With so many benefits available to you from the Microsoft Partner Network, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. We thought we'd therefore put together our top ten reasons why you should aim to become a Gold Competency Partner and the benefits of doing so:
Microsoft Partner Network: There is a wealth of resources available to support you on the MPN from Marketing, Training, Sales to Internal User Rights. According to IDC partners receive approximately US$320,000 in value from MPN benefits.
It sets you apart from the competition: As a Gold Competency Partner; you’re in the top 5% of the Microsoft Partner Network.
Save time and money: The core benefits you receive as a Gold Competency Partner enable you to strengthen your business capabilities, build greater connections and in-turn reach your full business potential.
Reliability: To become a Gold Competency Partner, you have provided evidence that you have certified technical knowledge, proven solution expertise and skills, as well as business focus! Your customers will be reassured in the knowledge that you will be perfectly equipped to meet their needs.
Support Options: You can get unlimited online support through the Partner Support Community forum or for specific support options for your Microsoft Partner Network Account have a look at the Support Changes Blog.
Demand Generation: Access industry leading marketing assets to support your demand generation activities through Partner Marketing Centre, SocialonDemand, Pinpoint and UK events are just the tip of the iceberg.
Building a Cloud business: Cloud focused partners experience 2.4X faster growth vs. non-cloud oriented partners. To capitalise on this opportunity we have created 4 cloud focused competencies which are performance based and give you even more benefits than other competencies. With Signature Cloud Support Signature Cloud Support you get the assurance to sell Cloud services to your customers, knowing they will get the necessary support.
Internal User Rights: In order to sell products you should be using them yourselves so you know the benefits and understand how they can benefit your customers business. Gold Competency partners have access to 50 internal user rights to download software and use it in your own business. Use theLicence Calculator tool to work out how to make the most of your Internal usage rights.
Advisory Hours: Partner advisory hours can help you skill up your employees with training provided by Microsoft Services. Alongside this, you get customised guidance on competing, developing and deploying solutions to your customers. As a gold partner you will get 50 advisory hours to as you wish.
Training: Access to Get2Expert which provides a simplified way to find free training best suited to your business. Get2Expert aims to help staff in your business be the best at what they do - whether that is sales, technical or pre-sales roles at beginner, intermediate or expert levels.