Forum Discussion
MicrosoftCopilot Licenses and Evolution of Benefits Packages
Hi all,
If you haven't already heard the news, Microsoft is making updates to the product licensing in benefits packages: partner.microsoft.com/en-US/blog/article/innovate-with-partner-benefits. This includes Copilot for Modern Work and Biz Apps benefits.
What is changing?
Beginning January 22, 2025, we are adding over 20 in-demand product licenses to our benefits packages. This includes game-changing Microsoft Copilot products, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub. These product licenses will be accessible in select partner benefits packages and Training Services Partner Solution Area designations. For information on changes by benefits package type, see our benefits transition walking deck. Additionally, the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program benefits guide has been updated to include the upcoming license availability (starting on page 45).
As part of this benefit transition, we are also announcing that Microsoft will no longer sell Microsoft Action Pack, Microsoft Learning Action Pack, or legacy silver / gold benefits starting January 22, 2025. We will continue to offer the three new benefit packages that were released in January 2024: Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success Core Benefits, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits. These are optional benefits packages and not required to participate in the Training Services Partner (TSP) ecosystem.
Timeline
January 21, 2025: partners will be able to purchase or renew Action Pack or legacy silver / gold benefits through this date. All existing legacy benefits purchased on or before this date will be valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
January 22, 2025: new product licenses will be added to qualifying benefits packages. Existing Action Pack and legacy silver / gold benefits packages will not receive the new licenses.
Next Steps
Having a benefits package as a TSP is optional, but recommended. Aside from product licensing, partners receive Azure credit greater than the cost of the package. Additionally, Solutions Area partners have access to elevated badging and the customer-facing partner directory (coming soon). Partners may opt to participate in the TSP ecosystem with no benefits package.
Partners looking to receive benefits who have an Action Pack or legacy silver / gold renewal date on or before January 21, 2025, have the ability to:
- renew legacy benefits for one more 12-month period
- and / or transition to Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, or Partner Success Expanded benefits, available now
- and / or meet Solution Area badging requirements in one or more Microsoft Solution Areas
(note: TSPs can simultaneously have all 3 options above)
Partners looking to receive benefits who have an Action Pack or legacy silver / gold renewal data after January 21, 2025, have the ability to:
- transition to Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, or Partner Success Expanded benefits, available now
- and / or meet Solution Area badging requirements in one or more Microsoft Solution Areas
Resources
- Familiarize yourself with the transition walking deck and updated benefits guide
- Review the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program FAQ
- Compare offerings across the Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, and Partner Success Expanded benefit packages
- Join the TSP Community Calls for additional information as it becomes available (August 28th call invites are attached)
- Ask questions of other TSPs and Microsoft program managers via the Training Services Partner Forum
We will continue to provide updates through our regular communication channels as we work towards January 2025 and beyond. As always, if you have any questions please reach out.
Thanks for your support.
Dan
DanDonohue I already have a MAPS pack subscription which somehow gives me loads of resources such a sandbox environment for Dynamics 265 CE (absolutely essential) and access to a whole suite of Dynamics CE apps which I need. Looking at the list of benefits for Partner Launch, the lowest offering I can only Dynamics Sales. So it appears this is a downgrade.
Also, you mentioned: "This includes game-changing Microsoft Copilot products, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub". Given this is all about AI partner launch then clearly access to Copilot and tools would be essential for partners BUT no mention in the benefits table!?
Overall, still great value to small enterprise but I just don't understand the lack of AI offerings. Very odd.
- DanDonohue
Hi ashleychilds, thanks for reaching out.
Since I posted this the Microsoft partner team has launched the benefits comparison tool, which may be helpful to you in comparing benefits. In the Partner Launch benefits I do see D365 licensing - but it may be different than what you currently have under MAPs.
Copilot and AI are in huge demand and leadership is aware of the partner requests for this. Copilot was added to select benefits packages, starting with Partner Success Expanded. I understand that is the top-tier for paid benefits, I don't have any insight into future licensing expansion.
Dan
