Manage membership with Microsoft in Partner Center
Appropriate roles: Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin
Through the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Microsoft provides benefits, offerings, and incentives for partners. Membership workspace in Partner Center helps you manage your partnership with Microsoft. We offer multiple programs for different types of partners. Through your partnership with Microsoft, you can gain access to an ecosystem of resources, including key software licenses and support services. Redeem these benefits from the Benefits workspace.
Benefits include:
- Azure Credits
- Cloud Services
- Product licenses
- Technical consultation
- Developer tools
- Marketing benefits, such as customer-facing badging available from Logo Builder.
Prerequisite to managing membership in Partner Center
To manage membership in Partner Center, complete two steps:
- Join the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
- Ensure your Partner Center Account is verified. When you enroll in a new offering in Partner Center or change legal details in your business profile, Microsoft verifies the information that you provide. Information verified by Microsoft includes your company name, company address, and primary contact details.
User role to manage Membership workspace
To manage your membership in Partner Center, you must be granted the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role. Your organization's account admin can grant you relevant access. For more information, see Roles, permissions, and workspace access for users.
Here are the steps that an account admin uses to grant the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role:
- Sign in to the Partner Center User management page directly OR select the Settings (Gear icon) from the right top corner of the Partner Center > Account Settings > User Management page.
- Select the user to receive the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role.
- Select the Role with the name of Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin and then select Update.
Explore different paths
Microsoft provides different offerings for partners with diverse business models. Explore your options based on the path you're interested in:
Services partner
For Services partners, Microsoft offers the following programs:
| Offer name | Description of offer | Cost / Price of offer | Benefits provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner Launch Benefits | Kick-start your growth as a Microsoft partner with Partner Launch Benefits. This offer helps you discover, use, and test Microsoft products. It includes Microsoft Azure credits and licenses for Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sales Enterprise, and Visual Studio Professional. Get started with this cost-saving package and access the tools you need to build high-performing solutions. | $345 USD or equivalent in local currency | Partner Launch benefits |
| Microsoft Action Pack (retires on January 21, 2025) |
This benefits package retires on January 21, 2025. No new purchases or renewals are supported after that date. Action Pack is an entry-level program for partners who provide various services. As of January 22, 2025, this package won't be updated with new product licenses that you add to partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, or specializations. | $475 USD or equivalent in local currency | MAPS benefits |
| Partner Success Core Benefits | Use Partner Success Core Benefits to strengthen your cloud and AI practice. Tap into strong product, support, and advisory benefits to create and expand your offerings. The benefits include product licenses, Azure credits, technical presales and deployment hours, technical support and consultation, and Signature Cloud Support incidents. As of January 22, 2025, this benefits package is set to update with new product licenses. | $895 USD or equivalent in local currency | Partner Success Core Benefits |
| Partner Success Expanded Benefits | Scale your business with Partner Success Expanded Benefits. This comprehensive package contains in-demand benefits and tools for organizations that are ready to expand even further and deepen their partnership with Microsoft. We recommend this package for partners who require a significant number of product benefits and support, especially partners who migrate from legacy silver and gold benefits. As of January 22, 2025, this benefits package is set to update with new product licenses. |
$3,995 USD or equivalent in local currency | Partner Success Expanded Benefits |
| Solutions Partners Designation | Solutions Partner designations align to Microsoft solution areas and include incremental benefits, so you can stand out from the competition and increase your customer reach. You can demonstrate your organization's proven capabilities with easily identifiable badging. | $4,730 USD or equivalent in local currency | Solution Partner Designation Benefits Guide |
| Specializations | When you earn Solutions Partner Designation, you can further highlight your capabilities by displaying differentiated badging and your specialization benefits. These specializations align to the Microsoft Cloud and display your organization's deep technical expertise. | No extra cost. You need the Solutions Partner designation (SPD) program as base. | Specialization benefits |
| Azure Expert Managed Service Provider (MSP) | After you earn Solutions Partner designation in all three Azure-related solution areas, Data and AI, Digital and App Innovation, and Infrastructure, use this offering to gain the most comprehensive Azure Expert MSP support. Azure Expert MSP benefits drive revenue for you and your customers. | No extra cost (Need SPD program as base) | Azure Expert MSP benefits |
| Legacy silver (retires on January 21, 2025) |
This benefits package isn't available for new purchases. But if you're a silver partner with Microsoft as of September 2022, you'll be able to renew your legacy silver benefits package until January 21, 2025. As of January 22, 2025, this benefits package won't update with new product licenses. | $1,670 USD or equivalent in local currency | Remains the same as of September 2022. |
| Legacy gold (retires on January 21, 2025) |
This benefits package isn't available for new purchases. But if you're a gold partner with Microsoft as of September 2022, you'll be able to renew your legacy gold benefits package until January 21, 2025. As of January 22, 2025, this benefits package won't update with new product licenses. | $4,730 USD or equivalent in local currency | Remains the same as of September 2022. |
ISV partners
For partners that develop software as Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partners, Microsoft offers the following programs:
| Offer name | Description of offer | Cost of offer | Benefits provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISV Success Build and Publish | This program is designed to help early-stage ISVs innovate rapidly, build well-architected applications, publish to the Microsoft commercial marketplace, and grow their sales. | Free for the first year. $1,500 USD or equivalent in local currency for the second year onward. | ISV Success Build and Publish benefits |
| ISV Marketplace Rewards | Once you have transactable app published, this program is offered to all partners at no cost. This program provides targeted support for all your offers with marketing, sales, and technical benefits. | Free | Marketplace Rewards benefits |
| Solutions Partner with certified software | Once you demonstrate success with your solution, validate its capability, increase discoverability with Microsoft customers and sellers, and receive go-to-market, sales, and marketing benefits. | Costs vary and apply only if an independent auditing partner is necessary during the application | Solutions Partner with certified software benefits |
Important
Intended for general information purposes only as a high-level overview of planned upcoming certified software designations. Program information herein is subject to change, without notice.
* Solutions Partner refers to a company that is a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and can offer software, services, and solutions to customers. References to "Solutions Partner" in any content, materials, resources, web properties, and so on, and any associated designation shouldn't be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs, including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, and so on, rest solely with your business.
** A certification is specific to the solution’s interoperability with Microsoft products and based on the solution owner's self-attestation. Solutions are only certified as of the date the solution is reviewed. The solution owner controls solution functionality and capability, which might be subject to change. The inclusion of a solution in marketplace and any such designations shouldn't be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or functionality, a commitment, or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs, including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, and so on, rest solely with your business.
Training Services partner
For Training Services partners, Microsoft offers the following programs:
| Offer name | Description of offer | Cost of offer | Benefits provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Learning Pack Subscription (LAPS) (retires on January 21, 2025) |
This benefits package retires on January 21, 2025. As of January 21, 2025, no fresh purchases or renewals are supported. Microsoft LAPS is the entry-level benefits package for partners who provide training services. To purchase this benefits package, you must buy a Microsoft Action Pack Subscription. But when you land on the Benefits workspace (to redeem the benefits), pick the LAPS benefits option. As of January 22, 2025, this benefits package won't update with new product licenses. | $475 USD or equivalent in local currency | Microsoft LAPS benefits |
| Solutions Partner for Training Services | Solutions Partner for Training Services designations aligns to Microsoft solution areas and includes incremental benefits, so you can stand out from the competition and increase your customer reach. You can demonstrate your organization's proven capabilities with easily identifiable badging. | $4,730 USD or equivalent in local currency. | Training Services Partner benefits |
Surface partner
For Surface partners, Microsoft offers the following program:
Surface Reseller Alliance program (preview): This program offers incentives to commercial Surface resellers as compensation for the value they deliver and the work they perform in helping Microsoft achieve its business objectives. Currently, the Surface Reseller Alliance program is at no cost.
Note
This program is currently in preview and opened for a limited set of partners. We're working to expand this program to all partners soon.
Purchase your benefits package
Once you decide on a particular offering to purchase or renew, proceed with your payment. In December 2023, exchange rates began updating dynamically instead of being static. This change has the potential to cause significant price differences. Prices are now listed in USD, with regular dynamic currency conversions. If an offering involves fees, you can use the following steps to manage your purchase, whether you purchase or renew:
- Make a payment: Microsoft offers two ways to make a payment for membership - credit card or wire transfers.
- Download invoice: You can view and download your invoice or bill from the Bills and Payments page in the membership workspace.
- Cancel your purchase: If you want to cancel your purchase, create a support ticket within 30 days of your purchase. Refunds are only granted if the provided benefits are unused.
- Redeem your benefits: After you purchase the benefits package, you need to manually redeem your benefits to continue with them.
Membership - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Use these frequently asked questions to learn more about partner benefits program changes and membership purchases.
My offering price increased significantly since last purchase. Why?
As of December 2023, some programs saw price increases due to updates in foreign exchange conversion rates. In some countries/regions, the price difference might be significant due to a steep, one-time adjustment required after years of unchanged rates. Prices are now listed in USD, with regular dynamic currency conversions.
What are the changes coming on January 22, 2025?
As of January 22, 2025, Microsoft no longer offers Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, or legacy silver/gold benefits. The last day to purchase and renew these offerings is January 21, 2025. Once purchased, the benefits are available for one year from the date of purchase. Partners with an active legacy silver/gold status as of January 21, 2025, are eligible for applicable MCI incentives for the rest of the FY25 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) incentive term. The term runs until September 30, 2025 without any interruption.
Also, on January 22, 2025, we're expected to introduce over 20 new product licenses for many existing benefits. The new product licenses include Microsoft Copilot, Defender for Endpoint, and GitHub. Some of these benefits are added to existing purchases automatically and some are available for new purchases and renewals post-launch. For more information, see the benefits guide.
I'm a Microsoft Action Pack and Learning Action Pack partner. What steps should I take after these programs are retired on January 22, 2025?
For partners who use the Microsoft Action Pack or Learning Action Pack, we recommend moving to the Partner Success Core Benefits or Partner Success Expanded Benefits packages. Use the package that fits your organization's size and needs.
I'm a legacy silver partner. What steps should I take after this program is retired on January 22, 2025?
For partners who use the legacy silver benefits, we recommend moving to the Partner Success Expanded Benefits package. This comprehensive package is designed for organizations that are ready to expand even further and deepen their partnership with Microsoft.
I'm a legacy gold partner. What steps should I take after this program is retired on January 22, 2025?
For partners who use the legacy gold benefits, we recommend that you get the Solutions Partner designation. When you become a Solutions Partner for solution areas, you receive a portfolio of benefits specific to your solution area. You also receive a customer-facing badge to display in your marketing assets, and resources to promote your record of customer success.
My offering is due for renewal, but my renewal button is disabled. Why?
Your renewal starts 365 days after the initial purchase, followed by a 30-day grace period during which your benefits continue without interruption. You can renew or buy a new membership if you:
- Link your Partner Center account with your Microsoft Billing Profile.
- Verify your account.
- Have an open renewal window.
- Meet any applicable qualification criteria.
For more information, see the Troubleshoot membership purchase steps for how to meet the renewal criteria.
My offering is due for renewal and I missed the renewal window. What are my options?
Since your renewal window closed, your existing benefits are expired. But you can still make a new purchase. After completing the new purchase, you receive a new set of benefits, and you can proceed with redeeming them.
I don't have enough permissions to buy a program. It's giving my name to get permissions. What should I do?
To manage your membership, in Partner Center, you must be granted the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role. Account admins or global admins in your organization can grant this specific role. If you're already a global or account admin, you can grant the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role to your own account by following the User role to manage membership workspace guidance.
My legacy silver or gold offering is due for renewal but my renew button isn't enabled. Why?
If your renewal window is open but the option to renew silver or gold is still disabled, it might be because you're eligible for Solutions Partner designations. You should consider purchasing Solutions Partner designations, where you can choose between legacy silver/gold benefits or the new Solutions Partner designations benefits. This choice is available to you during the purchase process of the Solutions Partner designations.
What's the duration of membership once an offering is purchased?
Memberships typically last for one year, plus an extra 30-day grace/renewal period. After this period, you must renew your membership, possibly with a fee. To enjoy uninterrupted services like Azure credits, Microsoft 365, or Dynamics 365, be sure to redeem your benefits as soon as your purchase or renewal is successful.
I can't see the details of membership and getting access denied error. Sometimes it's asking me to contact myself to get permission. Why?
To gain full access to the Membership and Benefits workspace, you need to be granted the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program partner admin role in Partner Center. Follow the User role to manage membership workspace steps to gain access. Account admins can grant you this access. If you're an account admin, you can follow the same steps to elevate your permissions, so sometimes you're prompted to contact yourself for access.
I made the purchase but I can't find the invoice. It's blank when I navigate to the Azure portal. Why?
Membership purchases were migrated to new commerce starting in January 2024. Your purchases are now aggregated across Microsoft stack and the invoice is generated and billed in an aggregate manner, usually by 10th of the month. Your invoice typically generates by the 10th of the following month at the latest. You can then see your invoice and download it in the following month.
Can I buy the same offerings multiple times?
You can purchase each offering only once. But you can explore and buy other offerings for more benefits. For more information, see the Explore different paths section.
I renewed my offering by making a payment but my Azure credits, Microsoft 365 license, Visual Studio license stopped working. Why?
Membership renewal doesn't automatically redeem benefits. You must manually redeem the new set of benefits awarded upon renewal. To enjoy uninterrupted services like Azure credits, Microsoft 365, or Dynamics 365, be sure to redeem your benefits as soon as your purchase or renewal completes.