So just as you think you’ve got it all worked out, Microsoft announce a full refresh of the Microsoft Partner program. Of course now it’s going to be called the Microsoft Partner Network, designed to provide more clarity to both partners and clients. I’m thinking it’s a good thing, to be honest. I need to dig in a little deeper to properly understand the changes, but it’s looking good so far.

So what does it mean? It means that partners will need to transition their competencies across to the new system. Check out the transition tool. For clients, it means more value in the partner competencies. Rather than one broad ‘Partner’ level (eg: Gold Partner), which tells you pretty much zero about what the partner is capable of, the new system emphasizes Competencies, allowing much great clarity as to what a partner is actually capable of doing for you.