Recent Discussions
Accelerating AI Innovation with Microsoft Marketplace: Key Takeaways from AI Tour London
At the recent AI Tour in London, I had the opportunity to connect with partners and customers to discuss how organizations are accelerating artificial intelligence adoption through the marketplace ecosystem. One theme came through clearly: Microsoft Marketplace is becoming a key platform for discovering, purchasing, and scaling AI solutions - and ultimatley enterprise wide deploying through partner-led private offers. In my latest article, I share key takeaways from the event, including how developers and channel partners are using Microsoft Marketplace to bring AI innovations to market faster, simplify procurement for customers, and drive new growth opportunities across the partner ecosystem. Read the full article to learn how Microsoft Marketplace is helping organizations move from AI experimentation to real business impact—and what these insights mean for partners building and selling AI-powered solutions. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/marketplace-blog/how-microsoft-marketplace-is-accelerating…
Microsoft SMB Copilot Bundles — CSP Partners Undercut on Pricing. Are Others Experiencing This?
I want to raise something that's creating real problems for us as a CSP partner, and I suspect we're not alone. Microsoft recently launched the SMB Copilot Business bundles — including a M365 Business Premium + Copilot Business bundle at 25% off. Great initiative. The problem? Through eCommerce (direct), customers can purchase this bundle from 1 seat. Through CSP, the bundle has a 10-seat minimum. This is causing a very specific and common issue: we have customers with well over 10 seats on Business Premium who want to trial Copilot with a small group first — say 3 to 8 users — before committing to a wider rollout. That's a completely reasonable approach. But because CSP enforces a 10-seat minimum on the bundle, we can't offer them the discounted pricing for a small initial rollout. Meanwhile, they can see that if they went direct with Microsoft, they'd get 25% off from just 1 seat. The result? Our customers are asking us why we — their trusted Microsoft Partner — are charging them more than Microsoft itself. Some are outright accusing us of trying to rip them off. These aren't micro-businesses slipping through the cracks. These are established customers with legitimate deployments who simply want to pilot Copilot sensibly before scaling up. We've raised this with Microsoft and the justification we received boils down to: the direct channel serves even the smallest customers, while CSP requires a 10-seat minimum to "ensure sufficient scale and support for partner-led deals" and to "protect partner business interests." With respect, this doesn't protect our interests at all. It actively undermines them. Here's what's actually happening: • Customers who want to trial Copilot on a handful of seats see a better deal going direct and question why they're paying a partner at all • It erodes trust in the partner relationship — the very thing Microsoft says it wants to strengthen • It creates an incentive for customers to move licensing to the direct channel for the trial, fragmenting their management and making our job harder • We're left in the impossible position of either absorbing margin to match the direct price, or losing the customer's confidence • Ironically, it discourages the very Copilot adoption Microsoft is pushing — customers who would happily trial on a few seats are put off by being told they need to commit to 10 or more through us We're not asking for special treatment. We're asking for parity. If Microsoft believes 25% off is the right price for this bundle, let us offer it to our customers too — regardless of how many seats they want to start with. We're the ones providing the onboarding, the training, the support, and the ongoing management. We shouldn't be penalised for it. Is anyone else running into this with customers who want to trial Copilot on fewer than 10 seats? How are you handling the conversation when they come to you asking why Microsoft is cheaper direct? Would love to hear how others are navigating this, and whether there's any appetite to push back on this collectively.Tracking transaction to payout in Partner Center reports
We’ve captured the why and how behind the data in an on‑demand video based on the recent Partner Center reporting office hours—plus a blog that breaks down how these insights support marketplace growth and operations. Have a video topic you want next? Drop it in the comments 👇 ▶️ Watch the 7‑minute video (embedded) 📖 Read the blog: Unlocking the power of Partner Center reporting: Why these insights matter for Marketplace success | Microsoft Community Hub
MAICP - Legal Info and Identifier Pages are Blank - Partnership Delays
Hi All, I need some serious support. I provided initial details for the MAICP on 20-Feb-26 and on log in to the partner center 'Account Settings' the 'Legal Info' and 'Identifier' Pages are completely blank, so I cannot provide any details for further progress. I wanted to contact someone, but the support links and pages seem to be too tricky to get a hang as how to contact someine and lodge a ticket, as yet I have not become a partner. The support pages have some dropdowns and has only the 'review solutions' articles to go to and NO TICKET can be submitted. I went to all links provided by the Microsoft Experts in different chats, but COULD NOT figure out as how can I submit a ticket. Can someone provide a real solution, rather than just providing a series of links which do not lead anywhere? The problem scenario is below: The Pages which are blank: Support Submission Page: See it is only providing either 'Review Solution' - which takes to loops of reading and coming back to same pages with no solution or information about UPDATING, while I have not been able to provide even initial details. It Even the page for support from AI the 'Workspace' cannot be added as below, I feel like stuck and need some great help please. Can someone please guide with some solution, as I have been waiting for many days now, almost three weeks and have no way of raising the ticket for support as well? Many thanks in advance. Best Regards, AsimSecurity in the agentic era: What it means for the Marketplace
As AI agents become integral to marketplace solutions, security expectations are evolving for both publishers and customers. This article examines how the agentic era introduces new requirements around trust, identity, permissions, and governance—particularly in multi-tenant, partner-driven ecosystems. It outlines how marketplaces can enable innovation while ensuring secure, compliant, and scalable adoption of agent-powered applications, helping partners build with confidence and customers buy with trust. Read the full article here: Security in the agentic era: A new paradigm | Microsoft Community Hub The article is based on a presentation covering the security, governance, and compliance dimensions of AI in the agentic era. To view the full session recording, visit Security for SDC Series: Securing the Agentic Era Episode 1IAMCP DC Chapter: You're Invited to Join!!
The International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) Chapter covering the DMV has started and is moving ahead full steam - (12) IAMCP DC Chapter: Overview | LinkedIn If you are a partner and live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia (DMV0, we definitely want you involved! See more information about the next chapter meeting Date: Tuesday, March 10th Time: 11 AM - 1 PM Location: Microsoft Arlington Innovation Hub [1300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209] Room #: 13.1D About the upcoming chapter meeting: Save Time + Sell More to Government: March Double Feature Two sessions. Two revenue strategies. Lunch. Session 1 Summary - Tools You Can Use Tomorrow: Aaron Udler (President, OfficePro) demonstrates the exact tools that answer customer questions, write reports, book meetings, and collect feedback—while you focus on revenue. Live demos. Real results. You'll leave knowing exactly which buttons to click. Session 2 Summary - The Government Market Opportunity: Wole Moses (Chief AI Officer, Microsoft Federal Civilian) reveals how AI agents are changing the game for government—from static tools to digital teammates that plan, act, and coordinate work. You'll hear how Microsoft expects government markets to react, respond, and drive partner revenue in Q2 and beyond. You get: Practical tools + insider intelligence on where the government opportunity is for agentic AI. Register to join the meeting here: International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners We look forward to seeing those who can join!
Tech Talks presents: Governance to manage Low Code Agents
Join us on Thursday, March 5th at 8am PT as Ken Auguillard, Principal Program Manager, Power Platform presents 'Getting started with or adopting your current governance to manage low code agents'. 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/TechTalksRecordingStreamline your Marketplace deals with AI-powered automation
Navigating the operational complexity of Microsoft Marketplace private offers and IP co-sell workflows can slow deal velocity and add friction between your CRM and Partner Center. In the latest blog post, How to streamline Microsoft Marketplace private offers and IP co-sell with AI powered automation, Kyle Heisner from Suger, shares practical insights on automating these processes, reducing manual work, and boosting accuracy with AI-driven integrations. Whether you’re managing plan configuration, validating co-sell referrals, or closing the loop from quote to cash, this article highlights where AI can serve as a co-pilot — helping your team operate more efficiently and accelerate Marketplace success. Want to learn more: Join the live session on March 11 to learn directly from the experts and get your questions answered. AI-powered automation for Marketplace private offers and IP co-sell - Microsoft Marketplace CommunityHow to Build a Microsoft Marketplace Channel Practice: A Partner Guide to Scalable Growth
For Microsoft partners looking to make Marketplace a repeatable, scalable growth channel, this article outlines what it really takes to succeed. It breaks down how top partners structure their teams, align ownership across sales, alliances, and operations, and activate Microsoft Marketplace as a core part of their co-sell and go-to-market strategy. With practical frameworks, best practices, and real-world guidance, this resource helps partners drive pipeline, accelerate deal velocity, and grow alongside Microsoft through Marketplace. Read the full article: How to build a Microsoft Marketplace channel practicePublishing a SaaS offer is just the start—A seamless post‑purchase experience drives adoption
As software companies bring applications to Microsoft Marketplace, many struggle with how to activate subscriptions, manage entitlements, and automate provisioning at scale. This article explains why Marketplace Fulfillment APIs are foundational to building reliable, transactable SaaS offers. Learn how Fulfillment APIs standardize subscription lifecycle events, reduce operational complexity, and enable consistent customer onboarding. See how the Fulfillment API resource collection—including open‑source reference code—helps teams design, implement, and scale these integrations with confidence. If you want your Marketplace offer to deliver a smooth, automated customer experience—not just a listing—read the full article to learn how reference implementations and best practices can accelerate your Fulfillment API integration. Read the full article: Accelerating SaaS success with reference code for Marketplace fulfillment API integrationTurn Microsoft Marketplace into a true growth engine
Many software companies publish their solution in Microsoft Marketplace and wait—hoping growth will follow. The fastest‑growing partners take a different approach. By combining a transactable Marketplace offer with Azure IP co‑sell eligibility, sellers unlock a powerful growth engine. Co‑sell ready offers consistently drive larger deals, faster close rates, and direct access to Microsoft’s field sellers, while allowing customers to apply purchases toward their Azure commitments. When Marketplace and co‑sell work together, partners move faster, sell bigger, and accelerate their enterprise sales motion. Read the full article and learn more about accelerating growth through the Microsoft Marketplace: Accelerate massive growth by co-selling through Microsoft Marketplace with App Advisor guidancePipeline Prioritization with Marketplace Propensity Scoring
A note of gratitude to the Marketplace Rewards team + a recommendation for my partner peers: Marketplace Propensity Scoring has proven to be an exceedingly powerful tool for prioritizing pipeline and accelerating sales cycles. Offered as a Marketplace Rewards benefit, propensity scoring provides you with a score that ranks your pipeline prospects by their likelihood (0 to 100) to transact through Marketplace. We combine this with our co-sell conversations a) to help our buyer identify who on their own IT team has the necessary permissions to buy through Marketplace and b) to gain insight into the customer's MACC status (ie, are they behind pace and therefore keen to decrement via Marketplace purchases). We've shaved a full month off our historical sales cycle since implementing this into our process three quarters ago. Side note on another way valuable way to use this benefit: We also lead with Marketplace in opportunities with a propensity score of 0. Three times we've been successful in being a customer's first-ever Marketplace transaction. It took a lot more effort, but we do it because it demonstrates for our Microsoft friends our commitment to the co-sell motion . . . and they LOVE it when we help them establish a precedent on which they can build the customer's Marketplace muscle. #MarketplaceChampionsMeet with us in Vegas! Marketplace sponsoring Channel Partners Conference
The Microsoft Marketplace team is excited to sponsor the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, April 13–16 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, and connect with the advisors, resellers, and services partners who are delivering value for customers every day. We want to meet you! Throughout the week, Marketplace experts will lead sessions, host conversations at our booth, and support private meetings to help you activate and accelerate your Marketplace strategy. Read the blog to learn how to connect with us and even get FREE or DISCOUNTED passes if you're a channel partner: Microsoft Marketplace at Channel Partners Conference & Expo 2026 | Microsoft Community HubAzure sponsorship update on Microsoft Marketplace
We’re delighted to share that Azure Sponsorship can now be applied to Azure MCA billing profiles—even when those profiles had past or active Monetary Credit (including ACO). This removes a long‑standing friction point that has been blocking scaled use of Marketplace Rewards Azure benefits for a large portion of our Marketplace customers and partners, immediately improving customer satisfaction and unlocking a key growth lever for 3P marketplace sales. For more details: February 2026 announcements - Partner Center announcements | Microsoft LearnFTRSA FY26 Application Deadline - March 3rd, 2026
Last few days to apply for the FastTrack Recognized Solution Architect (FTRSA) program. If you’re planning to apply in this cycle—whether as a new candidate or an existing FTRSA—now is the time to finalize and submit your materials. Published reference architectures, technical samples, and customer success stories are a core part of the application. If your content has been submitted for publication but isn’t live yet, you can still apply by including proof of submission. Don't miss the opportunity to join the elite group of solution architects driving real customer impact across Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. Learn more about the program and apply here: https://aka.ms/FTRSANomination Deadline: March 3, 2026 For questions or assistance, please reach out to fasttrackrecognized@microsoft.com.🚀 FabCon + SQLCon Partner Social Sprint
A 4‑Day LinkedIn Challenge for Partners Attending FabCon + SQLCon in Atlanta If you’re joining us in Atlanta this March for FabCon + SQLCon 2026, we’ve got a new way for you to amplify your impact: the Partner Social Sprint — a daily LinkedIn challenge designed to spotlight partner voices, share real‑world insights, and have some fun along the way. Whether you’re presenting, staffing a booth, or attending sessions, this is your chance to tell your story and connect with the global Microsoft Fabric & SQL community. 🔥 What Is the Partner Social Sprint? A 4‑day LinkedIn posting challenge running during FabCon + SQLCon 2026 in Atlanta. Each day has a theme, and every post earns you entries to win exclusive Fabric SWAG, including the fan‑favorite Fabric Kicks. 🗓 Daily Themes (Conference Week) Tuesday, March 17 – Day 0 (Travel / Partner Day) Why I’m going / why I’m here Wednesday, March 18 – Day 1 One big learning Thursday, March 19 – Day 2 Build your practice Friday, March 20 – Day 3 Customer impact ✅ How It Works If you’re a partner attending FabCon + SQLCon in Atlanta: Post once per day on LinkedIn during the event, following the daily theme. Use the hashtags: #FabConSQLCon26 #PartnerSocialSprintSweepstakes #MicrosoftPartner Tag the FabCon & SQLCon – The Microsoft Fabric & SQL Community Conferences LinkedIn page. Submit all your LinkedIn post URLs via the entry form. 👉 Each post = 1 entry, and if you post all 4 days, you’ll get 1 bonus entry. 🏆 What You Can Win Fabric SWAG Fabric Kicks Recognition in the Fabric Partner Community and across our channels 🌐 Who Should Join? Microsoft partners attending FabCon + SQLCon in Atlanta Partner sellers, architects, engineers, and community champions who want to: Share key learnings in real time Highlight their Fabric & SQL practices Showcase customer success and impact 👉 Ready to Sprint With Us? Get all the details and submit your posts here: https://aka.ms/PartnerSocialSprint Let’s light up LinkedIn with the stories, insights, and innovation coming out of FabCon + SQLCon. We can’t wait to see your posts from Atlanta!🚀 This Week on the Fabric Engineering Connection!
Excited to share what’s ahead for this week’s Fabric Engineering Connection sessions — your weekly opportunity to hear directly from the Microsoft Fabric engineering teams and stay ahead of what’s coming next in the platform. 🎙️ Featured Topics & Speakers: 🔧 Updates on DBT Job Abhishek Narain, Principal PM Manager 🤖 Upcoming Capabilities in Fabric Data Agents Misha Desai, Principal Product Manager Virginia Roman, Senior Product Manager Shreyas Canchi Radhakrishna, Product Manager 🌍 Americas & EMEA 📅 Wednesday, February 25 ⏰ 8:00–9:00 AM PT 🌏 APAC 📅 Thursday, February 26 ⏰ 1:00–2:00 AM UTC (Also available Wednesday, February 25, 5:00–6:00 PM PT) Whether you're deep in deployment, scaling customer workloads, or exploring new Fabric capabilities, these sessions are packed with insights to help you accelerate your practice. 👉 Not yet part of the Fabric Partner Community? Join here: https://lnkd.in/g_PRdfjt Let’s keep learning, building, and shaping the future of Fabric—together. 💡
Events
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Tune in to learn how software development companies can use AI‑powered automation to simplify buying through Microsoft Marketplace, streamline Microsoft Marketplace private offers, and maximize the e...
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Recent Blogs
- 2 MIN READWhat does it take to move from AI experimentation to enterprise-wide scale? For EPAM, the answer emerged from a year of foundational work—helping customers fix data estates, aligning stakeholders, an...Mar 10, 2026
- AI is shifting quickly from experimentation to measurable impact. Customers are moving faster and asking for AI that scales profitably, reliably, and globally, without added risk or complexity. With ...Mar 10, 2026
