"New era" dawns for Microsoft Partner Network

Vendor unveils updates to the network including new competencies and simplified benefits management

Microsoft has unveiled details of the next iteration of its partner network, which it claims will usher in a "new era" for its partners.

The vendor detailed the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) changes in the form of an open letter to its partners from Jon Roskill, its corporate vice chancellor.

In the letter, Roskill claimed that the updated network will prove that partnering with Microsoft will be "the best decision you can make for your business".

Microsoft encouraged its partners which currently do not sell its cloud services to join the 5,500 worldwide partners which do by offering them the chance to sign up to its Cloud Essentials scheme at the same time as renewing its MPN membership.

This will bag them 25 software licences of Microsoft Office 365, Windows Intune and CRM online to test drive internally.

The letter also outlined Microsoft's decision to evolve its desktop competency to become oriented around devices and deployment in answer to issues partners face around the consumerisation of IT.

A new collaboration and content competency was announced in the address, which the vendor claimed will enable partners to "best position and demonstrate [their] capabilities to customers in this new era".

Roskill added that the new Sharepoint-based Partner Portal is in the midst of being rolled out and claimed that its Partner Benefit Statement tool provides partners with a single place to manage their benefits and incentives.

Roskill told Microsoft partners that its MPN updates prove the vendor's commitment to them.

He said: "I believe today, more than ever, that partnering with Microsoft is the best decision you can make for your business. We are committed to helping you take full advantage of the new era - an era that represents incredible opportunity both for Microsoft and our 640,000 partners worldwide.

"Together, we will lead the industry and enjoy business growth well into the future. I am honoured to continue to be your advocate as we move forward into this new era, and I thank you for the fantastic work you do for our customers."