8 Key Opportunities for Solution Providers
Microsoft has announced exciting new updates for its partner programs, including promotions related to Microsoft Copilot and Windows 365, as well as enhancements to the Partner Center AI assistant.
Recent Updates for Microsoft Partners
These updates aim to support solution providers with better tools and opportunities. The changes come from Microsoft’s announcements published online and discussions in conference calls with partners.
Promotions for Microsoft Copilot and Windows 365
One notable update is the promotion for Microsoft 365 Copilot, where the company has increased the license cap for a 15% discount from 300 to 2,400 licenses, applicable for 12 months. This offer remains valid until June 30, which marks the end of Microsoft’s fourth fiscal quarter. To qualify for the discount, customers must subscribe to a minimum of 10 Copilot licenses.
Copilot subscriptions are available only as annual commitments, but customers can opt for a month-to-month plan at an additional 5% cost.
New Tools to Enhance Partner Efficiency
New Billing Reconciliation API
Microsoft is also upgrading its billing reconciliation API, which is vital for partners managing their accounts efficiently. As of April, a significant portion of partners—about 68%—have switched to the latest version. The older version of the API will no longer be supported, which could disrupt services for those who haven’t migrated.
The new APIs are designed to be faster, providing data in a more efficient format and improving overall user experience. The four APIs that have been retired include:
- Get Invoice Line Items API
- Invoicing and Reconciliation v2 API (beta)
- Get Invoice Billed Commercial Consumption Line Items
- Get Invoice Unbilled Commercial Consumption Line Items
Upgrades to Partner Center AI Assistant
This month, the AI assistant in the Partner Center received updates to streamline subscription management. Partners can now cancel duplicate subscription requests after making a midterm upgrade. This feature is expected to reduce the processing time for refund requests to less than four days.
To activate the AI assistant, users can click “get cancellation help” on the subscription management page. The assistant aims to make support interactions more efficient by gathering customer and subscription information at the beginning of the session.
Changes to Improve Partner Capabilities
Partner Location Account (PLA) API Updates
Another update is the delayed roll-out of the new PLA API and user interface, which will now start on June 2. This tool is designed to simplify how indirect providers assign partners as a customer’s partner of record for Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscription orders.
The system checks if resellers meet various criteria, helping to maintain a secure ecosystem. Errors will be displayed if requirements are not met during subscription orders.
Transition from Enterprise Agreements to CSP
Microsoft is also guiding partners to facilitate the transition for customers with expiring Enterprise Agreements (EAs) into the CSP program. A new user interface will help with this process, particularly for subscriptions associated with Microsoft 365 and Office 365.
Partners can assist customers in selecting among annual or monthly subscriptions under CSP while adhering to specific guidelines that ensure smooth transitions from EA to CSP.
Creating Opportunities for SMBs
Security Solutions Partner Path for SMBs
Starting May 1, Microsoft will launch a path for partners engaging with small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) to qualify as security solutions partners. To achieve this designation, partners must earn a score of at least 70 points and fulfill various requirements regarding customer engagement and certifications.
Changes to Customer Agreements
On May 7, Microsoft will transition its bulk attestation tool for Microsoft Customer Agreements to read-only mode ahead of its retirement in January. This change aims to streamline how partners attest customer purchases, enhancing compliance and customer experience moving forward.
Upcoming Promotions Until June
During a recent event, Microsoft announced two promotional opportunities for partners that are available until June, including a 15% discount promotion for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. These promotions are tailored to benefit partners working with customers needing remote workforce solutions and expanding their service offerings.
