What Is a Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation And Why Should You Work With One?

The Microsoft partner programme has evolved. Gone are the Silver and Gold tiers that partners held, with the introduction of Microsoft Solutions Partner designation taking their place. What it means to be certified has changed, and it now means businesses must do more to become eligible.

Here at Optimising IT, as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we’re here to explain exactly what a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation is and what it means for your business looking to work with one.

Understanding Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation

Microsoft Solutions Partner designation is the highest-level accreditation in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. It recognises business partners that show broad technical abilities and expertise, consistently upskill and train their staff, and have a proven record of successfully delivering solutions for their customers.

To obtain Microsoft Solutions Partner designation, companies must obtain a compatibility score of at least 70 out of a possible 100, using Partner Centre and Microsoft Learn to track the requirements. The designation is aligned with various Microsoft technologies and services, and demonstrates businesses can be trusted by both Microsoft and end users, differentiating them from the competition.

Why Microsoft Replaced Gold and Silver Partner Tiers

While Microsoft Solutions Partner designation rolled out in 2022, many existing companies with Silver and Gold accreditations still haven’t updated their credentials. Fortunately, if your business holds either of the legacy tiers and you meet the new requirements, you will automatically gain the Solutions Partner designation automatically at no extra cost.

Before, the Silver and Gold tiers were gained mainly based on certifications and revenue. Now, businesses looking to become a Microsoft Solutions Partner must meet certain criteria based on performance, skilling and customer success. Each has metrics with various thresholds, and when your business meets these, you will receive the maximum points for that metric.

The Six Microsoft Solution Areas

Performance, skilling and customer success is broken down into six specific areas by Microsoft. Businesses must demonstrate an elevated level of competence in one of these six areas.

1. Business Applications – an organisation’s ability to demonstrate excellent capability to deliver solutions and net customers using applications like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft
2. Power Platform – It helps customers identify a business as a partner who is committed to leading customer success.
3. Modern Work – businesses become a Solutions Partner for Modern Work when they demonstrate a capability and commitment to helping customers and employees boost productivity, adopt hybrid work and manage Microsoft 365 services.
4. Security – a business can showcase its ability to safeguard their customers’ entire organisation with integrated security, compliance and identity solutions.
5. Digital & App Innovation (Azure) – this designation confirms a partner’s expertise in developing and managing applications across clouds, on-premises and edge environments using Azure.
6. Data & AI (Azure) – demonstrates a partner’s proven ability in managing data across systems, using AI solutions and allowing cloud-scale analytics.
7. Infrastructure (Azure) – involves a Microsoft Partner showing complete competence migrating, managing and modernising key infrastructure workloads to Microsoft Azure.

What This Means For Businesses Choosing an IT Partner

For businesses choosing an IT partner that is a Microsoft Solutions Partner, it gives them the confidence they’ll be working with a provider that truly knows their stuff.

A Microsoft Solutions Partner designation makes it simpler to find providers with proven skills in specific Microsoft technologies and solution areas, like security, data and modern work.

Obtaining Silver or Gold legacy tiers was hard enough, but now partners must meet even stricter performance and customer success criteria. This allows businesses looking for a managed IT support partner to be reassured that services will be delivered effectively.

Ongoing certifications ensure partners stay current with the latest Microsoft tools and best practices. This ensures they stay up-to-date with evolving Microsoft platforms and gives them access to modern solutions rather than outdated ones.

For businesses choosing an IT partner that is a Microsoft Solutions Partner, it gives them the confidence they’ll be working with a trusted provider with validated expertise and a proven track record, and therefore are more likely to align their solutions with their own business outcomes.

Why Working With a Microsoft Solutions Partner Matters

It’s now more important than ever to work with a Microsoft Solutions Partner. Your business will benefit from a team with recognised Microsoft certifications and real-world experience. They can help you implement best-practice solutions using proven Microsoft-approved approaches. They’ll also keep systems secure, efficient and up to date, providing continuous support in these areas. Your IT environment will stay aligned with the latest Microsoft requirements and innovations, not only enhancing performance and security but also ensuring compatibility with future updates. But who do you choose?

Optimising IT is a Microsoft Solutions Partner providing a range of expert IT support services. Previously holding the Gold tier, we’re now leading the way in Microsoft Solutions Partner designation. Ready to work with Optimising IT? Get in touch with us to discuss which of our services can support your business.