Microsoft's tier model primarily refers to its Microsoft Partner Program, which has evolved into the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. This model categorizes partners based on their capabilities, performance, and commitment to Microsoft technologies. The purpose of this program is to recognize and reward partners, enable them with resources, and help customers identify partners with specific expertise and proven success.
Historically, the Microsoft Partner Network, or MPN, used a tier-based competency model. The main tiers were Gold and Silver competencies, with Registered Partners at the entry level. Partners earned these competencies by meeting specific requirements related to technical certifications, performance metrics, customer references, and by paying annual fees. Gold competencies represented the highest level of expertise and required more certifications and customer evidence than Silver competencies.
In 2022, Microsoft evolved the program into the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program, or MCPP. This new model shifted focus to Solutions Partner designations in key areas such as Azure, Business Applications, Modern Work, Security, and Data & AI. Partners earn these designations by achieving a partner capability score based on performance, skilling, and customer success. The program also includes Specializations, which demonstrate deep technical expertise in specific scenarios, and recognizes industry expertise to help partners differentiate themselves in the market.
The Partner Capability Score is a key component of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. It's based on three key areas that demonstrate partner expertise: Performance, which includes customer success and revenue growth; Skilling, which measures technical certifications and training completion; and Customer Success, which evaluates deployments and customer satisfaction. Partners can further differentiate themselves with Specializations, which demonstrate deep technical expertise in specific scenarios. These specializations are validated by third-party audits, increase customer confidence, and provide partners with additional benefits and visibility in the Microsoft ecosystem.
To summarize what we've learned about Microsoft's tier model: First, it categorizes partners based on their capabilities, performance, and commitment to Microsoft technologies. Second, the program evolved from the Microsoft Partner Network with Gold and Silver competencies to the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program with Solutions Partner designations. Third, partners are evaluated using a capability score based on performance, skilling, and customer success. Fourth, specializations demonstrate deep technical expertise in specific scenarios and provide additional differentiation. Finally, this tier model helps customers identify qualified partners and provides partners with benefits based on their level of achievement.