Microsoft Partner Program Overview

Summary

Nick, a Microsoft certified expert, introduces a miniseries on Microsoft's partner program, aiming to clarify its complexities and highlight its profitability. He plans to cover key terms, walk through the Partner Center, and discuss incentives, rebates, and marketing funds. The series will guide MSPs on leveraging the program for up to 20% rebates on customer subscriptions, free licensing, and marketing support, while navigating the challenges of understanding and maximizing these benefits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nick introduces himself as a Microsoft certified expert administrator and the creator of content for MSPs.
• 🎥 This video is part of a miniseries aimed at demystifying Microsoft's partner program, focusing on the benefits and complexities involved.
• 💡 The series aims to clarify how to maximize rebates from Microsoft, which can be confusing and time-consuming to understand.
• 💼 The first video provides a high-level understanding of the program, key terms, and a walkthrough of the Partner Center account.
• 📈 The second video will guide viewers on how to register for incentives, including the requirements to see the incentives tab and get paid monthly.
• 💰 The third video will cover fiscal year 2021 incentives for CSPs and indirect resellers, detailing rebate percentages for silver and gold memberships.
• 🔍 The importance of the series is highlighted by the slim margins on Microsoft products, and the potential for significant rebates up to 20%.
• 💼 Marketing Coop funds are provided by Microsoft to support events and marketing materials for educating customers on Microsoft products.
• 🆓 Free licensing, such as IURs (Internal Use Rights), and Azure consumption credits, are benefits for MSPs enrolled in certain membership programs.
• 📝 The video script emphasizes the need for understanding the Microsoft partner program to grow customer business and receive monthly rebates.
• 👨‍💻 The prerequisites for participating in the program include having an MPN ID, enrolling as an indirect reseller in the CSP program, and having a digital partner record.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Nick's video series on Microsoft's partner program?

The main purpose is to demystify Microsoft's partner program, explaining how it can be lucrative but also confusing, and guiding viewers on how to maximize rebates and benefits from Microsoft.

Why is Microsoft's partner program considered lucrative but also confusing?

It's lucrative because it offers potential rebates of up to 20% on subscriptions, marketing Co-op funds, and free licensing. It's confusing due to the complexity of the program, including various competencies, membership levels, and incentives that require understanding to maximize benefits.

What are the key terms and concepts that Nick plans to cover in his video series?

The key terms and concepts include competencies, memberships (Action Pack, Silver, Gold), IURs (Internal Use Rights), incentives, rebates, Co-op funds, and the Partner Investment Engine (PI).

What does Nick mean by 'competencies' in the context of Microsoft's partner program?

Competencies are milestones that partners achieve within the partner program, often involving a combination of staff obtaining Microsoft certifications and hitting certain business milestones related to customer acquisition and Microsoft product usage.

What is the significance of 'Action Pack,' 'Silver,' and 'Gold' memberships in the Microsoft partner program?

These are different levels of membership that come with annual fees and varying benefits. Action Pack provides IURs and basic benefits, Silver offers IURs and percentage rebates, and Gold provides the most comprehensive benefits including higher rebate percentages.

How does the Partner Investment Engine (PI) differ from the regular competencies and memberships in Microsoft's partner program?

PI is a separate program that is not covered in the regular competencies and memberships. It is mentioned as a distinct entity and will be covered in a different video, suggesting it has a different set of rules and benefits.

What are the prerequisites to participate in Microsoft's partner program as outlined by Nick?

The prerequisites include being enrolled in the Microsoft Partner Network with an MPN ID, enrolling as an indirect reseller in the CSP program, signing the Microsoft Partner Agreement within Partner Center, and having a digital partner record for customer accounts.

What is the role of 'incentives' in the Microsoft partner program, and why are they important for partners?

Incentives are rebates or kickbacks given to partners based on a percentage of their sales and achievements within the program. They are important because they can significantly increase a partner's revenue, especially when combined with other benefits like marketing Co-op funds and free licensing.

What does Nick suggest is a common reason for partners not fully engaging with the Microsoft partner program?

A common reason is the complexity and confusion surrounding the program, which can lead to partners not understanding the benefits or how to maximize their returns, thus not engaging fully.

What steps will Nick take in his subsequent videos to further demystify the Microsoft partner program?

In the next video, Nick will guide viewers on how to register for incentives, including the requirements to see the incentives tab and get paid out monthly. The final video will cover fiscal year 2021 incentives, focusing on rebate percentages for different membership levels and how to be profitable within the program.