Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the intricacies of becoming a Microsoft Partner, with a specific focus on the Power Platform. If you’re pondering over the question, “What does it take to become a Microsoft Partner that specializes in the Power Platform?” then you’re in the right place. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of the Microsoft Partner program, its applicability to the Power Platform, and the steps to join this esteemed program. Read on to enhance your understanding and make an informed decision.
Understanding the Microsoft Partner Program
The Microsoft Partner program is tailored for organizations that deliver products and services built around Microsoft technologies. By aligning with this program, businesses can tap into benefits such as Azure credits, software licenses for internal use, exclusive training, and various other resources. Notably, partner firms can also leverage marketing tools like logos, certification letters, and even feature in the Microsoft Partner directory, which can bolster sales.
Membership Levels in the Partner Program
There are four tiers at which companies can get onboarded with the partner program:
- Network
- Action Pack
- Silver competency
- Gold competency
While joining as a network partner comes without a fee, ascending to higher tiers requires a yearly subscription fee and meeting additional prerequisites. These include having team members who are Microsoft-certified, garnering client testimonials, and clearing assessments related to marketing endeavors.
Power Platform and the Partner Program
For organizations that are centered around the Power Platform, the Partner Program introduces a “Microsoft Low Code Application Development” specialization. This facet aids businesses in establishing their prowess with Power Apps and the broader Power Platform.
Acquiring the “Low Code Application Development” Specialization
To secure this specialization, an enterprise needs to:
- Achieve a Gold competency
- Have a minimum of six employees with Microsoft certifications
- Roll out a Power Apps solution for at least five clients
1. Gold Competency Requirement
Businesses should obtain a Gold competency in any of the following domains: “Cloud Business Applications“, “Cloud Platform“, “Small and Mid-Market Cloud Solutions“, “Cloud Productivity“, or “Application Integration“. As an illustration, if focusing on the Power Platform, the “Cloud Business Applications” competency, emphasizing Dynamics 365 solutions, might be an apt choice. This involves generating a minimum of $300k from Microsoft Cloud-related revenues over a year and employing at least 15 Microsoft-certified professionals.
2. Employee/Certification Requirement
Companies should ensure:
- One employee has cleared all these exams:
- Exam PL-100: Microsoft Power Platform App Maker
- Exam PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant
- Exam PL-400: Microsoft Power Platform Developer
- Exam MB-600: Microsoft Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect
- Four distinct individuals have passed:
- Exam PL-100: Microsoft Power Platform App Maker
- Exam PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant
- Another individual has cleared the Exam PL-400: Microsoft Power Platform Developer.
3. Customer Requirements
It’s imperative to roll out Power Apps projects for at least five unique clients. Among these, one should be a production application deployed in a live environment, accessed by at least five users. The apps must engage a minimum of 50 monthly active users and exhibit a growth rate of over 35% across a year. Furthermore, these apps should ace the Power Apps Solution checker and encompass technologies such as Canvas apps, Model-driven apps, Flow, Dataverse, Portals, AI Builder, and ALM.
Wrapping Up
The Microsoft Partner program unfolds a plethora of opportunities for businesses to establish a strong alliance with Microsoft. Earning a “Low Code Application Development” specialization can elevate an organization’s stature, showcasing its expertise in Power Apps and the Power Platform. By fulfilling the outlined criteria, you can be well on your way to being recognized as a top-tier Microsoft Partner.
If you have any further questions or require technical guidance related to this or other topics, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is eager to assist you, and we offer professional services that can address your needs.
