Announced last week, the forthcoming changes in its Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program are aimed at streamlining Microsoft’s partner landscape and reseller ecosystem. Here we shed light on the evolving dynamics in the world of cloud solutions and partnerships and explore the implications of these changes.
Beginning April 1, 2024, existing Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) indirect resellers must have a minimum of USD1000 in trailing 12 months (TTM) CSP revenue (including Perpetual Software) at the reseller tenant level in each of the CSP regions in which they sell. The revenue requirement must be met annually, on the reseller’s tenant onboarding anniversary date, for the reseller to remain authorized to transact as a CSP.
This requirement applies only to CSP indirect reseller tenants that have been authorized for at least one year. Here is Microsoft’s full announcement.
The partner designations
Microsoft has a history of introducing different competencies, solutions partner designations, and other performance-based tokens of achievement, which are designed to distinguish and reward partners based on their performance and commitment to the CSP program. Some of these designations have been perceived as challenging to achieve, particularly for smaller partners.
While these requirements aren’t overly burdensome, they do signal a shift in Microsoft’s approach and could indicate a desire on its part to focus on larger, more active partners who can drive growth and customer satisfaction.
Staying relevant in the CSP program
So how partners can stay relevant in the evolving CSP program now that Microsoft has set certain revenue criteria for partners to maintain their status?
The requirement is for partners to achieve a minimum revenue threshold of $1000 over a trailing 12-month period, and, from the beginning of next year, Microsoft says that: “Indirect resellers and indirect provider(s) will be notified 90 days in advance of reseller’s onboarding anniversary month if the indirect reseller isn’t meeting the revenue requirement, enabling the indirect reseller and their indirect provider(s) to work together to meet the requirement.“
As an indirect provider, we at Crayon can play a crucial role in making your CSP program successful. We provide support, programmatic updates, and tooling to our partners, making it easier for them to navigate the program’s changes even if they might be perceived as challenging.
Timeline example:
Streamlining the partner landscape
Microsoft’s CSP program is continuously evolving, focusing on streamlining the partner landscape and encouraging growth. Partners, particularly smaller ones, need to stay informed about program changes and requirements to remain relevant. Indirect providers, like Crayon, play a crucial role in supporting partners through these transitions. As the IT industry continues to evolve, adaptability and transparency will be essential for success in the CSP program.
How Crayon is supporting our CSP Resellers
As the third largest indirect provider globally, we are supporting our CSP Partners through our platform Cloud iQ, via our CSP Support offering, with local expertise on all things Microsoft and with market analysis and updates such as this one.
If you think you will be affected by these updates and want some support from Crayon, feel free to reach out to our local office near you or your preferred Crayon contact.
This post was originally published on Crayon.
