Microsoft Partner Network (MPN)


Judging the Impact of Microsoft's Master VAR Program

The Master VAR program evokes strong emotions in the Dynamics partner channel. There are plenty of critics of the program, but Microsoft is committed to pushing the model forward, which will bring a new dimension -- and perhaps new energy -- to the Dynamics partner ecosystem.

The Microsoft Partner Network's 1st Year: What Changed, What Worked and Where Does the Cloud Fit?

What's happened since Microsoft completely switched over to the Microsoft Partner Network with its dramatically different competency, specialization and incentive structures? A lot.

Microsoft Credits Partners for Lync's Year 1 Growth

After one year on the market, Microsoft's newest unified communications offering has grown 25 percent -- with no small thanks to Microsoft's partners.

Microsoft Mulling Cloud Sales for Gold Competencies?

A recent interview with Jon Roskill, Microsoft's channel chief, hints at a possible cloud requirement for the Microsoft Partner Network's highest tier.

Tribridge Named Third Microsoft Master VAR

Microsoft on Thursday named the third and, for now, final member of its Dynamics Master VAR program: Tribridge, a Tampa, Fla.-based business application partner with 350 employees.

Microsoft Considers Making Cloud Sales Required for Gold Competencies

It's no secret that Microsoft is encouraging partners to offer its cloud computing services, but the company may ultimately step that up to a requirement.

Post-Master VAR, Microsoft Cracks Down on Alternative Approach

With its first two Master VARs named, Microsoft is cracking down on a so-called buying group that sprung up in response to the recent changes for Microsoft partners focused on the business application/Dynamics side of Microsoft's product portfolio.

Microsoft's Dynamics Partners Finding Strength in Numbers with Katalys (UPDATED)

Katalys Group formed to help small Dynamics partners find a creative way to meet the Microsoft Partner Network requirements by banding together.

The ABCs of a Productive Channel

This isn't rocket science. Lay out a plan by week, by month, by quarter and by year for all of your communications and then execute that plan.

Microsoft Names 2 Master VARs: SBS Group and Socius1 (UPDATED)

Microsoft on Monday formally announced two of the three Microsoft Dynamics Master VARs for the United States: SBS Group and Socius1, LLC.

Microsoft's 'Master VAR' Program: Dynamics Franchising Revisited

Microsoft preps pilot of program for Dynamics partners as an alternative to its aborted franchise plan.

Microsoft Opens 'Partner Exam Academy' Exam-Prep Service

Microsoft has unveiled the new "Partner Exam Academy," an online resource that gives those pursuing Microsoft certifications access to free and for-fee exam-prep materials.

Partners: 6 Ways To Get Free Microsoft Product Licenses

Hidden in plain sight within the Microsoft Partner Network are six places where partners can get free product licenses. Hint: Check your Internal Use Rights.

With Office 365, Microsoft's Direct Billing Drama Continues

Microsoft created a new partner category when it launched Office 365 to fix the billing problems that vexed partners with BPOS. But there's a catch.

How Microsoft Dynamics Partners Are Evolving with the Cloud

With Microsoft rolling out more of its key business applications in the cloud, the channel must prepare. But in interviews at Microsoft Convergence, partners and customers are finding the cloud is just one more reason to re-emphasize good old-fashioned services.