchase options available for partners or customers who are managing Microsoft 365 subscriptions in new commerce: one-year subscription paid monthly, one-year subscription paid annually, or one-month trial subscription.
  • Because this add-on SKU is user level, partners need subscription licenses for each user to be hosted in a customer’s satellite geography location. CSP partners must purchase a number of Multi-Geo licenses equal to or greater than 5 percent of their customer’s total eligible Microsoft 365 subscription seats.
  • Multi-Geo is available to CSP partners in the NCE license-based price list preview as of May 1, 2023, and in production on June 1, 2023.

Read this announcement to learn more.

LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING ENHANCEMENTS TO CSP-HOSTER PROGRAM
Impacted Audience: CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
On October 1, 2022, we introduced a new program called Cloud Solution Provider-Hoster (CSP-Hoster), with the goal of empowering partners to build hosted solutions with speed and scale.

We’re excited to announce upcoming enhancements with new offers and program changes that reduce costs and benefit our customers and partners in the CSP-Hoster program. These enhancements will roll out throughout calendar year 2023. Sign in to the Operations Readiness gallery to access the full announcement and the FAQ.

NEW DATE TIME ATTRIBUTES AVAILABLE FOR CSP NEW COMMERCE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Impacted Audience: CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
As of May 10, CSP partners who use the Partner Center APIs have more specific information about when subscriptions end.

The Partner Center team is adding two new properties to the subscriptions resource available via the Partner Center APIs. These new properties are intended to provide partners with more accuracy and details for a subscription’s exact UTC end times for billing cycles and terms. Read this announcement to learn more.

TOTAL PRICE NOW VISIBLE IN ORDER CONFIRMATION AND CART CHECKOUT RESPONSE
Impacted Audience: CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
Starting April 12, Partners are now able to verify the pricing of their order during the order confirmation and cart checkout response through Partner Center and API.

• • The total price displayed will be for the offer’s full term and total quantity purchased (Quantity * Unit Price).
  • Promotional discounts are accounted for in the displayed price.
  • Taxes aren’t reflected.

Read this announcement to learn more.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURITY STRATEGY IN YOUR BUSINESS
Impacted Audience: All Partners
Today’s organizations need a new security model that more effectively adapts to the complexity of the modern environment; embraces the hybrid workplace; and protects people, devices, apps, and data wherever they’re located. The Zero Trust framework is a highly effective security model that assumes all activity—even by trusted users—could be a breach.

Strengthen your security posture and navigate the evolving threat landscape with Microsoft cybersecurity tools and resources, including the technical training “Security Through the Lens of Zero Trust”, which is carefully designed for partners participating in the CSP program. However, the training is recommended for all Microsoft partners.

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Voices for Innovation

THE LATEST TECH POLICY HIGHLIGHTS FROM WASHINGTON, DC
Lawmakers in Washington and state capitals take actions every term that impact the technology sector. Voices for Innovation (VFI)—the tech advocacy organization for Microsoft partners—works to advance policies that foster innovation and business growth, expand tech access and education, and more. This month, VFI is sharing tech policy highlights focused on artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property (IP), and data privacy. Read this month’s highlights and learn more about VFI.

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Partner Resources

• • Microsoft is a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA). The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!
  • Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our US partners.

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Join Us (Events and Activities)

• • Save the date for Microsoft Inspire 2023! This year’s event will take place on July 18–19. Registration and more information coming soon. In the meantime, explore the announcements and on-demand content from last year’s experience.
  • Register for upcoming and on demand Partner Academy webinars, designed to help you have richer conversations with your customers.
  • Check out the revamped Partner Training Calendar and register for upcoming trainings. Filter by solution area or solution play, among other options, to choose the readiness activities that will accelerate your Microsoft skills.
  • Partner Investments office hours. Join these weekly calls to learn about our investment offers and incentive programs. Register here for an upcoming call or watch on demand.

For more upcoming events, see the June 2023 Hot Sheet.

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April is the month dedicated to celebrating families at Microsoft. This month and throughout the year we strive to empower families, encouraging work-life balance and strengthening connections with our partners, who are integral to the diverse Microsoft family.

Join the US Partner Insider call on May 3 at 10:00 AM PT. You’ll learn How to Win with Win Formulas from our Microsoft experts Rodel Alejo and Diana Ishak. Register for the Insider call.

Now available: The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Playbook, a comprehensive guide created to help you navigate the Program and grow within it. Download the Playbook today!

Quick links

Modern Work and Security

SECURITY FOR SMB PARTNER SALES ASSETS
Flexible, remote work is here to stay, and with it come security challenges for SMBs. They need comprehensive, simple, and cost-effective security solutions, but most don’t have the skills in-house. Use these new marketing assets to reach your customers with security solutions powered by Microsoft 365 and Azure:

• • Security for SMB partner sales assets
  • Digital Marketing Content OnDemand

NEW INNOVATIONS TOWARD SECURING SMBs
Microsoft has made major strides in simplifying the comprehensive security approach with Defender for Business. Updates include:

• • Simplified insights with improved security summaries to help customers better understand how secure they are across identity, devices, information, and apps. The report shows threats prevented by Defender for Business, current status from Microsoft Secure Score, and recommendations—all designed to help customers increase security in key areas.
  • Protect mobile devices without the need for device management or add-ons by using new capabilities built into a single integrated Defender for Business experience. The standalone device security solution now includes a preview release of mobile threat defense that provides iOS and Android devices with OS-level threat and vulnerability management, web protection, and app security to help customers stay secure on the go.

Read this blog to learn more about these updates.

INTRODUCING MICROSOFT 365 COPILOT
Microsoft recently announced the private preview of Microsoft 365 Copilot – your copilot for work. Copilot combines into a single system the power of next-generation AI, the richness of your data—your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and more—in the Microsoft Graph, and the Microsoft 365 apps that you use every day. And it does so within our existing commitments to data security and privacy in the enterprise. Read this blog to learn more.

INTRODUCING THE NEW MICROSOFT SURFACE FOR BUSINESS
Microsoft Surface has just added a new accessory to our portfolio, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock for Business. This is our first dock enabled with a Thunderbolt port, as we continue to work towards connecting and delivering information faster and easier than ever.

Learn more about the Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock and all available assets. If you have additional product questions, reach out to your Surface Champ.

EXPLORE SAVINGS ON SURFACE DEVICES WITH NEW Q4 PROMOS
We’re excited to share new promotional offers to support your Surface sales for FY23 Q4! Now through May 31, 2023, you can take advantage of savings of up to:

• • $250 on Surface Laptop 5
  • $270 on Surface Pro 9
  • $375 on Surface Laptop Studio
  • 20 percent on select Teams Certified Audio Accessories

See full offer details.

Q4 MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS PREMIUM LOCAL ACCELERATOR
Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers and Indirect Resellers
Wrap up the fiscal year strong by taking advantage of this exciting offer for Microsoft 365 Business Premium to grow sales! The Q4 offer is now available. To keep the growth momentum and continue motivating customer transition to our new commerce experience (NCE), partners can continue to earn 5 percent in addition to the 2.5 percent promotional offer on every Microsoft 365 Business Premium seat in NCE. Learn more about this offer.

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Azure

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE $800M+ WINDOWS SERVER / SQL SERVER OPPORTUNITY IN THE US!
Did you know that according to our CloudAscent data, we have an $800M+ total addressable market with SMB + SMC-Scale customers in the United States today? Take advantage of the opportunity by downloading your personalized CloudAscent Data, leveraging our Data Migration and Modernization BOM. And take our sales and technical training to learn how to help your customers migrate today.

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Business Applications

NEW SMB POWER APPS MESSAGING AND PITCH DECK
Access the new SMB Power Apps messaging and pitch deck on the Biz Apps Hub, designed to help partners create content that will enhance customer conversations.

NEW BUSINESS APPLICATIONS SPECIALIZATIONS AND REDUCED SMB THRESHHOLD
Four new specializations to showcase your Microsoft Cloud expertise have been added to our Solutions Partner designation. These new specializations reflect our commitment to the continued evolution of our partner program by providing you with a comprehensive portfolio of options across Business Applications solutions areas. Based on partner feedback, we’ve also made changes in the SMB track (lower threshold) to make earning points toward your Solutions Partner for Business Applications designation more attainable. Read this blog on the Dynamics 365 Partner Portal to learn more.

LOW-CODE PLAYBOOK
Two new resources are now available to help partners accelerate developing a practice around the low-code opportunity with Power Platform. Check out the playbook and the partner opportunity deck for practice development guidance in alignment to the Accelerate Innovation with Low Code solution play.

COPILOT IN MICROSOFT VIVA SALES
Check out this short video and then go to the Microsoft Transform site to download the pitch deck. To learn more, read these blogs:

• • Introducing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot – Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog
  • Introducing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot – The Official Microsoft Blog

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Black Partner Growth Initiative

INNOVATION TOUR FORUMS
In partnership with the Black Channel Partner Alliance (BCPA), the Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI) is continuing its FY23 Innovation Tour Forums. Forum workshops are being hosted in various cities for partners enrolled in BPGI, focusing on several partner development topics. Tell others about this opportunity or register for a Forum today!

Learn more and register here for an Innovation Forum.
Read our new blog.

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Demand Gen

OPTIMIZE YOUR MICROSOFT APPSOURCE AND AZURE MARKETPLACE LISTING TO REACH MORE CUSTOMERS, FASTER!
Your Microsoft AppSource and Azure Marketplace listing is the digital “storefront” that connects you with customers who can try, buy, and deploy your applications and services. Optimizing your Marketplace listing can drive increased traffic to your offers, convert more visitors into prospects, and close more deals. Learn how with the Microsoft AppSource & Azure Marketplace Best Practices Guide.

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Enabling an Inclusive Economy

GROW WITH THE MARKETPLACE BUILT FOR INCLUSION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
Customers are increasing their focus on diversity and sustainability in supply chains, aligned with their purpose and values. Microsoft is committed to assisting partners in finding the right customer relationships to help them grow their businesses.

Is your company a diverse or minority-owned business? Are you developing an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solution?

Watch the recording of a community event held April 19, 2023, where Microsoft leaders and engineers discuss how to maximize your market opportunity and expand your influence.

• • Learn about opportunities for social value procurement and supplier diversity.
  • Get advice on how to raise your profile as a social impact or diverse business.
  • Receive technical help on how to activate the Microsoft commercial marketplace as a channel of distribution.

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LinkedIn

WHY WINNING NON-BUYERS IS THE KEY PATH TO BRAND GROWTH
Non-buyers, or those who aren’t buying from you (yet), represent the largest potential upside to growing your brand. So, why is winning non-buyers so important? Learn more in our latest article from the LinkedIn B2B Institute, a think tank researching new approaches to B2B growth.

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Transformation

UNDERSTAND WHAT THE MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM MEANS TO YOU
Eligible Partners: All
The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program is focused on simplifying partner programs, delivering greater customer value, investing in your growth in new ways, and recognizing how you deliver customer value.

Read this blog for guidance on what you need to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead; and continue to leverage the following resources to grow within the Program:

• • Unlock the possibilities and learn how to accelerate your business with the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Playbook. As a comprehensive guide, the Playbook gives you an overview of the Program, its requirements, benefits, and Partner incentives to help you take the next steps.
  • Join the conversation between Microsoft and other US partners through your journey to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.
  • Visit the training gallery for the resources you need to learn more about the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, including Solutions Partner designations, benefits, capability score, Partner Center dashboard, and frequently asked questions.

Have questions or need support with MCPP? Create a request in Partner Center.

CONTINUE TO LEVERAGE THE NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE PROMOS VALID UNTIL JUNE 30
Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers, Indirect Providers, and Indirect Resellers
The Microsoft 365 SMB New Customer, Upsell, and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal and the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform New Customer and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal promotions provide up to a 16.67 percent discount to new Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 and Power Platform customers; existing Microsoft 365 customers upgrading to a more premium product; and Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 customers on legacy CSP that are migrating to NCE. The promotion allows customers to start with a low-risk monthly subscription across the Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 and Power Platform products offered in the promotion.

These offers are valid until June 30, 2023. Download the Global Promotions Readiness Guide for details.

STAY UPDATED ON THE NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE FOR CLOUD SOLUTION PROVIDERS (CSP)
Eligible Partners: Microsoft CSP Direct Providers, Indirect Providers, and Indirect Resellers

• • Visit the readiness gallery to view the latest CSP launch updates.
  • Watch the recording of the April 19 CSP Partner Community Call. The monthly Q&A session provides you with an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about changes affecting the program.
  • Register here for the May 3 CSP Technical Training. These sessions are designed to assist CSP Partners with technical implementation of change. Partners can expect to learn more about how to implement changes, get answers to technical questions, and learn more API changes available in sandbox.

Have questions or need support with NCE? Create a request in Partner Center.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURITY STRATEGY IN YOUR BUSINESS
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the top challenges of our digital age, and Microsoft partners play a key role in securing cloud transformations around the world. As part of a proactive, integrated Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity, Microsoft will update the way administrative privileges are managed between customer and partners in the CSP program.

Today’s organizations need a new security model that more effectively adapts to the complexity of the modern environment, embraces the hybrid workplace, and protects people, devices, apps, and data wherever they are located. The Zero Trust framework is a highly effective security model that assumes all activity—even by trusted users—could be a breach.

Strengthen your security posture and navigate the evolving threat landscape with Microsoft cybersecurity tools and resources, including the technical training “Security Through the lens of Zero Trust” that’s recommended to all Microsoft partners.

Learn more about the steps you need to take today to help secure the partner ecosystem, as well as upcoming milestones and updates in this Partner Center announcement.

Have questions? Join these weekly Q&A sessions on security-related changes to the CSP program.

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Voices for Innovation

UNDERSTANDING OUR NATION’S CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY
Last month, the White House released its National Cybersecurity Strategy, which is focused on defending critical infrastructure, disrupting threat actors, and fostering a collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem. Microsoft and the partner community have a critical role to play in advancing our nation’s cybersecurity. As Microsoft cybersecurity leader Tom Burt makes clear in a recent policy blog, “Collaboration is crucial to strengthening cybersecurity”.

Voices for Innovation—the tech advocacy organization for Microsoft partners—will continue to keep our members informed about developments in cybersecurity policy and other key tech policy issues. Learn more and join our email list today.

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Partner Resources

• • SMB Plays-in-a-Box (PiBs) have been updated for FY23! PiBs bring together capacity and enablement, go-to-market, and co-selling resources by solution area. Each PiB provides the tools you need to help your customers with their digital transformation. Learn more about SMB PiBs and get started today!
  • Microsoft is a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA). The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!
  • Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our US partners.

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Join Us (Events and Activities)

• • Register for upcoming and on-demand Partner Academy webinars, designed to help you have richer conversations with your customers.
  • Check out the revamped Partner Training Calendar and register for upcoming trainings. Filter by solution area or solution play, among other options, to choose the readiness activities that will accelerate your Microsoft skills.
  • Partner Investments office hours. Join these weekly calls to learn about our investment offers and incentive programs. Register here for an upcoming call or watch on demand.

For more upcoming events, see the May 2023 Hot Sheet.

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March is Women’s History Month, dedicated to reflecting on and carrying forward the contributions of women in the US and across the world. At Microsoft, we celebrate global diversity and inclusion by elevating each other so that we can go further. We’re committed to empowering the Women at Microsoft community and creating an environment where people of all genders thrive, both within Microsoft and beyond.

What does the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program mean for you? Watch the April US Partner Insider call for a preview of the new US Microsoft Cloud Partner Playbook. You’ll learn more about what the Program means for your business, how the Playbook will help you navigate the Program, and how you can grow within it.

Quick links

Modern Work and Security

JOIN THE SMB MASTERS PLUS PROGRAM
Grow your customer base and generate more revenue by attending this in-person enablement event taking place across five select US cities in March 2023. SMB Masters Plus is a new two-day sales and technical training program covering the value of Microsoft 365, SMB business challenges, Microsoft 365 deployment, and more.

Learn more and register here.

UNLOCK FLEXIBLE WORK FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISCOUNTS ON ELIGIBLE SURFACE DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES
Now through March 31, 2023, partners can offer customers up to 20 percent off eligible laptops and accessories designed by Microsoft. Check out available discounts and full details on our offers page.

Plus, qualifying customers could also be eligible for additional Microsoft savings and investment funds. Work with your Surface Champ or Microsoft Surface Partner Development Manager on deal accelerators today!

ENGAGE YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH MICROSOFT SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Grow your pipeline as you help your customers leverage Microsoft Security solutions to address the increasingly complex state of cybersecurity across multicloud environments. Start a Secure Multicloud Environments campaign to engage your customers and help them do more with less.

Q3 MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS PREMIUM LOCAL ACCELERATOR OFFER
Take advantage of this exciting offer for Microsoft 365 Business Premium and grow your sales! The Q3 incentive offers eligible partners NCE-CSP rates at 5 percent with an additional 2.5 percent special offer in Q3, making it a total of 7.5 percent for every seat in NCE-CSP.

Additionally, the Microsoft 365 Business Premium offer is an exciting partner incentive to support the Do More with Less campaign and the SMB New Customer and Upsell Promo. Microsoft launched the campaign to enable you to grow revenue by acquiring new customers and upgrading existing customers to more premium products.

Learn more about this offer and get started today!

GET MORE WITH MICROSOFT 365 E3 THROUGH CSP
Microsoft 365 E3 continues to be critically important in helping customers do more with less, and Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner participation is essential. To assist our partners, on February 1, 2023, Microsoft launched a new promo offer through CSP for customers purchasing M365 E3 for the first time.

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Azure

START A DO MORE WITH LESS ON AZURE CAMPAIGN
Microsoft partners can leverage our Do More with Less on Azure campaign assets, which include rich pitch decks, marketing materials, social posts, and more. Use these go-to-market resources to build strong connections with your customers while deepening your role as a high-value advisor and partner.

Get started today by exploring the campaign assets available on Digital Marketing Content OnDemand.

Read the blog to learn more.

DO MORE WITH LESS WITH AZURE TRAINING SERIES
Are you prepared to help your customers navigate uncertainty? Now more than ever, customers need guidance on how to do more with less. Tune in to our training series, starting with the on-demand Do More with Less Launch and Windows and SQL Migration Sales events. You’ll discover how Azure can help your customers save money and optimize their current Azure workloads so they can invest back into their businesses.

Read this blog to learn more about the Do More with Less on Azure campaign.

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Business Applications

STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING A BETTER ERP SYSTEM
Four reasons customers are moving their enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to the cloud:

• SMBs are increasingly concerned about security attacks.
• Finance leaders are expected to make quick, well-informed decisions.
• Employees are spending too much time consolidating data versus focusing on future planning and innovation.
• SMBs have been hit hard by COVID, making it increasingly difficult to attract prospective customers.

Visit the Dynamics 365 Partner Portal to learn about the Business Applications offer and how Business Central can help customers save money.

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Black Partner Growth Initiative

INNOVATION TOUR FORUMS
In partnership with the Black Channel Partner Alliance (BCPA), the Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI) is continuing its FY23 Innovation Tour Forums. Forum workshops will be hosted in various cities for partners enrolled in BPGI, focusing on several partner development topics. Tells others about this opportunity or register for a Forum today!

Learn more and register here for an Innovation Forum.

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Demand Gen

SPEAK YOUR CUSTOMER’S LANGUAGE
By speaking in the language of industry, top marketers are expanding brand awareness and gaining fans from the influencers of their target customers. To build and scale your industry relevance, Microsoft has curated ISV campaigns. This highly prescriptive format includes customizable marketing templates so you can put the focus on your solution.

Leverage the ISV industry campaigns through Microsoft Digital Marketing Content OnDemand.

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Enabling an Inclusive Economy

CONGRATS TO THE MICROSOFT #BUILDFOR2030 HACKATHON 2022 WINNERS!
At the Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Hackathon 2022 (September – November 2022), partners from over 50 countries or regions joined in to skill up and unlock solutions around six challenge areas: gender equality, climate action and sustainability, accessibility and disability inclusion, enabling the nonprofit sector, empowering communities, and an open category.

Join Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer, in congratulating the winners. Check out their changemaking solutions that help enable more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities around the world.

About the Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Initiative
The Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Initiative is a call to action for Microsoft partners to accelerate innovation, changemaking, and collective impact, helping to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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LinkedIn

THE VALUE OF THOUGHT LEADERSHIP IN ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY
We spoke with nearly 3,500 business decision makers, and the results are encouraging: Brands that provide high-quality thought-leadership content provide value for customers.

Watch our latest webinar hosted by Valerie Beauchamp, VP of Agency Development at LinkedIn, which explores the latest B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report and uncovers:

• Three reasons why thought leadership works, even in touch times.
• How to develop high-quality thought leadership in 2023.
• Recommendations for becoming a top-tier though leader.

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Transformation

CHECK OUT THE MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM BENEFITS GUIDE
Are you aware of all the benefits of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program? The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Benefits Guide will help you understand the many benefits for Solutions Partner designations across the program. You’ll find the Benefits Guide and other Microsoft Cloud Partner Program resource in this training gallery.

Stay up to date on the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program
Read the blog for more about what you need to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead.

For any questions or support needed with MCPP, create a request in Partner Center.

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF THE ISV SUCCESS PROGRAM AND JOIN THE PUBLIC PREVIEW TODAY
Get the support you need to build your solution, go to market faster, and reach more customers on the Microsoft Cloud. If you’re building, integrating, migrating, or modernizing an app on Microsoft Cloud (Microsoft Azure; Microsoft 365; Teams; Dynamics 365; Power Platform; Security, Compliance, and Identify) you should check out this program. Grow your business as an ISV with access to training resources, technical enablement, one-to-one consultations, and many other free benefits.

Learn more and join the program.

STAY UPDATED ON THE NEW COMMERCE EXPERIENCE FOR CLOUD SOLUTION PROVIDERS (CSP)

• Visit the readiness gallery to view the latest CSP launch updates.
• Register here for the March 22 CSP Partner Community Call. The monthly Q&A session provides you with an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about changes affecting the program. You can submit your questions up to 48 hours before the call.

For any questions or support needed with NCE, create a request in Partner Center.

REMINDER: NEW COMMERCE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS IN PARTNER CENTER
Many partners took advantage of the new commerce license-based promotions made available starting March 2022. The annual subscriptions purchased last March are approaching anniversary for renewal. Partners who purchased annual subscriptions should review their renewal dates and options.

For details and next steps on renewing annual term subscriptions, see this Partner Center announcement.

THE TIME IS NOW: TRANSITION TO GDAP!
As part of a proactive, integrated Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity, Microsoft will update the way administrative privileges are managed between customer and partners in the CSP program.

As of February 15, you can leverage the Bulk Migration Tool to remove DAP relationships in bulk.

What you need to do:

1. Stop new DAPs: DAP is currently granted when a new customer tenant is created. Microsoft will no longer grant DAP for new customer creation.
2. Transition inactive DAPs: Microsoft will start transitioning DAP relationships that haven’t been used in 90 or more days to GDAP with limited Azure AD roles. To review which relationships are inactive, use the DAP monitoring report.
3. Transition active DAPs: Microsoft will begin transitioning active DAP relationships to GDAP with limited Azure AD roles.

Learn more about the steps you need to take today, as well as upcoming milestones and updates in this Partner Center announcement.

Have questions? Join these weekly Q&A sessions on security-related changes to the CSP program.

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Voices for Innovation

ADVANCING THE FUTURE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE AI
Since 2017, Microsoft has been working to build a responsible AI infrastructure. The company has adopted AI Principles and published the Responsible AI Standard, a framework to guide how Microsoft builds AI systems. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith recently wrote of artificial intelligence, “We need to have wide-ranging and deep conversations and commit to joint action to define the guardrails for the future.”

Voices for Innovation—the tech advocacy community for Microsoft partners—invites you to learn more and be part of the conversation about key tech policies. Sign up for VFI today, which is a no-cost Microsoft-supported program.

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Partner Resources

• SMB Plays-in-a-Box (PiBs) have been updated for FY23! PiBs bring together capacity and enablement, go-to-market, and co-selling resources by solution area. Each PiB provides the tools you need to help your customers with their digital transformation. Learn more about SMB PiBs and get started today!

• Microsoft is a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA). The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!
• Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our US SMB partners.

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Join Us (Events and Activities)

Join our final Security event of the series and learn about Security Through the Lens of Zero Trust on March 21–22.

• Register to watch Windows and SQL Migration Tech Intensity on demand. Originally presented on March 7.
• Register to watch the SQL Server Migration for SMB tech talk on demand. Originally presented on February 23.
• Register to watch the global Do More with Less Sales Bootcamp on demand. Originally presented on February 7–10.
• Register to watch the Cloud and Security Evaluations Program exec talk on demand. Originally presented on February 6.
• Register for upcoming and on demand Partner Academy webinars, designed to help you have richer conversations with your customers.
• Check out the revamped Partner Training Calendar and register for upcoming trainings. Filter by solution area or solution play, among other options, to choose the readiness activities that will accelerate your Microsoft skills.
• Partner Investments office hours. Join these weekly calls to learn about our investment offers and incentive programs. Register here for an upcoming call or watch on demand.

For more upcoming events, see the April 2023 Hot Sheet.

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With the new year just around the corner, this is the perfect time to reflect on your accomplishments and begin planning your business goals for 2023. We hope you take some time to relax and celebrate with family and friends. We appreciate our partners and look forward to working together to accomplish our joint business goals in the coming year.

Don’t forget to register for the first US Partner Insider call of 2023, which takes place on January 17 at 10:00 AM PT. Join the call and get to know Nina Harding, the new Microsoft GPSUS CVP.

Register for the Insider call

Modern Work & Security

JOIN THE PARTNER ACADEMY TO UNCOVER NEW SALES OPPORTUNITIES
The Partner Academy is here to ensure Microsoft partners are aware of the many programs and resources available to help you grow your business and accelerate sales. The goal is to simplify the complexity of key benefits and assets, streamline go-to-market opportunities, and accelerate sales engagement and support from Microsoft. 

The Partner Academy will help you navigate the wealth of resources and enable you to have richer conversations with customers.

Learn more and register here for upcoming and on-demand webinars.

SMB SECURITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Be among the first 100 CSP indirect reseller partners to sell Microsoft Defender for Business to 10 or more customers¹ for the chance to win a trip and attend a tailored training experience in Mallorca, Spain, on May 16-19, 2023.

Get the details and register here to participate in the SMB Security Scholarship Program.

¹Qualifying customers are those who have not previously purchased more than five seats of Microsoft Defender for Business and who purchase more than 15 seats between November 2022 and March 31, 2023.

MICROSOFT 365 BUSINESS PREMIUM LOCAL ACCELERATOR LEGACY RATES RETIRING ON DECEMBER 31, 2022
We hope you’re taking advantage of the exciting Microsoft 365 Business Premium local accelerator to grow sales! This offers eligible Partners 5 percent on NCE and 2.5 percent on Legacy CSP on every Microsoft 365 Business Premium seat. Even more exciting benefits come as you partner with the Do More with Less campaign, enabling you to grow revenue by acquiring new customers and upgrading existing customers to more premium products.

Keep an eye out for upcoming changes to the local accelerator offer for Q3, as Legacy CSP rate will retire at the end of Q2 (December 31, 2022).

More information regarding Q3 updates will be shared soon. Feel free to reach out to our M365BP US Local Accelerator Support Team with any questions.

10 TEN YEARS OF SURFACE. INTRODUCING THE NEW SURFACE HOLIDAY LINE-UP
Surface continues to deliver innovation with a modern device strategy that puts employee experience at the center, built for flexible/adaptable work environments.

New products include:

• Surface Pro 9: 2-in-1 flexibility for maximum impact. Versatility goes next level with two processor options, one with optional 5G and Pluton security.
• Surface Laptop 5: Superpowered for serious work. Our most powerful Laptop yet—50 percent more powerful and a new color: Meet sage!
• Surface Studio 2+: Stand-out design, fluid productivity. Blazing-fast graphics, brilliant color, and attention-worthy design. Surface Studio 2+ makes a beautiful statement in form and function.
• Surface accessories: An amazing list of Surface accessories also launched, including the Microsoft Audio Dock, Microsoft Presenter+, and Microsoft Adaptive Accessories!

For more information, read the announcement or check out what’s next with Surface and Intel.

Azure

YOU’RE INVITED! GROW YOUR AZURE VIRTUAL DESKTOP BUSINESS WEBINAR
Desktop as a service (DaaS) is among the fastest-growing cloud services. Take advantage of this expanding market opportunity by knowing how to quickly deploy Azure Virtual Desktop and apps that enable secure remote work for your customers’ hybrid workforce.

You’ll leave this webinar ready to get started using Azure Virtual Desktop sales enablement resources and Microsoft partner-ready go-to-market materials.

Sign up today for this partner-exclusive opportunity.

BE READY FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH AZURE
Learn about Microsoft Azure—what it does, how it can be used to run business workloads securely, and how you as a Microsoft partner can build a practice to support your customers. Discover best practices for configuring resources in Azure, selling the value of Azure to your customers, and creating a secure environment in the cloud.

Make sure you’re ready for the new year and have the tools to help your customers make the move to Azure. Register for the on-demand Cloud Foundations course today!

MICROSOFT-FUNDED CLOUD AND SECURITY EVALUATIONS PROGRAM
Empowering partners with tools to accelerate cloud growth is key to our joint success. Microsoft is offering partners the opportunity to leverage Evaluations powered by Block 64 at no cost to you or your customers. This offering will enable you to provide data-driven insights to your customers on how they can improve security and optimize their environment by leveraging Azure and Microsoft 365. It will also help you identify more growth opportunities and projects with new and existing customers, boosting your sales.

Sign up today for the Cloud and Security Evaluations program. A Microsoft Program Representative will be in contact within 48 hours to help you onboard and run your first Evaluations.

Microsoft-funded Evaluations are limited to end-customers that belong to the Microsoft SMC Scale or SMB Commercial segments in the US.

LEVERAGE AZURE TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST YOUR CUSTOMERS’ AGILITY
Cloud-native apps enable your customers to reduce costs, efficiently respond to changing opportunities, and deliver more agile app innovation.

Help your customers realize the benefits of cloud-native apps. Azure can help you:

• Manage cloud-native apps by leveraging Azure Arc, which allows you to simplify governance and management by delivering a consistent multicloud and on-premises management platform.
• Quickly develop and deploy cloud-native apps via Azure Kubernetes Service, featuring built-in code-to-cloud pipelines and guardrails. Get unified management and governance for on-premises, edge, and multicloud Kubernetes clusters.
• Adopt a serverless solution in Azure Functions, which operates with less code and infrastructure while saving on costs.

Use these assets to get your customers started on their journey toward modernizing and building new applications.

ACCELERATE INNOVATION WITH THE ISV SUCCESS PROGRAM
Build, sell, and thrive on the Microsoft Cloud. Grow your business as an ISV with powerful tools, one-to-one consultations, and training resources—and gain access to millions of Microsoft customers across the globe through the commercial marketplace. Join the public preview today.

Business Applications

HELP CUSTOMERS DO MORE WITH LESS WITH POWER PLATFORM
Accelerate innovation and save with the world’s most complete low-code platform. New customers can take advantage of a 25 percent discount in the first year on Power Apps per user with attended RPA.

The Do More with Less Using Power Platform offer is available through March 31, 2023. Visit the Microsoft Power Platform Partner Portal for more information.

Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI)

DON’T MISS THE BPGI INNOVATION TOUR
The Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI) Innovation Tour provides an opportunity for members of the BPGI community to engage in interactive sessions designed to support their growth, development, sales acceleration, and success.

Find your city and register for an Innovation Forum today.

Please share with those who may be interested in attending an upcoming forum!

Customer Lifecycle Management

ENSURE YOUR CUSTOMERS’ SUCCESS WITH PROJECT ORLAND
Project Orland puts Microsoft’s understanding of the health of millions of customers to work, guiding partners to valuable lifecycle opportunities within their customer base. With access to AI-driven customer insights and actionable recommendations across the acquire, retain, and grow phases of CLM, partners can deliver value to their customers at every stage of their journey.

CSP partners with an active Microsoft Cloud Partner Program agreement and an established Microsoft 365 customer base under management are invited to join the public preview.

Learn more about Project Orland.
Register now for the February 7 webinar.

Enabling an Inclusive Economy

#BUILDFOR2030: BUILDING MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, TOGETHER
Communities around the world are navigating a transformed landscape, with shifting needs and priorities. Microsoft partners are rising to the occasion, harnessing the power of new and emerging technologies to help reimagine a more resilient future.

Start your journey of impact:

• Read this blog by Angie Heise, CVP Worldwide Public Sector, on recognizing Microsoft partners reimagining a more inclusive and sustainable future.
• Support featured solutions that are building more resilient communities, together.

Opportunity for diverse businesses
US partners can self-attest as a social impact and/or diverse business and upload relevant certifications in Partner Center. This information can be discovered by sellers and customers. Get started now.

LinkedIn

LINKEDIN’S #B2BELIEVE BEGINS!
Join us for our inaugural LinkedIn event dedicated to B2B marketers.

On November 16, LinkedIn experts and thought leaders shared their insights and perspectives into the future of B2B marketing in a series of LinkedIn livestream events. Keynotes included:

• Pushing creative boundaries: A conversation with Ben Stiller
• Fireside chat with Michael Park, CMO at ServiceNow

Missed the livestream? Follow the @LinkedIn Ads page to see and reshare our B2Believe content.

Sustainability

PARTNERS HELP BRING SUSTAINABILITY TO LIFE
Addressing sustainability challenges is a global undertaking. We’re grateful for our growing ecosystem of partners delivering Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability solutions to help customers unlock data, build impact reduction initiatives, and create more sustainable outcomes.

Cloud for Sustainability updates
Recently at Ignite, we unveiled new Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability features, services, and resources that are summarized in this blog.

Supply Chain Reimagined webinar
Register now to learn how to bring agility, connectivity, and sustainability to the forefront of your supply chain:

• Discover how Microsoft is committed to supply chain innovation.
• Be among the first to see a demo of the new Microsoft supply chain offerings.
• Get thought leadership insights on supply chain agility during the event’s keynote presentation.
• View a panel discussion of real-world best practices featuring Microsoft customers and partners.
• Get a sneak peek at the new innovations from Microsoft.

The Peggy Smedley Show – Sustainability Insights
Listen to this December 6 podcast featuring General Manager, Sustainability Solutions, Environmental Sustainability, Mark Kroese, and TCS, Sustainability Director, Eugenio Longo.

Microsoft and Climate Week plus COP27
Microsoft participated in the United Nations General Assembly and hosted key engagements at our new UN office. Read the stories:

• Using our voice to advance carbon and electricity policy
• Expanding carbon-free electricity globally: Microsoft electricity policy brief
• Accelerating global decarbonization efforts: Microsoft carbon policy brief

For COP27, Microsoft’s Brad Smith spoke to Protocol.com about COP27, fossil fuels, and clean energy, highlighting the diverse facets of Microsoft’s approach to sustainability and the breadth of our commitments and activities in this space.

Sign up here to stay informed about Microsoft sustainability.

Transformation

MICROSOFT CLOUD PARTNER PROGRAM: KEY CALLS TO ACTION
On October 3, 2022, the Microsoft Partner Network evolved into the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, as we can continue to grow our partnership and help you grow your business. We’ve simplified our partner program and aligned to how we go to market and meet customer demand—validating partner capabilities to deliver successful customer outcomes and investing more in your profitability.

We’re here to help guide you through your transformation journey. Start by knowing what to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead:

• Learn more about the requirements and benefits of the Solutions Partner designations.
• Assess your current score and track progress towards new designations via the Partner Center dashboard.
• Activate your business plan in the new program.

Read the blog for more on what you need to learn, what to assess, and how to prepare to activate the changes ahead.

Have questions or need further support? Create a request in Partner Center.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURITY STRATEGY IN YOUR BUSINESS
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the top challenges of our digital age, and Microsoft partners play a key role in securing cloud transformations around the world. As the fiscal year ends, leverage these readiness assets to make sure you’re prepared:

• Security journey map
• CSP security best practices
• Customer security best practices

THERE’S STILL TIME TO TRANSITION TO GDAP!
As part of a proactive, integrated Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity, Microsoft will update the way administrative privileges are managed between customer and partners in the CSP program.

By January 17, 2023, granular delegated admin privileges (GDAP) will replace the DAP model, which will be discontinued. Go here for step-by-step guidance.

Have questions? Join these weekly Q&A sessions on security-related changes in the CSP program.

BECOME A SOLUTIONS PARTNER FOR SECURITY
As a Solutions Partner for Security, you’ll demonstrate your broad capability to help customers safeguard their entire organization with integrated security, compliance, and identity solutions. Learn more about the Solutions Partner for Security designation and the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.

INCENTIVES FOR CSP PARTNERS
Incentives in CSP new commerce went into effect in October 2021 and will be earned and paid through the Microsoft Commerce Incentive (MCI) program. Incentives for legacy CSP subscriptions will be paid through December 31, 2022. After that date, any legacy subscription still in effect won’t generate monthly incentive earnings or payments to the partner. Initially, new commerce incentives earnings in CSP will be 100 percent rebates rather than a rebate and co-op fund split as was the case in the legacy CSP incentives program. Partners should consider the end of monthly rebate payments for legacy subscriptions starting January 1, 2023, when making decisions about when to migrate legacy subscriptions to new commerce.

As of November 1, 2022, partners participating in the MCI program can begin earning cooperative marketing funds (co-op) in the new commerce experience (NCE). Participating partners can apply these funds toward development and marketing costs related to best practices for building channel awareness and promoting Microsoft products.

Read this blog for more information on MCI and co-op. To review your eligibility and enroll, sign in here.

PROMO EXPANSION IN NCE
The new Microsoft 365 SMB New Customer, Upsell, and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal, and the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform New Customer and CSP legacy to CSP new commerce renewal promotions provide a 16.67 percent discount to new Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 and Power Platform customers; existing Microsoft 365 customers upgrading to a more premium product; and Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 customers on legacy CSP that are migrating to NCE. The promotion allows customers to start with a low-risk monthly subscription across the Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 and Power Platform products offered in the promotion.

These new offers are valid until June 30, 2023. To learn more, read this Partner Center announcement and download the Global Promotions Readiness Guide.

Voices for Innovation

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED FOR NEXT YEAR’S TECH POLICY DEBATES
The 2022 elections may have shown a divided nation, but on many tech policy issues there is broad consensus among voters and across party lines in Congress. Consider these examples:

• Last year, a Morning Consult poll found that more than 80 percent of voters wanted Congress to pass legislation to protect online privacy. This year, Congress introduced bipartisan data privacy legislation, but it didn’t advance.
• Similarly, a vast majority of Americans support federal investment in closing the digital divide. Last year’s bipartisan infrastructure legislation provided funding to meet this goal, but now state governments and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) need to determine the best path forward.

In 2023, Voices for Innovation (VFI)—the Microsoft-supported tech advocacy organization for partners—expects government officials to make decisions on these key issues. Policymakers may also act to strengthen cybersecurity, tech competition, and tech education.

And this is where you—as a Microsoft partner—can help. Policymakers want to hear from tech professionals, who have expertise, experience, and insights on these issues. You can make a difference by signing up today for Voices for Innovation and participating in our advocacy community; there is no cost for being part of VFI.

Partner Resources

• Microsoft Cloud Partner Program provides the resources to help you stay engaged with your customers and take your business to the next level. Get the latest partner resources and news tailored to our US partners.
• Visit the US Partner Insider Forum to engage with other partners and hear from Microsoft subject matter experts on how to grow your business.
• Microsoft is now a national member of the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA). The SBDA provides small businesses with free tools, training, networking, and other resources—the keys to helping you innovate, grow, and succeed. Learn more and get started today!

Join us for Events and Activities

• Business Applications Cloud Week or Sales Bootcamp. If you weren’t able to attend December 5-9, register here to view on-demand sessions up to 30 days post-event.
• One-stop destination for Business Applications training. Register here for virtual and on-demand training and enablement events.
• Improve your monetization of Microsoft 365 with AI-driven insights. Register now for this Microsoft Teams Live Event on February 7.
• Marketing as easy as 1-2-3. Learn more and register here for this Microsoft Teams Live Event on January 18.
• Partner Investments office hours. Join these weekly calls to learn about our investment offers and incentive programs. Register here for an upcoming call or watch on demand.
• Digital Marketing Content OnDemand. Learn more and get started using DMC today!

Looking for partner training courses, community calls, and events? Refer to the Events Calendar that’s updated regularly as we learn about new offerings. To stay in touch with us and connect with other partners and Microsoft sales, marketing, and product experts, join our US Partner Community on MPC.

New posts on the US Partner Community blog

• September 2022 Hot Sheet partner training schedule
• Learn, Assess, and Activate: FY23 partner transformation priorities
• Modern Workplace announcements and opportunities for our SMB partners
• What to do after Microsoft Inspire to grow your business 
• Together We Grow: Creating Opportunities Through Partnership
• Build your managed services practice with Microsoft 365 Business Premium
• Inspiring the future through mixed reality
• Momentum builds for Power Platform at Microsoft Build 2022
• Build your managed services practice with Microsoft 365 Business Premium
• Microsoft partner leads in digital transformation
• Want to be a Microsoft Partner? Start at Microsoft Inspire
• The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program – How Indirect Providers Can Help
• The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program – Partner Capability Score Dashboard
• CSP renewals shifting to new commerce exclusively
• What you need to know about the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program

Upcoming community calls, events, and webcasts

Microsoft Partner Network news

• Partner investments and incentives: upcoming portfolio changes
• Let’s seize the opportunity of an accessible future, together
• Enabling your customers to secure their hybrid workplace
• Help make us all better: Join the Microsoft Partner Research Panel
• Eight co-sell tips to help you acquire new customers
• New licensing benefits make bringing workloads and licenses to partners’ clouds easier 
• How to build technical and sales capability in a time-starved world
• Partners are building success with Microsoft Azure solutions
• Celebrating Black futures this Juneteenth
• Explore Microsoft virtualization options during DISRUPT on Tour 2022
• Evolving the Microsoft Partner Network programs
• Counter cyber threats as a Solutions partner for Security
• This year’s Microsoft Build introduced additional ISV partner opportunities
• Accessibility enables greater innovation for everyone
• Drive cloud transformation with Azure-related solutions partner designations
• Small business: the opportunity for business transformation

Featured videos

• Modern Analytics Academy Vignette: Power BI Incremental Refresh and Hybrid Tables
• (34) Modern Analytics Academy – Azure Synapse Link for SQL – YouTube
• Top Azure DevOps Announcements at Microsoft Build 2022
• Modern Analytics Academy Vignette: Power BI Incremental Refresh and Hybrid Tables
• Modern Analytics Academy – Azure Synapse Link for SQL
• Azure Data Academy – MySQL Flexible Server Migration Options
• Modern Analytics Academy – Azure Synapse Link for CosmosDB
• Azure Data Academy – Azure Database for MySQL Deployment Options: Terraform, CLI, ARM, Bicep
• Azure Data Academy – MySQL Flexible Service High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)

Learning news

• Skill up with Microsoft Learning Partners
• Skilling up on Azure? Explore this quarter’s key new resources
• Walking the walk of a ‘Keep Learning’ culture at Tietoevry
• Microsoft Learn exam readiness provides exam prep strategies
• The 2-Minute Recap: Everything new with Microsoft 365 on Microsoft Learn
• New exam structure for Dynamics 365 certifications for customer engagement apps
• Improvements to the Exam Accommodation Process
• How has Microsoft training and certification impacted your career? Survey date extended!
• 1,100 more colleges to get skilled up through Microsoft Learn for Educators
• Announcing the new certification for cybersecurity architects
• The 2-Minute Recap: Everything new with Security, Compliance, and Identity on Microsoft Learn
• Announcing the new support engineer certification for Microsoft Exchange Online

If you haven’t yet registered for Microsoft’s biggest partner event of the year, Microsoft Inspire (delivered digitally), you have one more day to do so! Register here – there is no cost to attend.

Why you should register

At Microsoft Inspire, you’ll engage with Microsoft experts and leaders along with your partner community. Take in the keynotes, network with peers, and celebrate successes. Hear the latest announcements from:

• Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO
• Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Customer and Partner Solutions
• Nick Parker, President, Industry & Partner Sales
• Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President, Global Partners
• Casey McGee, Vice President, Global ISV Partner Sales
• …and many others

Learn how to drive growth and profitability with a partner-focused business platform, utilize power innovation through modernization and migration across the digital estate, recognize the digital imperative in hybrid work, assist customers to streamline their security across clouds and platforms, as well as the know-how to scale your solutions to help customers in every industry transform.

In terms of FY23 Data and AI sessions, we’ll be exploring topics like Power Innovation Across the Digital Estate in our Keynote as well as Driving Growth and Profitability with a Partner-focused Business, Next Gen Data Modernization with Azure and many other Data AI sessions.

For those focused on Business Applications, the Keynote focuses on The Digital Imperative in Hybrid Work and will be followed by breakouts like Unleash Customer Service Innovations with Dynamics 365, and Teams & Nuance, and Grow your Microsoft Cloud business with Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.

The event will also cover Sustainability, with a focus on how to respond to, expand upon, and show alignment around sustainability topics. IP Host, Angel Chee, will lead discussions around sustainability with Microsoft leaders in this 30-minute talk show. To expand further, a virtual audience Q&A is planned with a that includes Chris Capossela, Brad Smith, and Elisabeth Brinton.

Don’t miss out on the Marketplace content with sessions ranging from Make Marketplace your growth multiplier to Expand your reach and sell through Microsoft Commercial Marketplace and, of course, more!

Explore all sessions >

All content will be accessible post-event, but you’ll need to register here by end of day, July 19 to gain access.

So many ways to learn and network with interactive activities

• Ask the Experts – Bring your questions and join live sessions that dive deeper into breakout content with the teams behind the products and innovations.
• Table Topics – Learn best practices during live, on-camera discussions with community experts and other partners.
• Local Connections – Find out what’s new in your region by connecting with local partners and experts in your native language.
• Featured Partner Sessions – Learn how Microsoft and partners create exciting new business opportunities, discover innovative customer stories, and expand your own partner network.
• Networking – Use your personal profile and opt-in to Attendee Networking to set up meetings, save other attendees’ information, and connect with other partners and Microsoft employees.
• Digital Backpack – Personalize your collection of sessions to view here, where you might also add speakers and Featured Partners for reconnecting later with a virtual contact list.

You won’t want to miss out

One day remains to register for this digital, no-cost event. Watch the event live or access the rich content post-event.

Power Platform at Microsoft Build

Microsoft Power Platform released key new products and existing product capability improvements at Microsoft Build. The event kicked off with a Keynote delivered by Satya Nadella, highlighting over 50 new products and features across the Microsoft stack. Power Platform updates in the Keynote featured low-code/no-code innovations, including Express design in Power Apps and the public preview of Power Pages.

Some of the sessions you won’t want to miss include:

• KEY01 Microsoft Build Opening – Satya Nadella Keynote
• TS03 Accelerate innovation and achieve agility on a trusted, integrated platform with hybrid and multi-cloud capabilities
• TS05 Innovate with collaborative apps and low code
• KEY07 Day 2 Microsoft Build Into Focus: Low Code solutions using Microsoft Power Platform

To watch other Power Platform sessions on demand, go to the session catalog.

Learn more about Power Platform—and what’s possible with Power Apps

Microsoft Power Platform fosters innovation by giving everyone across your organization the ability to analyze data, build solutions, automate processes, and create chatbots. It’s a low-code development platform that includes Powers Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents—all available directly within Microsoft Teams.

Power Apps is the high-productivity, low-code application development platform that empowers everyone to collaborate, innovate, and solve business problems. Power Apps helps businesses adapt and respond to rapid developments in real time.

The beauty of Power Apps is that there’s no coding experience required.

Learn why you should use Power Apps and what you can do when you use Power Apps with other Power Platform solutions.

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Microsoft Power Platform Conference

Join us for the first-ever annual Power Platform Conference. This in-person event will feature keynotes, sessions, breakouts, and more—all dedicated to Microsoft Power Platform products: Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, and Power Virtual Agents. Partners will have insider access to the information, opportunities, and connections you need to further your Power Platform journey.

When: September 20-22, 2022
Where: Orlando, Florida

Learn more and register here.

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