Check out these top stories for the latest news of the week for Microsoft partners in the Americas.
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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 | |
| Azure | Transformation |
| Business Applications | Voices for Innovation |
| Demand Gen | Partner Resources |
| Enabling an Inclusive Economy | Join Us (Events and Activities) |
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:
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- 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.
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).
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.
Demand Gen
Watch our Marketing on Azure Marketplace and AppSource YouTube video series. Topics include:
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- Driving traffic
- Emotionally engage
- Convince and convert
- Bridge the gap to sales
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.
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.
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:
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- 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:
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- 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
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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.
Partner Resources
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- 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.
Join Us (Events and Activities)
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- 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.
