Recent Discussions
Visual Studio Lite benefits - without Azure Credits and Keys
As communicated earlier, the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program benefit offerings—including partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, and specializations—will be updated later this month to support how you build, differentiate, and grow your business. The per-user monthly Azure credits associated with this benefit will no longer be available. You can still access organization-level Azure bulk credits that come with your benefits offering. This may require an Azure subscription migration for users to continue accessing credits, and we strongly recommend a change management plan for this transition. In addition, product keys will no longer be accessible within Visual Studio. Keys will instead be available as part of the benefits package(s) your organization holds and can be securely assigned to users directly from Partner Center. Please note that these changes will not be retroactively applied. They will go into effect when your organization renews its affected benefits offering(s) or if you activate a new offering on or after the February update. We have been partners for 20 years and using Partner benefits. Again, Microsoft tries to lower benefits, and in parallel benefit package price will increase (due to different reasons). This discussion and community of partners, should unit and tell to Microsoft Partner Benefits program that: Partners have employees/users, that use current Visual Studio benefit, that is (like MSDN), having the user access to keys and Azure credits, for specific user / employee need of test, dev, demo etc. Azure Bulk credit was never the same and cannot be used as a same Azure Bulk credit / Azure sponsorship, does not have cost control, Azure budgets and other methods. (This is in plan to change for several years, no progress) on Azure technical side. Will Microsoft increase Azure Bulk credits to compensate te amount of included benefit usage? Dear, Microsoft, please leave current Partner Benefits, with full Visual Studio, including Azure credits, and Keys for assigned users, without moving to lower benefit - Visual Studio Lite. Thank you for understanding, and hope this will not be active in production after partner renewals.🎤 Save the Date: AMA with the Microsoft Fabric Leadership Team!
We’re excited to announce an upcoming Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with the Fabric Leadership Team—a unique opportunity for partners to engage directly with the leaders shaping the future of Microsoft Fabric! 🔹 Featured Leader Bogdan Crivat, Corporate Vice President, Azure Data Analytics 🗓️ Date & Time Thursday, February 17 8:00–9:00 AM PT 💬 Ask Your Questions Have topics you want the leadership team to address? Submit or upvote your data analytics–related questions now: 👉 https://aka.ms/AMAwithFabricLT 👥 Who Can Join? This AMA is exclusive to members of the Fabric Partner Community. If you're not yet a member, join here to participate in future calls: 👉 https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity
The actual reason for 715-123160
Hello there, I understand that "Microsoft runs on trust" but even after opening a ticket I've not been told what's the trust issue. The only answer I have is: Microsoft runs on trust. We engage in a rigorous set of evaluation and certification processes; as a result your request was blocked I'm a Microsoft Partner since few years, it's not a new enrollment, why can't I know what changed and caused this issue? Honestly, I'm the one who's losing faith in Microsoft. Is there a valid reason? Ok, I accept it but I need to know what's the reason otherwise is just a system error.
Tech Talks presents: FTRSA Updates & M365 Copilot in Power Apps: The Future of Side Chat
Join us on Thursday, January 29th at 8am PT as Kellie Piber, Principal Program Manager, CXG Community & Storytelling presents 'FastTrack Recognized Solution Architect (FTRSA) Award: Program Updates' and Marc Schweigert, Principal PM Manager, Power Apps presents 'M365 Copilot in Power Apps: The Future of Side Chat'. Join us for our next Tech Talks session, where Kellie Piber will walk through the latest updates to the FTRSA program, including new requirements and changes. This is a great opportunity to get clear, actionable guidance directly from the source. We will also be joined by Marc Schweigert, Principal PM Manager, for an in-depth look at the new M365 Copilot in Power Apps capability. Marc will showcase a live demo, share insights into the roadmap, and explain how customers can transition to this powerful feature. The session will conclude with an interactive Ask Me Anything (AMA) segment. We hope to see you there! Call to Action: Click on the link to save the calendar invite: https://aka.ms/TechTalksInvite View past recordings (sign in required): https://aka.ms/TechTalksRecording
Clarification on Courseware Completions Metric for TSP Qualification
Hi DanDonohue We are seeking clarification on whether Applied Skills learner achievement code redemptions contribute toward the Courseware Completions metric for TSP qualification. Specifically, could you please confirm whether this metric applies only to official Microsoft instructor-led courses mapped to a defined course ID (for example, MS-900) with redeemed achievement codes, or if Applied Skills achievements, individual Microsoft Learn modules, or other Learn-based credentials are also included? Thank you, ArchitTSP Courseware Completions not populating in Partner Center
Hi DanDonohue We are seeing an issue with TSP qualification data in Partner Center. Courseware Completions are not populating. Exam unit purchases and average response score are reflecting correctly. However, Courseware Completions remain at 0/1000, even though learners have redeemed achievement codes for Applied Skills. We would like clarification on the expected behavior of the Courseware Completions metric. First, are completions counted only for official Microsoft instructor-led courses mapped to a specific course ID, such as MS-900, with achievement code redemption. Second, should Applied Skills, Microsoft Learn modules, or other Learn-based achievements also contribute to this metric. Any guidance on whether this is expected behavior or a known issue would be appreciated. We can share screenshots if needed. Thank you, Zaib
Access Issue to Pearson VUE Store – TSP Status Confirmation Needed
Hello Microsoft team, I completed the TSP onboarding form on December 19 and have been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) since early 2025. I received a confirmation email that my onboarding form was successfully submitted, but I have not yet received an email confirming that my TSP status has been granted. I am now trying to access the Pearson VUE store at https://msstore.pearsonvue.com/but I am unable to log in. I receive an error stating that my Partner ID and Location ID are incorrect, even though they are entered correctly (see attached screenshot). Could you please advise on how to resolve this issue and confirm my TSP status so that I can gain proper access? Thank you for your assistance! Best regards, Jordy SmitsScale sales growth through Microsoft Marketplace
Negotiated deals are one of the most effective growth levers - especially when partners are part of your strategy. Explore how customer private offers, multiparty private offers, and partner led reselling can help you deliver flexible pricing, simplify procurement, and empower your sales ecosystem - all without rebuilding your app or agent. Learn how to choose the right deal structure and scale with negotiated deals. Read more and scale smarter: Scale your sales growth with negotiated deals and reselling with ease | Microsoft Community HubWinning in 2026 and beyond: Key insights from Ultimate Partner’s Livestream
2026 is reshaping partner strategy at a pace we’ve never seen before. AI, cloud marketplaces, ecosystem-led growth, and shifting buyer behavior are transforming how partners influence, co-sell, and win. During Ultimate Partner’s January 13 livestream, analyst Jay McBain and Microsoft leader Cyril Belikoff offered deep insight into the trends defining the year ahead. Cyril Belikoff,(VP of Commercial Cloud & AI Marketing at Microsoft) Key takeaways Frontier Firm Framework: Enrich Employee Experiences → Reinvent Customer Engagement → Reshape Business Processes → Bend the Innovation Curve. Microsoft introduced Work IQ, Fabric IQ, and Foundry IQ to help organizations operationalize AI. Agent 365 enables governance, security, and observability for AI agents. Microsoft Marketplace is now unified into a single experience and growing rapidly. Resale-Enabled Offers (REO) unleash scale by connecting ISVs with resellers/MSPs globally. Jay McBain (Chief Analyst at Omdia) Key takeaways “Opportunity — that’s the word for partners in 2026.” Tech is expected to grow more than 10%, with massive upside in AI-related services. 96% of enterprise deals involve multiple partners. Co-selling and influence—not resale—drive the majority of wins. Marketplaces are accelerating. Indirect influence is rising even in areas where resale declines. “Early partner involvement determines who wins the deal.” Visibility into the ecosystem is becoming essential. Many deals are shaped months before a vendor or seller ever see activity. Certifications matter. 80%+ of customers evaluate partners based on competencies and continuous learning. AI services are the fastest-growing partner opportunity, with >35% CAGR projected through 2030. Partner action plan for 2026 Invest in continuous AI upskilling and certifications. Use ecosystem tools to detect early influence moments. Publish or resell offers in Microsoft Marketplace. Prioritize data modernization to unlock AI impact. Lean into co-selling and multi-partner orchestration. The partners who embrace ecosystem visibility, continuous learning, and marketplace-driven growth will be best positioned to win in 2026 and beyond. If you missed the livestream, you can watch a recap here: Podcast - Ultimate Guide to Partnering® Join the movement Ultimate Partner® is built for one thing: helping partnership leaders achieve their greatest results by staying ahead of the tectonic shifts in AI, marketplace, co-sell, and ecosystem-led growth. Learn More and attend upcoming events here: Events - Ultimate Guide to Partnering®ICYMI | Upcoming CSP events!
Upcoming events Be sure to register for the latest upcoming digital and in-person events in AI Business Solutions. January 22 (New York) – AI Tour for Partners January 27-29 (EMEA/Americas) – Accelerate Agentic AI – Project Ready January 27-29 (Americas) – Dynamics 365 Solution Architect Bootcamp (AI ERP) January 28-30 (Asia) – Dynamics 365 Solution Architect Bootcamp (AI ERP) January 28-30 (EMEA/Americas) – Accelerate Agentic AI – Project Ready January 29 – CSP Partner Hour February 3-4 (Brazil) – Implementing D365 Contact Center February 3-4 (Asia) – Agent-Powered Business Processes Automation February 4-5 (EMEA) – Agent-Powered Business Processes Automation February 4-5 (Americas) – Agent-Powered Business Processes Automation February 9 (EMEA) – Level Up CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot, Agents, and Dynamics 365 Business Central Sales Bootcamp February 10 (Americas) – Level Up CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot, Agents, and Dynamics 365 Business Central Sales Bootcamp February 10 (EMEA) – Level Up CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agents Technical Bootcamp February 10 (São Paulo) – AI Tour for Partners February 11 (Americas) – Level Up CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agents Technical Bootcamp February 26 (London) – AI Tour for Partners March 10 (Paris) – AI Tour for Partners March 17-19 (San Diego) – AI Agent and Copilot Summit NA March 24 (Seoul) – AI Tour for Partners April 8 (Tokyo) – AI Tour for Partners April 20 (Sydney) – AI Tour for Partners May 5 (Zurich) – AI Tour for Partners On-demand digital events ICYMI – Access content from recent digital events on demand! Scale with Cloud and AI Endpoints Partner Sales Bootcamp Agentic AI + Copilot, Partner Skills Accelerator CSP Marketing Moment Episode 6: Maximize Microsoft 365 Renewals: Upsell with AI and Security value Level Up CSP Copilot and Agents Q2 Sales and Technical BootcampsCSP digital events
Now on demand: CSP Marketing Moment Episode 6 – Maximize Microsoft 365 Renewals: Upsell with AI and Security Value If you missed the latest CSP Marketing Moment event, you’ll want to catch it on demand. Learn about Copilot Business and how to turn Microsoft 365 renewals into strategic upsell moments by positioning Business Premium, E3, and E5 as the foundation for security and Copilot readiness. You’ll learn how to build a go-to-market plan that drives adoption and monetization across Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and agentic solutions. Register and watch the latest CSP Marketing Moment recording on demand Register for upcoming Level Up CSP bootcamps: February 9, 10, and 11 Level up your expertise with our dynamic sales and technical bootcamps! Master upsell strategies for Microsoft 365 renewals and craft a winning GTM plan across Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, agents, and more. Dive into hero scenarios, flexible licensing, and live multi-agent demos while exploring the latest on Microsoft 365 Copilot Business. Plus, get hands-on with security, compliance, and automation - connecting productivity with AI-powered processes to accelerate growth. Select your time zone and register for the February Level Up CSP technical and sales bootcamps Explore the complete Level Up CSP events calendar Check out the January 29 quarterly Business Applications CSP Partner Hour Curious about what’s new for partners in the Business Applications CSP space? Join us on January 29 to get the latest news about promotions, assets, and program updates to help you accelerate growth. Register for the January 29 CSP Partner Hour now Bookmark the Scale Business Operations with AI page on the new Partner Hub to check the latest content, including partner practice building and GTM resourcesMoving an app from AWS to Azure
Moving an application from AWS to Azure is more than a simple lift‑and‑shift. Successful replication requires selecting the right Azure services to support scalability, security, and long‑term growth. This article outlines the key migration considerations software development teams must address to successfully replicate AWS‑based applications on Azure. Walk through how to: Map core AWS services to their Azure equivalents Design Azure‑ready architectures with the right identity and security foundations Avoid common pitfalls that slow migrations and increase rework Discover the key Azure resources that help teams: Move faster with confidence Reduce rework during development and deployment Set a strong foundation for long‑term success on the Azure platform Read the full blog here: Replicating your AWS application to Azure: key resources for software development companies | Microsoft Community HubExplore paths for database migration into Azure
As organizations accelerate their multicloud strategies, choosing the right approach to database migration is essential for ensuring performance, scalability, and long-term flexibility. Microsoft’s latest article, “Expanding the Multicloud Advantage: Database Migration Paths into Azure,” provides practical guidance for navigating migration options, evaluating architectural considerations, and maximizing the benefits of Azure’s data platform services. If your team is looking to broader your customer base and enhance your apps's exposute by bringing your AWS-based solution to Azure and listing it on Microsoft Marketplace, this resource offers valuable insights to support informed, strategic decision‑making. Read the full article: Expanding the multicloud advantage: Database migration paths into Azure | Microsoft Community HubNEWSLETTER: Microsoft Elevate Partner Monthly Newsletter | January 2026
We’re excited to share the January 2026 edition of the Microsoft Elevate Partner Monthly Newsletter, featuring a refreshed look and feel for H2. The updated format is designed to make it easier to find what matters most—key updates, partner opportunities, and resources to help you stay aligned with Elevate priorities and drive greater nonprofit and education impact. ✨ What’s new for H2: A cleaner, more streamlined newsletter experience Clearer highlights of what’s new and what’s coming Easier access to events, programs, and partner resources 👉 Download the Microsoft Elevate Partner Monthly Newsletter | January 2026 Take a look and let us know what you think—more updates and partner-focused content coming soon!REGISTER: Microsoft Elevate H2 Partner Kick‑Off - Feb 3 (EMEA) / Feb 4 (AEDT)
You’re Invited: Microsoft Elevate H2 Partner Kick-Off Kick off the second half of the year with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Join the Microsoft Elevate H2 Partner Kick-Off, where nonprofit partners take center stage and Microsoft shares the priorities, programs, and investments shaping H2. Get a first look at what’s new across Elevate, plus practical guidance on skilling investments and go-to-market opportunities to help you grow and drive greater nonprofit impact. ✨ Why attend? Stay ahead of evolving Elevate priorities and expectations Discover where Microsoft is investing—and how to align for growth Accelerate your team’s skilling with new resources and tools Turn insights into action with clear next steps for H2 👉 Register for the session aligned to your region and head into H2 informed, aligned, and ready to win. EMEA/Americas session REGISTER: February 3, 2026 at 8:00AM PST | 4:00PM GMT ANZ/Asia session REGISTER: February 4, 2026 at 10:00AM AEDT | 8:00AM JST / February 3, 2026 at 3:00PM PSTREGISTER: Security Updates: What’s New for Nonprofit & Education - Feb 24 (EMEA)
🔐 Nonprofit & Education Partners — Join the Microsoft Elevate Security Webinar FEBRUARY WEBINAR | Microsoft Elevate Security Updates: What’s New for Nonprofit & Education Security remains a top priority for nonprofit and education organizations. Join this Microsoft Elevate webinar to get the latest security updates, hear directly from Elevate’s Worldwide Security Lead, and learn practical, real-world guidance from a security-focused Microsoft Partner. 📅 When: February 24, 2026 ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM CET 👉 Register What you’ll gain: The latest Microsoft security updates, features, and programs Expert insights from Elevate’s Worldwide Security Lead Practical partner perspectives on securing nonprofit and education customers Why it matters: Walk away with greater confidence in positioning security solutions and addressing real customer needs.Quarterly AMA with Amir Netz – Microsoft Fabric Partners, Don’t Miss Out!
🌟 Microsoft Partners—don’t miss your chance to connect directly with Amir Netz, CTO & Technical Fellow, at our exclusive Quarterly AMA (Ask Me Anything) session! The Fabric Engineering Connection is your gateway to insider insights, direct access to product leaders, and the latest updates on Microsoft Fabric. As a valued partner, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn about new features and strategies that can help you drive success for your clients and your business. This session is designed to empower partners with actionable knowledge and networking opportunities. 📅 Save the date: Americas & EMEA: Wednesday, January 21, 8–9 am PT APAC: Thursday, January 22, 1–2 am UTC / Americas & EMEA: Wednesday, January 21, 5–6 pm PT 🔗 Not a member yet? Join the Fabric Partner Community to participate: https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity. Let’s build the future of data together!New Azure blog on charting AI & agent strategy with Marketplace
In a new Azure blog, Cyril Belikoff, Vice President, Commercial Cloud and AI Marketing, talks about how organizations are using Microsoft Marketplace as a central hub for discovering, buying, and deploying AI models, applications, and agents to support their AI strategy. He emphasizes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—companies can build custom solutions, buy ready-made ones, or blend both depending on their needs. Marketplace offers thousands of pre-vetted models and AI tools that integrate with existing Microsoft products (like Microsoft Foundry and Copilot), helping teams accelerate time-to-value, maintain governance, and balance agility with oversight as they adopt AI more broadly. Read the full blog and share it with your customers: Design your AI strategy with Microsoft Marketplace SolutionsUnlock key strategies for Marketplace growth
Looking to strengthen your go‑to‑market strategy in the year ahead? Don’t miss Microsoft’s latest guidance on how partners can accelerate success in the commercial marketplace. At Microsoft Ignite 2025, Microsoft Marketplace emerged as a central platform for cloud and AI innovation, with major enhancements such as expanded resale-enabled offers, deeper integration across Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem, and new tools designed to streamline procurement and accelerate value delivery for customers. This valuable resource distills 10 essential tips to help organizations optimize listings, leverage private offers, improve discoverability, and scale more effectively in the evolving AI-first landscape. It’s a valuable guide for any partner aiming to elevate their marketplace performance and align with Microsoft’s modern go-to-market approach. Read more: 10 Essential tips for Marketplace success: Insights from Microsoft Ignite 2025 | Microsoft Community HubTech Talks presents: Generative Pages – Vibe Code Your Way to Awesome
Join us on Thursday, January 15th at 8am PT as Nikita Polyakov, Principal Program Manager, FastTrack and Raskia Chaudhary,Principal Program Manager, FastTrack present 'Generative Pages – Vibe Code Your Way to Awesome'. Have you ever wondered how far can one take UI/UX in Power Apps and Dynamics 365? Have you ever had a crazy hard requirement from the users that would take days to code? You start thinking about web resource, custom code component or how you cna solve that with a Canvas App UI...STOP! Come learn how you could not only prototype but actually solve your UX needs with generative AI for UI front-ends in Power Apps. We'll be grounded in Dataverse-based App using the feature of Generative Pages in Power Apps which is generally available since November 2025. Need a boost from sample prompts? See how Power CAT's Intelligent Applications Catalog can help! We hope to see you there! Call to Action: Click on the link to save the calendar invite: https://aka.ms/TechTalksInvite View past recordings (sign in required): https://aka.ms/TechTalksRecording
Events
We’re excited to announce an upcoming Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with the Fabric Leadership Team—a unique opportunity for partners to engage directly with the leaders shaping the future of Mi...
Online
Building a successful Marketplace practice takes more than great offers—you need the right people, processes, and strategy working together. Learn exactly how top‑performing partners organize their t...
Online
Recent Blogs
- Learn about 227 new offers that went live in Microsoft Marketplace, a single destination to find, try, and buy cloud solutions, AI apps, and agents to meet your business needs.Jan 29, 2026
- At Microsoft Ignite in November, we introduced Frontier Transformation — a holistic reimagining of business aligning AI with human ambition to help organizations achieve their highest aspirations and...Jan 28, 2026
