Product Champions FAQ
1. What is the Microsoft Q&A Product Champions Program? The Microsoft Q&A Product Champions Program is a community program for people who enjoy sharing their technical knowledge and helping others. Product Champions contribute by answering questions on Microsoft Q&A, helping users solve real-world technical challenges across Microsoft products. As you contribute, you can progress through the program, earn recognition and rewards, access learning opportunities, and become more involved in the Microsoft Q&A community. Whether you’re new to Microsoft Q&A or already an active contributor, there’s a place for you in the program. 2. Who can join, and do I need to be an expert? Everyone is welcome to apply. You don’t need to be an MVP, hold a Microsoft Certification, or already be an established Microsoft Q&A contributor. You also don’t need to know everything about a Microsoft product. Start with the products and topics you know well and answer questions where you feel confident you can help. The program is open to people with different backgrounds and levels of experience who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping others. 3. How do I get started? Getting started is simple. Complete the Product Champions enrollment form and review the Welcome Guide to learn how the program works and how to begin contributing on Microsoft Q&A. Once your application is accepted and you’re enrolled, you’ll receive an invitation to join the private Product Champions Microsoft Teams channel, where members can connect, participate in events and discussions, receive program updates, and access additional resources. 4. What am I expected to do as a Product Champion? The main way to participate is simple: answer questions and help users on Microsoft Q&A. There’s no fixed schedule or required number of hours. You can contribute at your own pace by finding questions related to topics you know and providing helpful, high-quality answers. Product Champions are also expected to follow Microsoft Q&A Community Guidelines and program standards when participating. 5. What products can I contribute to? You can answer questions across any of the program’s six product tracks based on your interests and expertise: Microsoft 365 Microsoft Teams Windows Surface Developer Technologies Security & Compliance You don’t have to choose just one. You’re welcome to contribute across multiple product areas. 6. How do I progress through the program? As you answer questions and continue contributing on Microsoft Q&A, you can progress through program levels and reach new recognition milestones. The program is self-paced, so you can build your contributions over time while working toward the next level. 7. What benefits and opportunities are available? Product Champions can access opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and be recognized for their contributions. Depending on eligibility and participation, these may include community recognition, learning and development resources, events, leadership opportunities, program rewards, Microsoft Certification vouchers, gift cards, MVP nomination support, and opportunities to participate in the Microsoft Q&A Volunteer Moderator Program. 8. Is Product Champions the same as Azure Champions? No. Product Champions and Azure Champions are sister programs with different areas of focus. Azure Champions focuses on Azure technologies and services, while the Microsoft Q&A Product Champions Program focuses on Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Windows, Surface, Developer Technologies, and Security & Compliance. Both provide opportunities to share your expertise, help users, and become more involved in Microsoft technical communities. 9. Can I participate in both Product Champions and Azure Champions? Yes! You can participate in both programs if your interests and expertise span both areas. Each program has its own participation requirements, incentives, and rewards, so your eligibility for recognition and rewards is determined separately within each program. 10. Do my contributions on Microsoft Tech Community count toward the Product Champions Program? Product Champions activity and progression are based specifically on answers you provide on Microsoft Q&A, where users ask technical questions and seek solutions to real-world problems. Posts, replies, or other contributions on Microsoft Tech Community do not count toward your Product Champions program activity. Microsoft Tech Community complements the program as its public community hub for program news, updates, recognition, and other Product Champions content. Have a question we didn’t answer here? Reach out to the Product Champions team at productchampions@microsoft.com.POTYA & Inspire 2023: Most frequent Q&A
Dear Austrian Partners, As the nomination phase for Partner of the Year Awards is in full swing and we have also just announced Inspire 2023, we have put together some of the questions we received from you. We are happy to answer and talk to any of you, so don`t hesitate to contact us. PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023 How do I submit my nomination? Now that the tool is open, you need to access it here and start the process. The tool is made in such a way that it will guide step-by-step through the whole journey. Click here to start! When is the nomination period? The nomination tool is open from February 8 th to April 5, 2023 What are the categories for this year? Below you can find a list with categories. You can also check all of them on the official POTYA website. Where can I find info about each category? Best thing to do is start with the 2023 official rules and once you know which category you'd like to take part in, the award guidelines give you more detailed information. You can find more useful information in the following documents: Award-winning entry Guidance from the Judges Frequently asked questions Is there an Austrian version of the Awards? In short, yes! Like every year, we will organize a local edition of the Partner Awards, where we will celebrate our Austrian Partners. Is it the same nomination tool for Global and Swiss Awards? Yes, if you want to nominate yourself for the Austrian Awards or/ and the Global Awards you will use the same tool. You can access it here . How do I write my nomination? Write a story. The idea is to portray how you helped your customers to succeed. You can find tips on how to write a successful nomination here . How do I know if I am eligible? You can check the eligibility criteria here . Are there also specific Austrian categories? Same categories apply to the Austrian Awards, and to the Global Awards. Basically, all the Global categories are valid for the Austrian Partner of the Year Awards as well. Thus, the same rules apply. So, no need to worry – there is no chance you participate in a Global category that would not be valid in the local awards as well. What is the flow of the awards? What happens next with nomination? As we want to be transparent and open about the Partner of the Year Awards, you can see in the picture below the end-to-end flow of POTYA, which will culminate with the celebration at Inspire! INSPIRE 2023 When will INSPIRE be this year? INSPIRE will take place 18-19 th July 2023 How will Inspire be this year? This year the global format will again be digital , continuing the success of delivering this event at scale and leveraging the incredible opportunity to include partners from around the globe. We are also planning on delivering a hybrid Inspire event locally as well. If you have any other questions, don`t hesitate to contact us. We will be updating the Q&A with all your questions, so keep an eye here. Best regards, Your Austrian Microsoft Partner Team
