In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, embracing cloud solutions has become a business imperative. As organizations worldwide pivot towards cloud-based services, the role of a Cloud Solution Partner (CSP) is more critical than ever. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential aspects of becoming a Cloud Solution Partner, focusing on the intricacies of the Partner Center and the myriad benefits that come with this designation.
Understanding the Partner Center
The Partner Center serves as the hub for Cloud Solution Partners, offering a plethora of menu options that form the backbone of your CSP journey. Let’s delve into the key areas to explore:
Main Menu’s to Monitor
Earnings
Track your earnings, understand reports, and keep an eye on payment schedules.
Incentives
Explore enrolled programs and manage customer claims.
Insights
Gain real-time data on employee training, customer connections, and overall CSP progress.
Membership
Actively monitor your CSP progression, view designations, and manage your Microsoft Partnership.
Benefits
Unlock and utilize the benefits associated with your partnership, from free licenses to go-to-market resources.
Customers
Manage and engage with your customer base, ensuring a seamless partnership experience.
Earnings Portal
Understanding your earnings is pivotal for any Cloud Solution Partner. Keep a close eye on the following:
- Earning Reports: Breakdown of earnings by month.
- Totals earned vs total accrued: Gain insights into your overall financial standing.
- Next payments: Stay informed about upcoming payments.
Incentives Portal
Navigate through the intricacies of enrolled programs and customer claims:
- Enrolled programs / customer claims: Track each program and customer engagement.
- MCI Engagements: Stay on top of customer interactions for a seamless experience.
Insights Portal
Leverage real-time data to enhance your CSP journey:
- Real-time training reports: Keep your team’s skills sharp.
- Certification Tracking: Monitor your progress toward designations.
- Monitor CSP progress: Evaluate your overall performance.
- Review other Partner Benefit reports: Stay informed about additional perks.
Membership Portal
Actively manage your CSP membership for optimal results:
- View designations / progress: Monitor your progress and achievements.
- Manage active Microsoft Partnership: Stay in control of your partnership status.
- Manage Specializations: Highlight your expertise in specific areas.
Benefits Portal
Unlock the full potential of your CSP partnership:
- Enable free licenses: Utilize Microsoft’s resources effectively.
- Go to Market Resources: Leverage tools to enhance your market presence.
- Logo builder for Partnership: Create a distinctive brand identity.
Designations
Understanding the importance of designations in the CSP landscape:
- Modern Work SMB / Enterprise
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- Security
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- Business Applications
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- Digital & App Innovation
- Infrastructure
- Data & AI
Why get a designation?
- Basic requirement of CSP
- Opens the door to Solutions Partnership
- Each Designation comes with its own benefits
- Workloads fit into designations
- Each customer may have a different workload
Expectations to get Designated
- Certifications based on each designation (Skilling)
- Net Customer adds or new customers
- Usage of Microsoft 365 products (Customer Success)
Customer Claims
Navigate the intricate process of customer claims:
- What is CPOR and how to complete a claim
- Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR)
- POE (Proof of Execution)
- Customer claiming
- Generator for POEs coming out end of the month
Things to Know
We’ve learned these lessons the hard way so you don’t have to. Navigate potential challenges with the following insights:
- POE forms must go through tools like DocuSign
- Partner Center takes 2 months to update
- Microsoft Support CAN’T help / will not help
- Some Certifications cannot be completed for credit at this time
What is Coming
Plan for the future. Here is what to keep an eye out for 2024…
- You can become CSP
- You can’t buy CSP yet
- Benefits have not rolled out
- Benefits may also change in 2024
Your Journey into Cloud Solutions
Becoming a Cloud Solution Partner is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. By understanding the intricacies of the Partner Center and staying informed about the benefits and designations, you position yourself for success in the ever-expanding world of cloud solutions.