Microsoft CSP Partner Center Update Podcast

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Summary of Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider update - September 2024

• Security Enhancements:

  • Partner Center Security workspace: New roles, Security Administrator and Security Reader, introduced to manage access without admin privileges.
  • Azure MFA requirement: Fraud discretionary credit eligibility now requires MFA to be enabled when fraudulent activity occurs, starting September 2024. From October 2024, MFA will be mandatory for all Azure portal sign-ins.
  • Tenant creation and enrollment security: New security measures for CSP partners using the Microsoft Entra tenant model with mandatory payment-based identity verification for partner onboarding.

• Experience Improvements:

  • Price list change visibility: A new change indicator in the license-based price list helps partners easily track product additions, changes, or deletions, simplifying the process of managing price lists.
  • Subscription management: Subscription upgrades, term duration, and billing frequency management have been simplified, with faster page loads and cautionary prompts for mid-term changes.
  • License-based subscription transfers: Improved support for partner audit logs and webhook capabilities for tracking subscription transfers between partners.
  • Public sector migration: Public sector product SKUs can now only be purchased via new commerce, with Microsoft leading the migration process.
  • Automatic Visual Studio benefit redemption: Partners no longer need to reassign licenses when renewing in the same solution area, except for renewals into a different area or upon losing qualification.

• Co-Sell and Lead Management:

  • Co-sell referrals flow: Automated referrals created for partner-led activities to align Microsoft sales teams with partners.
  • Unified lead management: New capabilities in the Referrals workspace help partners manage leads, convert them into co-sell opportunities, and view Microsoft-led marketing campaigns.

• Enhanced CSP Billing Reconciliation APIs: Partners are required to migrate to the new asynchronous APIs by January 21, 2025.

Partners must migrate to these new APIs before January 21, 2025, to help avoid disruption in service. (September 2024 announcements)

New Product Launches:

Office LTSC 2024: Available for general availability from October 1, 2024, with pricing details in the software price list.

Beginning on October 1, 2024, Microsoft Partners will be able to transact the following Office LTSC software via Partner Center. (September 2024 announcements)

Microsoft 365 E3 Triennial Commitment: Launched in select markets (ASEAN, LATAM, India, and the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia) on September 1, 2024, offering three-year subscription commitments.

SKUs will be available for three-year subscription commitments, via prepaid bill and annual bill plans. (10-9-24_CSP Bimonthly Update September 2024)

Office 365 E1 Plus: Launched in select markets (ASEAN, LATAM, India, and the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia) on September 1, 2024, providing an alternative to Microsoft 365 E3 for price-sensitive customers.

Office 365 E1 Plus combines the basic productivity and email value found in Office 365 E1 with key security value – Endpoint Management (Intune), Conditional Identity Access (Microsoft Entra ID), and Data Loss Prevention. (September 2024 announcements)

Promotional Opportunities:

10% Discount on Microsoft 365 E3 Triennial Commitment: Applies to new-to-Microsoft 365 E3 customers in select markets.
30% Discount on Office 365 E1 Plus: Applies to new-to-Office 365 E1 Plus customers in select markets.
15% Discount on Copilot for Microsoft 365: Available worldwide for new Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscriptions between 10 and 300 licenses.

On September 1, 2024, we launched the Getting Started with Copilot for Microsoft 365 promotion, which provides CSP partners 15 percent off the net partner price for all new customer subscriptions between 10 and 300 Copilot licenses. (10-9-24_CSP Bimonthly Update September 2024)

Key Takeaways:

• Security remains a top priority, with several enhancements implemented to protect the partner ecosystem.
• The CSP program continues to evolve with updates focused on improving partner experience and operational efficiency.
• New product launches provide additional options for partners to address diverse customer needs.
• Promotional opportunities enable partners to accelerate customer acquisition and adoption of new solutions.
• This information is intended to be a high-level overview. Partners are encouraged to review the detailed announcements and resources provided by Microsoft for further information.

Microsoft September 2024 Update

Microsoft CSP Program FAQ: September 2024 Updates

1. What are the key security enhancements for CSP partners in September 2024?

• Partner Center Security Workspace: New roles – Security Administrator and Security Reader – are introduced to manage access without admin privileges.
• Azure MFA Requirement: MFA will be mandatory for all Azure portal sign-ins from October 2024. Fraud discretionary credit eligibility requires MFA to be enabled at the time fraudulent activity occurs.
• Tenant Creation and Enrollment Security: New security measures for CSP partners using the Microsoft Entra tenant model with mandatory payment-based identity verification for partner onboarding.

2. How are subscription management processes being improved?

• Price List Change Visibility: A new change indicator in the license-based price list helps partners easily track product additions, changes, or deletions.
• Simplified Management: Subscription upgrades, term duration, and billing frequency management have been simplified, with faster page loads and cautionary prompts for mid-term changes.
• License-Based Subscription Transfers: Improved support for partner audit logs and webhook capabilities for tracking subscription transfers between partners.

3. What are the significant updates for the Public Sector and Visual Studio benefits?

• Public Sector Migration: Public sector product SKUs can now only be purchased via new commerce, with Microsoft leading the migration process.
• Automatic Visual Studio Benefit Redemption: Partners no longer need to reassign licenses when renewing in the same solution area, except for renewals into a different area or upon losing qualification.

4. What’s new in co-sell and lead management for CSP partners?

• Co-sell Referrals Flow: Automated referrals are created for partner-led activities to align Microsoft sales teams with partners.
• Unified Lead Management: New capabilities in the Referrals workspace help partners manage leads, convert them into co-sell opportunities, and view Microsoft-led marketing campaigns.

5. What changes are happening with the Azure credit offer (ACO) balance report?

• The ACO balance report now includes new columns for improved reconciliation and displays monthly credit allocation instead of cumulative totals. This enhancement provides more precise and actionable data for managing Azure credits.

6. What are the latest updates for Microsoft 365 Copilot?

• Rebranding: Copilot for Microsoft 365 is now rebranded as Microsoft 365 Copilot with updated descriptions and logos.
• Wave 2 Launch: Microsoft launched wave 2 of Microsoft 365 Copilot innovation, introducing features that transform workflows, supercharge daily work, and accelerate business value.
• Self-Service Purchase: Starting in October 2024, self-service purchasing options will be available for Microsoft 365 Copilot for users licensed through Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium.

7. Are there any updates regarding billing reconciliation APIs?

• The deadline for migrating to the enhanced CSP billing reconciliation APIs has been extended to January 21, 2025. Partners must migrate to these new asynchronous APIs to avoid service disruption.

8. What resources are available to stay updated on CSP program changes?

• Partner Center Technical Roadmap: Provides insights into upcoming features and improvements.
• Monthly CSP Technical Training Events: Offers in-depth training on various aspects of the CSP program.
• Securing the Channel and Journey to CSP New Commerce Roadmaps: Guides partners through key security enhancements and transitions.
• CSP Partners Discussion Board: Enables collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing among partners.