Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Benefits Evolution
Wayne Hollomby, Product Architect
20/08/2024
On August 6, 2024, Microsoft revealed changes to its AI Cloud Partner Program benefits. They plan to add over 20 popular product licenses, such as Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub Enterprise, which will be available starting January 22, 2025.
These new benefits are designed to help streamline tasks, enhance creativity, and drive efficiency across businesses. Partners can access these benefits when they go live, by purchasing partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, or specializations. The new packages offer comprehensive support and advisory benefits, helping partners accelerate business growth, scale their operations, and stay updated with the latest offerings.
As part of the newly announced benefits changes, Microsoft will discontinue sales of the Microsoft Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, and legacy silver/gold benefits on January 22, 2025. Existing partners can renew these benefits up until January 21, 2025, and retain them for an additional year thereafter. To maintain their benefits, partners are advised to purchase new partner benefits packages or achieve Solutions Partner designations.
January 21, 2025: Final day to buy or renew legacy benefits packages.
January 22, 2025: New benefits will become generally available in certain offerings.
To get more detailed information on the evolution of benefits, including new additions and changes to existing ones, please check the Microsoft announcement blog and review the FAQ.
Dynamics 365 Sandbox and Windows Server benefits are also available. For the complete list of current benefits and those being added on January 22, 2025, refer to the Partner Benefits Guide.
Review documentation Microsoft has provided to help you with understanding of the changes:
If you’d like to discuss any of the above information, call us on +345 249 3303 or email us, and we’ll be happy to chat through any of your questions.
These new benefits are designed to help streamline tasks, enhance creativity, and drive efficiency across businesses. Partners can access these benefits when they go live, by purchasing partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, or specializations. The new packages offer comprehensive support and advisory benefits, helping partners accelerate business growth, scale their operations, and stay updated with the latest offerings.
As part of the newly announced benefits changes, Microsoft will discontinue sales of the Microsoft Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, and legacy silver/gold benefits on January 22, 2025. Existing partners can renew these benefits up until January 21, 2025, and retain them for an additional year thereafter. To maintain their benefits, partners are advised to purchase new partner benefits packages or achieve Solutions Partner designations.
Upcoming timings to be aware of:
January 21, 2025: Final day to buy or renew legacy benefits packages.
- On January 22, 2025, partners with Microsoft Action Pack, Learning Action Pack, or legacy silver/gold benefits will no longer be able to purchase or renew these offerings.
- Benefits renewed on or before January 21, 2025, will be active for 12 months after their renewal date. These benefits will no longer be available for purchase or renewal after this time.
January 22, 2025: New benefits will become generally available in certain offerings.
- On January 22, 2025, partners will gain access to the added benefits (including Microsoft Copilot for select offerings) to applicable partner benefits packages, Solutions Partner designations, and specializations.
To get more detailed information on the evolution of benefits, including new additions and changes to existing ones, please check the Microsoft announcement blog and review the FAQ.
What is currently included with the Partner benefits packages for Internal Use?
Partner Launch Product Key Benefits
| Benefit | Quantity | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | 5 | Users |
| Azure Bulk Credits (Production) | $700 USD | Per year |
| Visual Studio Professional subscriptions (without monthly Azure credit) | 1 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Business Central Premium | 4 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise | 4 | Users |
| Power BI Premium | 4 | Users |
| Project Online – Project Plan 5 | 1 | Users |
| Visio Online – Visio Plan 2 | 1 | Users |
Partner Success Core Product Key Benefits
| Benefit | Quantity | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | 15 | Users |
| Azure Bulk Credits (Production) | $2400 USD | Per year |
| Visual Studio Professional subscriptions (without monthly Azure credit) | 8 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Business Central Premium | 15 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise | 15 | Users |
| Power BI Premium | 15 | Users |
| Project Online – Project Plan 5 | 5 | Users |
| Visio Online – Visio Plan 2 | 5 | Users |
| Windows 365 Enterprise - 8 vCPU, 32 GB RAM, 512 GB Storage | 1 | Users |
Partner Success Expanded Product Key Benefits
| Benefit | Quantity | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | 35 | Users |
| Azure Bulk Credits (Production) | $4000 USD | Per year |
| Visual Studio Professional subscriptions (without monthly Azure credit) | 15 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Business Central Premium | 35 | Users |
| Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise | 35 | Users |
| Power BI Premium | 135 | Users |
| Project Online – Project Plan 5 | 5 | Users |
| Visio Online – Visio Plan 2 | 5 | Users |
| Viva Suite | 15 | Users |
| Windows 365 Enterprise - 8 vCPU, 32 GB RAM, 512 GB Storage | 2 | Users |
What new Benefits are being added on January 22,2025?
| Partner Launch Benefits | Partner Success Core Benefits | Partner Success Expanded Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| M365 Business Premium (no Teams) | M365 Business Premium (no Teams) | Copilot for M365 |
| Teams Enterprise | Teams Enterprise | Copilot for Finance |
| Entra ID P2 | Entra ID P2 | Copilot for Service |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 | M365 Business Premium (no Teams) |
| Power Apps Premium | Power Apps Premium | Teams Enterprise |
| Power Automate Premium | Power Automate Premium | Entra ID P2 |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 | ||
| Teams Rooms Pro | ||
| Teams Premium | ||
| Microsoft Syntex/SharePoint Premium | ||
| D365 Team Members | ||
| D365 Finance Premium | ||
| Power Apps Premium | ||
| Power Automate Premium | ||
| Power Automate Process |
Dynamics 365 Sandbox and Windows Server benefits are also available. For the complete list of current benefits and those being added on January 22, 2025, refer to the Partner Benefits Guide.
Next Steps
Review documentation Microsoft has provided to help you with understanding of the changes:
- Review Microsoft Benefits Guide
- Review Microsoft FY25 Benefits Evolution Deck
- Review Microsoft Compare Programs website
- Review Microsoft FAQ
- Reach out to your Infinigate Cloud account manager for any assistance required.
For more information
If you’d like to discuss any of the above information, call us on +345 249 3303 or email us, and we’ll be happy to chat through any of your questions.