Alert! Microsoft Partner Benefits Package Updates.

PARTNER ADVISORY UPDATE

Microsoft has announced that over 20 in-demand product licenses will be added to partner benefits packages, starting January 22, 2025.

This much anticipated announcement is an early heads up on Microsoft AI Partner Program updates to benefits packages, with a raft of new license inclusions for in-demand products like Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub that will become available under select partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, or specialisations.

The sale of legacy benefits offerings such as Microsoft Action Pack, Microsoft Learning Action Pack, and legacy silver/gold benefits will be discontinued from January 22, 2025.

Tune in to the webinar for an in-depth review of these changes with our inhouse experts or read on for our hot take on what’s in, what’s out, and how to maximise your advantage with Partner Benefits Packages.

What’s In

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced three distinct benefit packages – Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success Core Benefits, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits. These packages are designed to meet the varied needs of partners and support business growth by providing access to the latest innovations.

The Partner Launch Benefits is an entry-level program for Services Partners, including Training partners, offering software, support, and benefits to jumpstart business growth. The updated benefits will include access to licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Entra ID P2, Defender for Endpoint P2, and Power Apps & Power Automate Premium subscriptions.

The Partner Success Core Benefits is recommended for partners aiming to grow their cloud and AI practice. It provides a strong foundation of product, support, and advisory benefits to create and expand offerings, with updated benefits adding Partner Concierge services, plus Windows Server licenses over the Launch Benefits package.

The Partner Success Expanded Benefits package is tailored for partners who are deeply invested in building and expanding their Microsoft practice. It includes a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to accelerate business growth, drive customer success, and foster innovation. The Expanded Benefits update includes limited access to Copilot licenses, Teams and Dynamics licenses.

New Benefits Update Summary

Below is an at-a-glance view of the 20+ new benefits available from January 22, 2025:

For a comprehensive list of the new benefits being added and for a full breakdown of which benefits align to which designations/specialisations, refer the updated Benefits Guide document.

What’s Out

Microsoft will no longer sell Microsoft Action Pack, Microsoft Learning Action Pack, or legacy silver/gold benefits starting January 22, 2025.

However, partners that purchase or renew these legacy benefits packages before January 22, 2025, will be able to use their benefits for 12 months from their purchase/renewal date.

Those with an eligible active legacy silver/gold purchase status as of January 21, 2025, will be eligible for the remainder of the FY25 CSP incentive term (January 22, 2025, to September 30, 2025).

Benefits Change Overview

^{1. Includes updates to Solutions Partner designations for solution areas and Training Services. No changes planned for Solutions Partner with certified software.}

^{2. Some partners who attained Solutions Partner designations opted to keep legacy silver/gold benefits instead of accessing the designation benefits. These legacy benefit portfolios will not receive the updates and will no longer be sold after January 21, 2025.}

What this means for you

Through purpose-built offerings that provide more choice and value for partners, you can continue to access product, support, and advisory benefits. While the new product licenses will not be added to legacy benefits offerings—which include Microsoft Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, or legacy silver/gold benefits – the updated offerings empower partners to do more with the latest and most in-demand Microsoft products.

Silver and gold benefits will remain in effect for one year after your last purchase or renewal, but they will not undergo the January 2025 update.

Recommended actions for partners with legacy benefits offerings

We encourage every partner to review the upcoming changes and understand how they align with your business goals.

The new benefits packages offer a range of product licenses and support services designed to enhance your cloud and AI capabilities. Consider purchasing a package now to ensure a seamless transition and access to the new benefits starting January 22, 2025.

There are no requirements to purchase a Partner Benefits package, and your partner admin can perform the transaction in Partner Center.

Which package to choose?

• If you have a Microsoft Action Pack or Learning Action Pack, the Partner Success Core Benefits and Partner Success Expanded Benefits packages are recommended, depending on your organization’s size and needs. These benefits are designed to enhance your cloud and AI capabilities and help drive long-term profitability.
• If you have legacy silver or gold benefits, the Partner Success Expanded Benefits package is recommended. This is a comprehensive package designed for organisations ready to expand even further and deepen their partnership with Microsoft.

We also recommend that qualified partners seek to attain a Solutions Partner designation to ensure you can take advantage of the new license inclusions. This will strengthen your benefits portfolio and provide an additional competitive edge in the market. For partners with legacy silver or gold benefits, attaining a Solutions Partner designation helps you access tailored benefits, a customer-facing badge to display in their marketing assets, and resources to help promote your record of customer success.

Additional Resources

For a more detailed understanding of the changes and how they might affect current benefits, we encourage partners to review the official Microsoft Partner resources linked below to stay informed about the latest updates. If you have any further questions or need assistance with these changes, please reach out to us.

• Microsoft Announcement Blog
• FAQ
• Benefits Guide
• Benefits offerings transition walking deck