Microsoft warns channel to ditch old partner branding

Software giant's partners must stop using Gold and Certified branding from the end of next month

The Microsoft channel has been warned not to use the software giant's old Gold and Certified partner logos beyond the end of next month.

The warning is part of the vendor's ongoing efforts to transition partners over to its new competency-based channel programme.

Microsoft partners are free to use the Gold and Certified designations in marketing materials and bidding documents until 31 October 2011.

Beyond this date, they must switch to the new branding, which takes into account the areas they have achieved Silver or Gold competency status.

In a blog post filed yesterday, Microsoft's head of partner experience, Eric Ligman, explained: "Once we pass the October 31 2011 date, there [will be] no such thing as the Gold Certified Partner or Certified Partner branding anymore and all benefit extensions are gone.

"This shift [to] the Microsoft Partner Network branding is something we have been communicating since the launch of the Microsoft Partner Network a year ago, so should not be a surprise to anyone," he added.

Certified and Gold Partners that have not yet attained Silver or Gold in any competency areas will also no longer have the same rights to internal use software, warned Ligman.

"You must uninstall any software licenses that have been provided to your organisation based on achieving the Gold Certified or Certified partner level," he said.

"The only licenses you will be eligible to use are those based on your current membership in the Microsoft Partner Network."

To help the channel make the switch, Ligman said partners should use the firm's logo builder tool, which allows them to design and download their new competency-specific branding.

"In addition to the logo builder tool itself, we also have online resources available to help you understand how you can and cannot use the logos you have earned in the Microsoft Partner Network," he added.