Disclosure Guide December2013

Microsoft Partner Network

Disclosure of upcoming program changes

December 2013

Microsoft Partner Network Disclosure Guide 2

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

As the name suggests, the Microsoft Partner Network Disclosure Guide is your primary source for the latest changes to the Microsoft Partner

Network for all membership levels. To make it as easy as possible for you to use, the information in this guide has been divided into four categories:

Microsoft Partner Network news and announcements

Program-wide changes that affect all partner levels

Microsoft Action Pack subscription changes

Competency changes

We recommend that you review the first two categories and then move to the applicable partner level section for more specific information. Each

section is identified by an icon and color-coded to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. You can find specific competency requirement

changes in the Competency Benefits and Requirements Appendix. Keep in mind that this document focuses on upcoming changes; to understand

current benefits and requirements, refer to the Microsoft Partner Portal.

Note: the Microsoft Partner Network Disclosure Guide is updated and published quarterly. This edition of the guide reflects the latest timing for

change implementation planned for February 2014. Some items are subject to change.

http://mspartner.microsoft.com/


CONTENTS

News and announcements

Program-wide changes

Important update to previously announced

Microsoft Partner Network program changes

4

Cloud program changes

Other program-wide changes coming in

February 2014

Recent changes now in effect

Updates to partner incentives

5

7

7

9

Action Pack changes

Competency changes

Redesign of the Action Pack subscription

New Action Pack subscription benefits

Internal-use software benefits changes for

Action Pack

Resource Centers

10

10

11

12

An update to announced competency changes

Internal-use software benefits changes for

competencies

Other cross-competency changes

Competency updates overview

Appendix of competency benefits and

requirements changes

13

14

18

19

20


NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important update to previously announced

Microsoft Partner Network program changes Following compelling partner feedback and a thorough review of our planned roadmap, we’ve decided to prioritize the timing of certain program

updates communicated at the Worldwide Partner Conference in July 2013. These changes were originally scheduled for January 2014.

You can read the following announcement from Phil Sorgen, and refer to a blog post by Julie Bennani for more background. This guide will outline

those changes still being planned for February 2014.

http://www.digitalwpc.com/Community/Perspectives/Pages/Partner-Program-Updates-What-you-need-to-know.aspx#fbid=Z2liSn7g6Vc


PROGRAM-WIDE CHANGES

Cloud program changes Microsoft Cloud Partner programs are incubation programs created to support partners in developing a business around a brand new offering.

We invested in partners who started this journey with us early. Many of these partners have built successful cloud practices, and cloud is now part

of all their customer conversations. Thus, it is time to integrate these programs into the Microsoft Partner Network, which will be done through a

phased approach over the course of the next year.

If you are a Cloud Essentials partner, our industry-leading Cloud Essentials program is being integrated into the new Microsoft Action Pack

subscription to provide new resources that are more tailored to your business models. Cloud Essentials will be retired on June 30, 2014, so we

recommend that partners enroll in Action Pack or attain a competency to access to cloud benefits.

If you are a Cloud Accelerate partner, the Cloud Accelerate program will continue for the time being and will offer the following key benefits:

Cloud accelerator incentives

Cloud Accelerate logo

Office 365 dedicated partner support

Note that Cloud Accelerate partners will continue to be able to use the Cloud Accelerate logo for the life of the program. New Cloud Accelerate

partners will no longer receive cloud internal-use software licenses as part of the program. Integrating cloud internal-use software licenses as a

core benefit enables the Microsoft Partner Network to:

Streamline and improve the partner experience by consolidating all benefits into one location.

Update the internal-use software license system to deliver the power of choice. Partners can choose to deploy on-premises

or in the cloud.

Provide cloud internal-use software licenses to all Action Pack subscribers and competency partners, which will empower them to

accelerate growth. We have observed that partners who utilize their internal-use software benefits see two times more success selling

those products.


Cloud Accelerate partners who have Action Pack subscriptions will have the opportunity to join the silver or gold Small Business or Midmarket

Solution Provider competency and increase their internal-use software benefits by paying the competency fee. All other requirements will be

waived. This opportunity will be exclusive to our Cloud Accelerate partners as a way to recognize your expertise, reward you for the total impact

you have in the marketplace, and deliver what you need to help your business thrive. To take advantage of this opportunity, contact your Regional

Service Center for assistance.

If you are a Cloud Deployment partner or would like to be one, the current requirements for the Cloud Deployment program will remain

unchanged for the time being. If you meet the following requirements, you will automatically be assigned Cloud Deployment partner status within

the Microsoft Partner Network. No action is necessary.

The requirements are as follows:

Achieve Cloud Accelerate status.

Attain a Silver or Gold Collaboration and Content, Communications, Devices and Deployment, Messaging, or Project and Portfolio

Management competency.

Complete one Office 365 deployment of more than 150 seats within the past 18 months, by March 31, 2014.

If you are a Windows Azure Circle partner, the program will continue for the time being, and benefits will remain the same. You can access

cloud internal-use software benefits through your competency benefits package.

Internal-use software licenses: Partners will be able to deploy Microsoft internal-use software licenses provided by Microsoft Cloud Partner

programs until the February launch. If partners choose not to deploy their internal-use software licenses before the February launch, they will forego

their benefits. Internal-use software licenses for all Microsoft Cloud Partner programs will expire on June 30, 2014. Partners must move their current

internal-use software license tenants to the new internal-use license process and entitlements available through the Microsoft Action Pack

subscription or competencies before June 30, 2014.

Delegated Administration Privileges: This resource will be available to partners who have signed the Microsoft Online Services Partner Agreement

(MOSPA) and have an active internal-use software license subscription.

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Support/Premium/contact-support.aspx

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Support/Premium/contact-support.aspx


Other program-wide changes coming in February 2014 Country qualifications The updated Partner Network requirements related to qualifying partner practices by country or geographic grouping will be launched in the third

quarter of calendar year 2014. The exact date will be communicated at least six months before the launch through a direct communication to

partners who will be affected.

Windows Embedded Partner Program transition In February 2014, partners with an active membership in the Windows Embedded Partner Program (WEPP) will make the transition into the

Microsoft Partner Network. Current WEPP partners will be migrated into the Microsoft Action Pack subscription or a competency, based on their

qualifications. WEPP partners have been contacted directly about their organizations’ transition path. Partners who accept their transition path will

retain their active status for one year, until the renewal of their program membership.

New anticorruption training requirement Microsoft holds itself to high standards for legal compliance and ethical business practices, and expects its partners to do the same. The Microsoft

Partner Network Agreement outlines specific requirements for compliance with anticorruption laws. To help you meet these requirements,

beginning in January 2014, we are requiring partners to provide anticorruption training to all employees who resell, distribute, or market Microsoft

products or services. If your company does not already have anticorruption training, you will have access to an online course through the Partner

Learning Center to satisfy the requirement.

Recent changes now in effect Business-critical phone support As of November 2013, we implemented a limitation on the number of business-critical phone support incidents available to gold and silver

partners. There are no changes to the current business-critical phone support limits for Microsoft Action Pack subscribers. The limits for competency

partners are 15 incidents for gold partners, and 10 incidents for silver partners.

Gold and silver competency partners will retain the 5-Pack benefit that is available today. Partners can also get no-cost support through the

Partner Support Community. Alternatively, partners can use their advisory hours for personalized deployment and development guidance from

experienced Microsoft technical consultants. Support beyond these limits is available by purchasing Premier Support for Partners plans.


New sign-in experience for Visual Studio 2013 Since the release of Microsoft Visual Studio 2013, users with non-perpetual licenses for Visual Studio Professional 2013, Visual Studio Premium

2013, and Visual Studio Ultimate 2013 are required to log in at least once every 30 days with a valid Microsoft account (formerly called a

Windows Live ID) that is associated to an active MSDN subscription. All licenses offered as a benefit through the Microsoft Partner Network are

non-perpetual, so partners using their MSDN subscriptions must sign in. Partners who continue to use Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 will not

experience this new sign-in requirement. One of the benefits of signing in is that settings will automatically be roamed across all Visual Studio 2013

or later installations for the user. There will be no changes to the behavior for other products (Windows, Windows Server, and Office) within

MSDN subscriber downloads.

Small Business Specialist Community program retirement Effective November 2013, the current Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) has been retired. Program enrollment, branding, and

additional benefits are no longer be available to partners as part of the Microsoft Partner Network. However, the Small Business competency is

available as an option for small business–focused partners. Plans are also being finalized to provide a partner-to-partner community for small

business–focused partners. Additional details will be announced in 2014.

http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Sign-in-to-Visual-Studio-2013

http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads/


Updates to partner incentives Microsoft partner incentives are designed to help partners develop robust businesses that align to key Microsoft priorities. At the beginning of each

fiscal year, these incentives are refreshed to adjust to changing business needs and priorities. Guides for each incentive program are available on

July 1 and describe the new terms and conditions for the coming year. The following table outlines the portfolio of incentives as of January 1, 2014.

Incentive type Description

Small and medium business The Managed Reseller and Commercial Distributor incentives are offered to accelerate Office 365

adoption, drive annuity contracts for growth and incubation products, and provide solution accelerators

for strategic workloads.

Enterprise The Major and Corporate Account incentives are combined, providing cross-segment consistency,

increased investment in the cloud and public sector, and streamlined reporting and eligibility. The goal is

to help partners drive Enterprise Agreement penetration and support the co-selling model with Microsoft.

Software Asset Management The Software Asset Management (SAM) incentive extends the previous year’s incentive, which requires

statements of work for SAM engagements to recruit more SAM-certified partners at the gold competency

level, across multiple partner types.

Online Microsoft Online incentives include Windows Azure, Channel Developer, and Online Services Advisor

incentives to accelerate customer transition to Microsoft Cloud Services, drive customer adoption and

seats through key online offerings, and expand the Cloud Partner ecosystem.

Solution Microsoft solution incentives will be retired on January 1, 2014.

SPLA Reseller The Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) Reseller incentive helps drive platform

adoption and reward operational excellence in reporting, compliance, reach, and productivity.

The portfolio of

incentives goes live on

a rolling schedule as

follows:

July 1, 2013

Managed Reseller

Distributor

Online Services Advisor

Windows Azure

October 1, 2013

Enterprise

Solution

SAM Services

November 1, 2013

Channel Developer

January 1, 2014

SPLA Reseller


MICROSOFT ACTION PACK CHANGES

Redesign of the Action Pack subscription Microsoft Action Pack subscriptions are constantly evolving to address your business needs and improve your partner experience. As part of

this evolution, in February 2014, cloud benefits will be integrated into the Action Pack subscription. As an Action Pack subscriber, you will

have access to marketing, technical, and readiness tools that can help you capitalize on the growing cloud opportunities within the small and

medium business (SMB) segment.

In addition, over the next year, the Microsoft Partner Network will be making additional changes to the Action Pack subscription model, which will

provide more choices, flexibility, and value for partners. The new Action Pack subscription will replace the current Action Pack Development and

Design subscription and Action Pack Solution Provider subscription options with one universal subscription that includes resources and benefits

relevant to all partners who serve SMB customers, with emphasis on cloud services.

New Action Pack subscription benefits When partners renew their subscriptions, they will automatically be enrolled in the new Action Pack, and partners who sign up for an Action Pack

subscription before the new one is launched will have access to the new Action Pack benefits immediately. These benefits include:

Internal-use software licenses* to support up to a 10-person organization—deployed through Microsoft Cloud Services or

on-premises software.

Technical support, which includes access to online and telephone support for presales, technical, and deployment issues.

Training, through more than 2,000 training courses about selling, configuring, and implementing Microsoft products and services,

along with savings on Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams.

Developer tools, including world-class Visual Studio developer tools, and MSDN subscriptions to support development across

Microsoft platforms, including desktop, phone, server, and web.

Bing Ads credits, with US$600 in Bing Ads credits (US$100 for partners, US$500 for your customers) to market products, services, and

solutions. Submit requests to receive Bing Ads credits.

Campaigns, with exclusive access to Partner Marketing Center materials for Microsoft products and services.

In February 2014, the

Microsoft Partner

Network will launch a

new, more-robust

version of the

Microsoft Action Pack

subscription.

http://advertise.bingads.microsoft.com/en-us/home


Internal-use software benefits changes for Action Pack Cloud services benefits Effective February 2014, Microsoft Action Pack subscribers will have access to Microsoft cloud services internal-use software licenses. Partners will

have access to the same core benefits as today. Review your license statement in the Partner Network Digital Distribution Portal for details about

your current core internal-use software licenses benefits. In addition, partners will have the opportunity to exchange current on-premises core

benefits for access to Microsoft Cloud Services internal-use software benefits. The following table shows available internal-use software benefits for

Microsoft cloud services, effective February 2014.

Cloud service SKU Action Pack benefit Comments

Office 365 E3 5 seats Each seat of Office 365 used in exchange for one on-premises

client access license (CAL) (Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft

Exchange, and Lync).

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Online

CRMIUR (similar to

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Online Professional)

5 seats (requires

additional Microsoft

Dynamics CRM or Office

365 sales)

Requires an active Certified Software Advisor agreement. (Find

more details through the Microsoft Dynamics Certified Software

Advisor Fee Overview.); or 50 or more seats of Office 365 sales

in the previous 12 months, to qualify.

Action Pack partners continue to receive internal-use software

licenses for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Workgroup Server, which

includes up to 5 users.

Partners can take advantage of a discounted offer for CRM Online

as well. See the Internal Use Software Benefits Changes for

Competencies section for further details.

Windows Intune Cloud service only 5 licenses Up to five devices per license. Each license of Windows Intune used

in exchange for one on-premises CAL of Microsoft System Center

Device Manager.

Windows Azure Not applicable US$100 monthly credit Windows Azure credit is in addition to current on-premises

internal-use software licenses.

*Partners can earn additional Office 365 licenses by selling Microsoft Online Services. Partners are eligible to receive an additional five seats of Office 365 after

selling 25 seats of Office 365 within the previous 12 months.

Project Online and Visio Online internal-use licenses Internal-use software licenses for the Microsoft Project Online and Microsoft Visio Online are under review currently. Upcoming Disclosure Guide

updates will provide additional details about internal-use software benefits for these online services.

https://mbs.microsoft.com/downloads/public/csa_overview.htm

https://mbs.microsoft.com/downloads/public/csa_overview.htm


Resource Centers Six Resource Centers will be available when the new Action Pack subscription is launched. These centers will organize and recommend content,

resources and benefits based on core business practices.

Application

Development and

Design

Device Design and

Development Hosting Managed Services Professional Services Reselling

Designed for partners

that develop

commercial and

consumer applications

on Microsoft

platforms, which

include client, server,

phone, tablet, and

Windows Azure.


building devices on

the Windows

Embedded platform

with an interest in

expanding to other

Microsoft-based

devices over time.


that host Microsoft

software with a focus

on licensing, technical

support, and training.


interested in building

a managed service

practice.


that have built

integration and

deployment practices

and offer general

services including

technical support,

software, and training.


that resell on-

premises software,

cloud services, and

hybrid solutions.

Partners will receive

licensing, presales and

competitive

opportunity support.


COMPETENCY CHANGES

An update to announced competency changes As recently announced, we’ve decided to reprioritize the timing of certain program updates communicated at the Worldwide Partner Conference in

July 2013. This includes delaying many of the previously communicated changes for competencies. Review this section to understand what will still

be changing in February 2014. In addition, review the appendix to this document for detailed information about upcoming changes specific to the

requirements of particular Microsoft Partner Network competencies.

The following changes will remain in February 2014.

Introducing the Intelligent Systems competency: The Microsoft Partner Network is excited to introduce the Intelligent Systems competency,

which will be launched in February 2014, in response to the emergence of the concept known as the Internet of Things, in which objects are

connected to the internet and to each other, allowing them to send and receive data. To address this market opportunity, partners are beginning to

leverage intelligent systems solutions—end-to-end solutions that connect industry devices to back-end systems and drive business intelligence. A

2013 IDC report estimates that by 2017, intelligent systems will represent more than 87 percent of worldwide embedded systems revenue, which

represents a market of more than US$2.7 trillion.*

The new Intelligent Systems competency is designed specifically for partners who are developing end-to-end intelligent systems solutions. Through

the Intelligent Systems competency, partners can gain access to the marketing and support they need to develop and drive an intelligent systems

business practice.

*IDC, Worldwide Intelligent Systems: 2013-2017 Market Forecasts and Analysis: The Rise of Intelligent Systems, doc #241359, July 2013.

Digital Marketing competency renamed Digital Advertising: Digital marketing is a broad concept, and a potentially misleading term. In 2012,

we modified the Digital Marketing competency to focus on our Bing Advertising partners. To complete the transition, in February 2014, the name

will be changed to Digital Advertising, and requirements will be updated, to better reflect what Bing partners do.

Application track added to Collaboration and Content competency: Beginning in February 2014, an application track will be added to the

Collaboration and Content competency for partners who develop solutions for SharePoint. New silver and gold SharePoint application tests will be

available through Microsoft Platform Ready.

Delay of launch of User Experience Design competency: We will no longer be adding a new competency called User Experience Design. Instead,

we will offer partners the opportunity to gain skills and differentiate themselves, by embedding core elements within the already established Devices

and Deployment and Application Development competencies.

In this section, you can

learn more about

upcoming competency

changes, including

details about the

integration of cloud

internal-use software

licenses into core

partner benefits.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/intelligent-systems.aspx

http://www.microsoftplatformready.com/home.aspx


Internal-use software benefits changes for competencies Cloud services internal-use software benefits integration Effective February 2014, all competency partners will have access to Microsoft cloud services (Office 365, Windows Azure, Windows Intune, and

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online) internal-use software benefits as a part of their core benefits.

Review your license statement in the Partner Digital Distribution Portal for details about your current core internal-use software benefits.

For a variety of internal-use software licenses, partners will have the opportunity to exchange current on-premises core internal-use software

licenses for access to cloud internal-use software benefits. The following table shows the available cloud internal-use software benefits.

Cloud service SKU

Gold competency

core benefit

Silver competency

core benefit Comments

Office 365 E3 100 seats 25 seats One seat of Office 365 equals one on-premises client

access license (CAL) (SharePoint, Exchange, and Lync).

Office Pro Plus 2013 licenses transfer to Office 365 E3 use

rights.

Microsoft Dynamics

CRM Online CRMIUR (similar to

Microsoft Dynamics

CRM Online

Professional)

60 seats 15 seats One seat of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online equals one

on-premises CAL of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Windows Intune Cloud service only 100 licenses 25 licenses Up to 5 devices per license. Each license of Windows

Intune equals one on-premises CAL of System Center

Device Client Management Suite, System Center

Configuration Manager, and Microsoft System Center

Endpoint Protection.

Windows Azure Not applicable US$100 monthly

credit

US$100 monthly

credit

Windows Azure credit is in addition to any current on-

premises internal-use software licenses.

Cloud and on-premises licenses can be used in any combination, up to the maximum total benefit available. For example, a partner organization

with a gold competency can use 50 cloud licenses of Office 365, and up to 50 licenses of on-premises CALs for SharePoint, Lync, and Exchange,

along with aligned server products (SharePoint Server 2013, Lync Server 2013, and Exchange Server 2013 Enterprise), or any combination equaling

100 or fewer.


The following tables outline where cloud and on-premises internal-use software benefits overlap.

Productivity cloud and on-premises services offerings

Cloud On-premises

Silver competency

initial license grant

Gold competency


Office 365 (E3) seats Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2013

Exchange Server 2013 Enterprise CALs (includes

Standard CALs)

Lync Server 2013 Enterprise CALs

Lync Server 2013 Plus CALs

Lync Server 2013 Standard CALs

SharePoint Server 2013 Enterprise CALs (includes

Standard CALs)

25 100

Available for on-premises use

Server products will be used with any

CALs remaining in use, and can be used

at all times for demo, testing, and

development purposes.

Microsoft Office Multi-Language Pack 2013 20 75

Microsoft Project Professional 2013 2 5

Microsoft Visio Professional 2013 2 5

Microsoft Project Server 2013 1 1

Microsoft Project Server 2013 CALs (cloud offering,

Project Online, to be determined)

10 20

Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Enterprise 2 2

Microsoft Lync Server 2013 1 2

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 2 2

Business solutions cloud and on-premises services offerings

Cloud On-premises

Silver competency


Gold competency


Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Pro

(user subscription)

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 CALs 15 60






Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 1 1


Management solutions cloud and on-premises services offerings

Cloud On-premises

Silver competency


Gold competency


Windows Intune Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Client

Management Suite Client management license (ML)

Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Configuration

Management Client ML

Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Endpoint

Protection

25 100






Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Standard 2 4

Additional licenses Additional toolkits

Reminder: Partners may qualify for and purchase additional toolkits by earning competencies in additional locations, incrementally earning total

internal-use software licenses at the core license level for that location (country and worldwide maximums apply).

For example, a partner with a Gold Application Development competency will be entitled to use up to 100 seats of Office 365. If that partner

becomes eligible for an additional toolkit by earning an additional gold competency at another location, this partner will be entitled to use up to

200 seats of Office 365.

Learn more about additional toolkits.

Learn more about country and worldwide maximums.

Other ways to earn additional licenses

Additional Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online seats can be earned by achieving a Gold or Silver CRM competency (20 seats for gold and 10

for silver).

Gold and silver competency partners can purchase discounted internal-use software licenses (Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional

only, up to 100 seats at US$45 per month, per seat. For details, review the “Partner discount offer for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online”

item on page 17.

On-premises server licenses

If a partner organization is using online versions of internal-use software benefits exclusively, server licenses can still be used for development,

testing, demonstration, or internal training.

http://aka.ms/complicbenefits

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/access-software-licensing-benefits.aspx


Project Online and Visio Online Internal-use software benefits for these Online Services products are under review currently. Upcoming Disclosure Guide updates will provide

additional details.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM benefits update Internal-use software benefits model updates

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM benefits model will be updated in February 2014 for new and renewing partners. Partners with a gold competency

will receive internal-use software licenses for any combination of Microsoft Dynamics CRM or Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online equaling 60 total

seats. Partners with a silver competency will have access to 15 total seats of any combination of Microsoft Dynamics CRM or Microsoft Dynamics

CRM Online.

The objective for this benefit is to provide enough licenses for gold competency partners to run a 100-person organization and for silver

competency partners to run a 25-person organization. Because typically only certain roles in an organization require access to Microsoft Dynamics

CRM or Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online licenses, the benefits model is being updated to reflect these license needs.

Partner discount offer for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Microsoft partners who qualify for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online internal-use software benefits through a Microsoft Action Pack subscription or a

competency are eligible for a discount offer on additional seats beyond those granted in their core benefits. Beginning February 2014, partners can

purchase up to 100 seats of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Professional worldwide per virtual organization for US$45 per seat, per month. The

US$45 discount offer will replace the current US$19 per seat, per month offer. Partners who are not enrolled in Action Pack or have not attained a

competency must purchase Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online licenses before their annual renewal date to avoid losing access to their Microsoft

Dynamics CRM Online tenant.

Additional non-production instances of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Partners are eligible to receive four non-production instances of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online by attaining a Gold CRM competency, or two non-

production instances of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for a Silver CRM competency. Non-production instances must be used exclusively for

development, testing, demonstration, or internal training.

Small Business competency cloud benefits The Small Business competency will be updated to the same benefits model as all other competencies for cloud benefits. See the preceding cloud

services benefits table for details about specific internal-use software benefits for gold and silver competencies.


Yammer internal-use software benefits Yammer Enterprise is now available for partners as a part of Office 365 internal-use software benefits provided through the Microsoft cloud

programs. Partners can visit the Office 365 Administration Portal (in the “service overview” tab under “included service”) to check if Yammer is

available for their account, and then activate it. Note that this is a rolling release and all active partners that are currently taking advantage of

Office 365 internal-use software benefits should see the link in their tenant through the administration portal by the end of November. Yammer will

be automatically included with all new accounts. Find more information about how to activate your account, and access detailed

step-by-step instructions

Other cross-competency changes Licensing assessment Effective February 2014, silver and gold competency partners will no longer be required to pass the licensing overview assessment to obtain the

competencies indicated in the Competency Updates Overview. Licensing content is now part of each sales assessment.

Presales technical assessments Effective February 2014, presales technical assessments will be required to earn the Collaboration and Content, Communications, Customer

Relationship Management, Business Intelligence, Devices and Deployment, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Messaging competencies to help

partners in their presales activities and to enable partners to win more deals.

Effective date change for new customer reference requirements The number of customer references required for application tracks adapted to independent software vendor (ISV) partners was previously

communicated to take effect in January 2014. However, this competency change will be implemented at a later date, likely during the second

quarter of calendar year 2014. The number of required customer references will then be increased from three to five for silver competencies and

from five to 10 for gold competencies. This change is being made to better reflect the specifics of the ISV business model and to help improve

parity between competency tracks. ISV track application tests are available for the following competencies:

Application Development

Business Intelligence

Collaboration and Content

Communications

Data Platform

Intelligent Systems (new in February 2014)

Management and Virtualization

Messaging

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Solutions/access-cloud-partner-program-benefits.aspx

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Solutions/access-cloud-partner-program-benefits.aspx

https://about.yammer.com/o365/

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ie/office365-suite-help/upgrade-your-network-to-yammer-enterprise-HA104118334.aspx?CTT=1


Competency updates overview The new Intelligent Systems competency is being added, and the name of the Digital Marketing competency is being changed to Digital Advertising

in February 2014. Use the following chart to identify the additional program changes that will occur within your competencies in February.

Competency

Licensing assessment

retirement Assessment changes Exam changes

Application Development ● ● ●

Application Integration ● ● ●

Application Lifecycle Management ● ● ●

Business Intelligence ● ● ●

Collaboration and Content ● ● ●

Communications ● ● ●

Customer Relationship Management ● ●

Data Platform ● ● ●

Devices and Deployment ● ● ●

Digital Advertising ●

Distributor

Enterprise Resource Planning ● ●

Hosting ● ● ●

Identity and Access ● ● ●

Intelligent Systems ● ●

Learning ● ●

Management and Virtualization ● ● ●

Messaging ● ● ●

Midmarket Solution Provider ● ● ●

Mobility ●

OEM ● ●

Project and Portfolio Management ● ● ●

Server Platform ● ●

Small Business ● ●

Software Asset Management ● ●

Volume Licensing


APPENDIX: COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS CHANGES

How to use this information This appendix is intended to provide detailed information about upcoming changes specific to Microsoft Partner Network competencies. The

requirements and benefits changes listed here for each competency reflect the to-be requirements and benefits for February 2014, as of the date of

publication. Note, however, that if a specific competency is not mentioned in this guide, it is because requirements for that competency are not

changing at this time.

Use this information together with the preceding Disclosure of Upcoming Program Changes Guide and the Microsoft Partner Portal to ensure that

your organization continues to meet the requirements necessary to maintain your status in the Partner Network.

Note: Some items are subject to change. In such cases, updated editions will be published as soon as possible to communicate these changes to

partners.

http://mspartner.microsoft.com/


Appendix: Changes to Application Development competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and application test requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment.

Tier Track Requirements Benefits

Silver Systems Integration

(consulting services-oriented

partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Business Assessments:

Retiring: Licensing Assessment

New: None

Technical Tests, Exams and Certifications:

Retiring:

70-506: TS: Silverlight 4, Development

70-511: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

70-512: TS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration

70-513: TS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

70-515: TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

70-516: TS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

70-518: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4

70-519: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0

70-521: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Windows Developer Skills to MCPD

.NET 4.0 Windows Applications Developer

70-523: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Web Developer Skills to MCPD .NET

Framework 4.0 Web Developer

70-583: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications

New: None

NEW AND RETIRING BENEFITS

Retiring: None

New: None

DETAILED LIST OF FEBRUARY 2014 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Business Assessments: None


Two individuals each must pass one of the following:

70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3

70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript

70-482: Advanced Store App Development using HTML5 and JavaScript

70-483: Programming in C#

70-484: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps in C#

70-485: Advanced Store App Development using C#

70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications

70-487: Developing Windows Azure and Web Services

Customer evidence: No change

Revenue: No change

Application

(development-oriented

partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring Application Tests:

SQL Azure Platform Ready Test


Retiring: None

New: 20 percent discount on Business Modeling Session

with Tellus International

http://www.tellusinternational.com/microsoft-mpn-partner-benefit/


Windows 7 Platform Ready Test

Windows 7 Logo Test

Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready Test

Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready for SAAS Applications Test

Windows Azure Platform Ready

New Application Tests:

Silver Competency Test for Windows Phone 8

Silver Competency Test for Windows Server 2012 R2




Your organization must have one product or application that has passed one of the following

application tests:

Competency Test for Windows 8

Silver Competency Test for Windows Server 2012

Silver Competency Test for Windows Server 2012 R2


NOTE: Qualifying gold application tests are also valid toward earning the Silver Application

Development competency.


Revenue: No change

Gold Systems Integration

(consulting services-oriented

partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

MCPD: Windows Developer 4

MCPD: Web Developer 4

MCPD: Silverlight Developer 4

MCPD: Windows Azure Developer 4

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Four unique individuals each must hold one of the following certifications:

MCSD: Web Apps

MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5

MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using C#


Revenue: No change


Application

(development oriented

partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring:

Gold Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 Test

Gold Windows 7 Logo Test

Gold Windows Azure Platform Ready Test

Gold Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready for SAAS Applications Test

Windows 7 Platform ready

Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready

SQL Azure Platform Ready

New:

Gold Competency Test for Windows Phone 8

Gold competency test for Windows Server 2012 R2


Retiring: None

New: 30% discount on Business Modeling Session with

Tellus International





application tests:


Gold competency Test for Windows Server 2012


Gold competency Test for Windows Phone 8


Revenue: No change



Appendix: Changes to Application Integration competency, February 2014

We are updating exam requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. We are retiring the application track

from this competency.



(consulting services oriented

partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-595: TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions by Using Microsoft BizTalk

Server 2010


2006 R2


Server 2006

Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

Exam 70-453: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database

Administrator 2008

Exam 70-454: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP Database Developer Skills to MCITP Database

Developer 2008

Exam 70-511: TS: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Exam 70-513: TS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET

Framework 4

Exam 70-515: TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Exam 70-516: TS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Exam 70-518: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET

Framework 4

Exam 70-519: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Exam 70-521: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Windows Developer Skills to

MCPD .NET 4.0 Windows Applications Developer

Exam 70-523: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework Web Developer Skills to MCPD .NET

Framework 4.0 Web Developer

Exam 70-583: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications

New:

BizTalk Technical Competency Assessment for Application Integration (BizTalk Server 2013)

Exam 70-487: Developing Windows Azure and Web Services

Exam 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases


Retiring: None

New: None



One individual must pass the following:

Sales Specialist Assessment for Application Integration


Two individuals each must pass the following:



The same two individuals must also pass one of the following:




Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

The Application track is retired as of February 2014 given this competency is custom

development-focused.



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

MCPD: Microsoft Visual Studio 2010

New:

Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

New BizTalk 2013 technical assessment


Exam 70-483: Programming in C#


Exam 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases


Retiring: None

New: None



Two individuals must pass the following:

Sales Specialist Assessment for Application Integration


FOUR UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS MUST EACH PASS THE FOLLOWING:


Three of these individuals must pass the following:


The same three individuals also must pass one of the following:



The fourth individual must pass the following:





Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

The Application track is retired as of February 2014 given this competency is custom

development-focused.


Appendix: Changes to Application Lifecycle Management competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and application test requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. At the same

time, we are offering partners more flexibility by allowing more individuals to hold the total number of required exams/certifications.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-512: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Application Lifecycle Management Sales Specialist assessment


We are modifying the distribution of certification across individuals. The February 2014 structure is as

follows:


70-496: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2012, Administration

70-498: Delivering Continuous Value with Visual Studio Application Lifecycle Management

One individual must pass one of the following:

70-497: Software Testing with Visual Studio 2012

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Professional Scrum Master level 1 (PSM I)

Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master


Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-512: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None





Application Lifecycle Management Sales Specialist assessment


Four unique individuals each must pass the following:

70-496: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2012, Administration

70-498: Delivering Continuous Value with Visual Studio Application Lifecycle Management


70-497: Software Testing with Visual Studio 2012

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Professional Scrum Master level 1 (PSM I)

Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master

Customer evidence: No Change

Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Business Intelligence competency, February 2014

We are updating exam requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment.




partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring: Exams and Certifications

Exam 70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance


Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

Exam 70-667: TS: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010, Configuring

New:

Exam 70-457: Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1



Retiring: None

New: None




Sales and Marketing Competency Assessment for Business Intelligence


Presales Technical Competency Assessment for Business Intelligence



Exam 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Exam 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports

Exam 70-467: Designing BI Solutions

Another individual must pass one of the following:

Exam 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012






Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



Retiring: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None






Your organization must have one product or application that has passed the designated application

test:

Silver SQL Server BI 2012 Platform Ready


Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring Exams and Certifications:

MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008

MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Exam 70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Applications

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales and Marketing Competency Assessment for Business Intelligence

One unique individual must pass the following:

Presales Technical Competency Assessment for Business Intelligence


Two unique individuals each must pass the following:

MCSE: Business Intelligence

Two other unique individuals each must pass the following:

Exam 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with MS SQL Server 2012

Exam 70-467: Designing BI Solutions with MS SQL Server 2012




Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None






Your organization must have one product or application that has passed the designated application

test:

Gold SQL Server BI 2012 Platform Ready


Revenue: No change



Appendix: Changes to Collaboration and Content competency, February 2014

We are updating exam requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. We are adding an application track

enabling development-focused partners to qualify via an application test.




partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Collaboration & Content Presales technical assessment


Retiring:

70-667: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuring

70-668: PRO: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Administrator

MCITP: SharePoint Administrator 2010

MCM: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




The Collaboration and Content sales assessment


The Collaboration and Content Presales technical assessment



70-331: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Core Solutions

70-332: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Advanced Solutions

70-488: Core Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development

70-489: Advanced Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development

70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

70-576: PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Applications

MCSD: SharePoint Applications

MCSE: SharePoint

MCSM: SharePoint

MCPD: SharePoint Developer 2010


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: N/A

New:


NOTE: This is a new track as of

February 2014


Retiring: None

New: Silver competency test for SharePoint

Other:

Customer evidence

Silver competency fee

Please visit the Collaboration and Content

competency page on the Microsoft Partner Network

site

20% discount on Business Modeling Session with





Your organization must submit one application that passes the following:

Silver competency test for SharePoint

Customer evidence:

3 customer references related to an implementation of your organization’s application built on

SharePoint Server 2010, SharePoint Server 2013, or SharePoint Online.

Fee:

Pay the silver competency fee



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Collaboration & Content Presales technical assessment


Retiring:

70-667: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuring

70-668: PRO: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Administrator

MCITP: SharePoint Administrator


New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




The Collaboration and Content sales assessment


The Collaboration and Content Presales technical assessment



70-331: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Core Solutions

70-332: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Advanced Solutions

OR have one of these certifications:

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/collaboration-and-content-competency.aspx




MCSE: SharePoint

MCSM: SharePoint

Another two unique individuals each must pass two exams from the following:

70-488: Core Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development OR 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010,

Application Development

70-489: Advanced Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development OR 70-576: PRO: Designing and

Developing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Applications

OR have one of these certifications:

MCPD: SharePoint Developer 2010

MCSD for SharePoint Applications


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

NOTE: This is a new track as of

February 2014

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: none


Retiring: None

New: Gold competency test for SharePoint

Other:

Customer evidence

Agree to a revenue goal

Gold competency fee


Retiring: N/A

New:

Please visit the Collaboration and Content

competency page on the Microsoft Partner Network

site






Your organization must submit one application that passes the following:

Gold competency test for SharePoint

Customer evidence:

5 customer references related to an implementation of your organization’s application built on

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010, SharePoint Server 2013, or SharePoint Online

Participate in the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT index)

Revenue:

Agree to a revenue goal (refer to revenue guide)

Fee:

Pay the gold competency fee

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcse-sharepoint-certification.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/mcsm-sharepoint-certification.aspx





Appendix: Changes to Communications competency, February 2014





partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Communications Presales Technical assessment


Retiring:

70-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring

70-665: PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrating

MCITP: Lync Server Administrator 2010

MCM: Microsoft Lync Server 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Communications Sales assessment


Communications Presales Technical assessment



70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

70-337: Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013

OR have one of the following certifications:

MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:



Retiring: None








Lync Online Platform Ready Test

Silver Lync Server 2010 Test

New:

Competency Test for Lync Online v.2





70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

70-337: Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013


MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication

Your organization must have one application that has passed one of the following application tests:

Competency test for Lync Server 2013



Revenue: No change

IHV

(hardware vendor partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:



New: None

Customer Evidence:

Retiring: No customer references required for the IHV track


Retiring: None

New: None





Exam 70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Exam 70-337: Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013

http://en-us.lionbridge.com/ProductEngg.aspx?pageid=1210&LangType=1033




MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication

Your organization must have one qualified solution approved through the Unified Communications

Open Interoperability Program for Lync Server (involving devices, video, networking infrastructure, load

balancers, or communication services and infrastructure)

Customer evidence: None

Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Communications Presales Technical assessment


Retiring:





New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Communications Sales assessment


Communications Presales Technical assessment






MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None


Retiring: None

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lync/gg131938

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lync/gg131938


New: None


Retiring:



74-322 Microsoft Lync Server 2010 - Advanced Design and Deployment Exam.



Lync Online Platform Ready Test

Gold Windows Server 2008 R2 and Lync Server 2010 Tests

New: Application Tests











MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication

Your company must also have one application that has passed one of the following application tests:

Competency test for Lync Server 2013



Revenue: No change

IHV

(hardware vendor partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:



New: None

Customer Evidence:

Retiring: No customer references required for the IHV track

Revenue:

Retiring: Gold revenue goal


Retiring: None

New: None












MCSE: Communication

MCSM: Communication

Your organization must have one qualified solution approved through the Unified Communications

Open Interoperability Program for Lync Server (involving devices, video, networking infrastructure, load

balancers, or communication services and infrastructure)

Customer evidence: None

Revenue: No revenue goal


Appendix: Changes to Customer Relationship Management competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and application test requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. We are

increasing the annual license revenue goal for the application track.


Silver VAR

(value-added resellers)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New:

Exam MB2-703: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Customization and Configuration

Exam MB2-700: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Applications

Exam MB2-702: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Installation & Deployment


Retiring: None

New: None




2011 Standard Sales Assessment - Customer Relationship Management

2011 Sales Specialist Assessment - Customer Relationship Management


Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for CRM 2011


At least three individuals collectively must pass all of the following (all individuals must pass at least one

exam):


OR



OR


Exam MB2-867: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Installation and Deployment

OR



MB5-858: Managing Microsoft Dynamics Implementations Certification Exam

MB5-705: Managing Microsoft Dynamics Implementations


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



Retiring: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New:




Competency test for Dynamics CRM 2013






Your organization must deliver a product or application that has passed the Competency test for

Dynamics CRM 2013

At least three individuals collectively must pass all of the following (all individuals must pass at least one

exam):


OR



OR



OR






Revenue: No change

Gold VAR

(value-added resellers)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New:





Retiring: None

New: None





Two individuals must pass one of the following:

2011 Standard Sales Assessment - Customer Relationship Management

2011 Sales Specialist Assessment - Customer Relationship Management.


Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for CRM 2011


At least six unique individuals collectively must pass all of the following (all individuals must pass at

least 1 exam):


OR



OR



OR


Three individuals each must pass one of the following:

MB5-858: Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2012 Implementation Methodology



Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New:




Competency test for Dynamics CRM 2013


Retiring: None






Your organization must deliver a product or application that has passed the Competency test for

Dynamics CRM 2013

At least six unique individuals collectively must pass all of the following (all individuals must pass at

least 1 exam):




OR



OR



OR


One individual must pass one of the following exams:

MB5-858: Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2012 Implementation Methodology



Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Data Platform competency, February 2014





partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:


Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Database Development


Exam 70-450: PRO: Designing, Optimizing, and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution

Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Exam 70-451: PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server

2008

Exam 70-453: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP SQL Server 2005 DBA to MCITP SQL Server 2008

Exam 70-454: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP SQL Server 2005 DBA to MCITP SQL Server 2008

DBD

Exam 70-455: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP Business Intelligence Developer Skills to MCITP

Business Intelligence Developer 2008

New:




Retiring: None

New: None



One individual must pass the Sales and Marketing Assessment for Data Platform.



Exam 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012




Exam 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Exam 70-457:Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1

Exam 70-458:Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 2

Exam 70-459: Transition Your MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 or MCITP: Database Developer

2008 to MCSE: Data Platform


Revenue: No change


Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Silver SQL Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready Test

New: None


Retiring: None






Your organization must have one product or application that has passed the following application test:

Silver SQL Server 2012 Platform Ready Test


Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:

MCITP: Database Administrator 2008

MCITP: Database Developer 2008

MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

MCA: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

New: None



Two individuals must pass the Sales and Marketing Assessment for Data Platform.


Two unique individuals must each hold the following certification:

MCSE: Data Platform

Another two unique individuals each must pass one of the following:

Exam 70-464: Developing Databases

Exam 70-465: Designing Database Solutions

MCSE Data Platform



Retiring: None

New: None



Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Gold SQL Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready Test

Gold Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 Test

New: None




Your organization must have one product or application that has passed the following application test:

Gold SQL Server 2012 Platform Ready Test


Revenue: No change


Retiring: None





Appendix: Changes to Devices and Deployment competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and assessment requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Devices and Deployment


Retiring: None

New: Technical assessment for Devices and Deployment


Retiring: None

New: None

DETAILED LIST OF FEBRUARY 2014 REQUIREMENTS


One individual must pass the Sales Specialist Assessment for Devices and Deployment

One individual must pass the Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Devices and Deployment


Option 1:


Exam 70-681: TS: Windows and Office 2010, Deploying

Option 2:


Exam 70-688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8

Exam 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA: Windows 8

Both individuals must also pass:

Technical Assessment for Devices and Deployment


Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Devices and Deployment


Retiring: None

New: Technical Assessment for Devices and Deployment


Retiring: None

New: None




Two individuals must pass the Sales Specialist Assessment for Devices and Deployment

One unique individual must pass the Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Devices and

Deployment


Option 1:

Four unique individuals each must pass one of the following:

MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7

MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure

The same four individuals must also pass the following:

Exam 70-681: TS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deploying

Option 2:


Exam 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure

Technical Assessment for Devices and Deployment

The same four individuals must also pass one of the following:


Exam 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Digital Advertising competency, February 2014

We are renaming the Digital Marketing competency to Digital Advertising to more precisely reflect the solution that partners in this competency offer. At the same time we are changing the requirements to focus

entirely on our Bing advertising solutions.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3

Exam 70-573: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None



One individual must pass the Digital Marketing Sales and Marketing assessment



Bing Ads Accredited Professional exam


Bing Ads API technical assessment

Bing SEO technical assessment


Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:


Exam 70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 and JavaScript

Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.Net MVC 4 Web Applications


New: None


Retiring: None

New: None



Two individuals must pass the Digital Marketing Sales and Marketing assessment




Bing Ads Accredited Professional exam


Bing Ads API technical assessment

Bing SEO technical assessment


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Enterprise Resource Planning competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and application test requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. We are also

increasing the revenue goals and introducing BREP revenue recapture rate requirements for the VAR track.


Silver VAR

(value-added reseller partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: Presales Technical Specialist assessment for ERP


Retiring:

Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance

Exam MB7-838: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 Installation and Configuration

Exam MB7-841: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 C/SIDE Solution Development

Exam MB7-839: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 Core Setup and Finance

Exam MB3-859: Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Financials

Exam MB3-861: Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Installation and Configuration

Exam MB5-856: Microsoft Dynamics C5 2010 Application Consultant

New: None

Other:

Changing:

Revenue: Total annual gross revenue goal is changing for VAR track:

Market A: from $50,000 to $75,000

Market B & C: from $25,000 to $40,000

New:

BREP Revenue Recapture Rate:

Market A: 65%

Market B & C: 40%


Retiring: None

New: None




Standard Sales Assessment - Enterprise Resource Planning

Sales Specialist Assessment - Enterprise Resource Planning

One individual must pass a Presales assessment:

Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for ERP





Three individuals collectively must complete one of the following options (all individuals must pass at

least 1 exam from a particular option):


Option 1 (Microsoft Dynamics AX):

Exam MB6-869: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Development Introduction

Exam MB6-870: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Trade and Logistics

Exam MB6-871: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Financials

Exam MB6-872: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Installation and Configuration


Exam 70-573: MCTS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

OR

Exam 70-488: Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions

Option 2 (Microsoft Dynamics GP):

Exam MB3-701: Microsoft GP 2013 Financials

Exam MB3-700: Microsoft GP 2013 Installation and Configuration


Option 3 (Microsoft Dynamics NAV):



Exam MB7-702: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 C/Side Development


Option 4 (Microsoft Dynamics RMS):

Exam MB5-845: POS 2009

and one of the following:

Exam MB5-537: Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System 2.0 Store Operations

Exam MB5-538: Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System 2.0 Headquarters

Option 5 (Microsoft Dynamics SL):

Exam MB4-873: Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 Financials

Exam MB4-874: Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 Installation and Configuration


Option 6 (Microsoft Dynamics C5 - Denmark and Iceland only):



Revenue:

Total annual gross revenue goal:

Market A: $75,000

Market B & C: $40,000

AND


Market A: 65%

Market B & C: 40%

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None






Retiring Application Tests: None

Retiring Exams and Certifications:








Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0

New:

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011

Other:

Changing:

Revenue: Total annual gross revenue goal is changing for application track:

Market A: from $250,000 to $400,000

Market B & C: from $125,000 to $200,000




Your organization must submit one product that has passed one of the following Software Solution

tests:

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013

Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011

Credentials:




Three individuals collectively must complete one of the following options (all individuals must pass at

least 1 exam from a particular option):


Exam MB6-869: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Development Introduction

Exam MB6-870: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Trade and Logistics

Exam MB6-871: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Financials

Exam MB6-872: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Installation and Configuration



Exam 70-573: MCTS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

OR









Exam MB7-702: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 C/Side Development














Revenue:


Market A: $400,000

Market B & C: $200,000

Gold VAR

(value-added reseller partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: Presales Technical Specialist assessment for ERP


Retiring:







New: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Other:

Changing:

Revenue: Total annual gross revenue goal is changing for VAR track:

Market A: from $100,000 to $175,000

Market B & C: from $50,000 to $75,000

New:


Market A: 85%

Market B & C: 60%




Standard Sales Assessment - Enterprise Resource Planning

Sales Specialist Assessment - Enterprise Resource Planning


Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for ERP


Three individuals must pass one of the following:



Six unique individuals collectively must complete one of the following options (all individuals must pass

at least 1 exam from a particular option):


MB6-869: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Development Introduction

MB6-870: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Trade and Logistics

MB6-871: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Financials

MB6-872: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Installation and Configuration



OR








Exam MB7-701: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 Core Setup and Finance Configuration

Exam MB7-702: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 C/Side Solution Development Configuration















Revenue:


Market A: $175,000

Market B & C: $75,000

AND


Market A: 85%

Market B & C: 60%

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:








New: None

Other:

Changing:

Revenue: Total annual gross revenue goal is changing for application track:

Market A: from $500,000 to $750,000

Market B & C: from $250,000 to $400,000


Retiring: None






Your organization must submit a product or application that has passed the qualifying application test:

Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD)



NOTE: Qualifying applications include developed and marketed, packaged software solutions based on

Microsoft technologies. Custom-written applications not meant for resale do not qualify.




Six unique individuals collectively must complete one of the following options (all individuals must pass

at least 1 exam from a particular option):


MB6-869: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Development Introduction

MB6-870: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Trade and Logistics

MB6-871: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Financials

MB6-872: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Installation and Configuration



OR








Exam MB7-701: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 Core Setup and Finance Configuration

Exam MB7-702: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 C/Side Solution Development Configuration














Revenue:


Market A: $750,000

Market B & C: $400,000


Appendix: Changes to Hosting competency, February 2014

As previously communicated we plan to retire this competency Q3 calendar year 2014 and instead include a special hosting partner track in other competencies. Until then, partners can earn the Hosting

competency which has been updated with new exam and assessment options reflecting the most recent product releases. We encourage partners to qualify via the new assessments and exams which will also

count towards the new hosting tracks in Q3 calendar year 2014.


Silver

N/A SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New:

Sales Specialist Assessment for Datacenter and Data Platform – Hosting Track

Sales Specialist Assessment for Messaging – Hosting Track

Sales Specialist Assessment for Communications – Hosting Track


Retiring:

Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

Exam 70-646: PRO Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

Exam 70-649: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology

Specialist

Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization

Exam 74-679: Windows Server 2008 Hosting, Configuring

Exam 74-693: PRO: Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales and Marketing Assessment for Private Cloud/Management and Virtualization






Exam 70-246: PRO: Private Cloud Monitoring and Operations with System Center 2012

Exam 70-247: PRO: Private Cloud Configuration and Deployment with System Center 2012

Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012

Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012


Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

Exam 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure

Exam 70-417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012



Revenue: No change

Gold N/A SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New:





Retiring:

MCA: Windows Server, Directory

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2

MCM: Windows Server 2008: Directory

MCA: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

MCA: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010

MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008

MCITP: Database Administrator 2008

MCITP: Database Developer 2008

MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator 2010


MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010



New:

MCSA: Windows Server 2012

MCSA: SQL Server 2012

Exam 70-341: Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013

Exam 70-342: Advanced Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013


Exam 70-337: Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales and Marketing Assessment for Private Cloud/Management and Virtualization





Two unique individuals each must pass one of the following:

MCSE: Private Cloud

MCSE: Server Infrastructure



Two other unique individuals each must pass one of the following:

MCSA: SQL Server 2012

MCSE: Business Intelligence

MCSE: Data Platform




Exam 70-337: Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Identity and Access competency, February 2014

As previously communicated we plan to merge this competency into the new Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014. Until then, partners can earn the Identity & Access competency which has been

updated with new exam and assessment options reflecting the most recent product releases. These training requirements will also count towards the Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Sales Specialist Assessment for Datacenter


Retiring:

Exam 70-158: Forefront Identity Manager 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-162: TS: Forefront Protection for Endpoints and Applications, Configuring

Exam 70-321: Deploying Office 365

Exam 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring

New:



Retiring: None

New: None




Sales Specialist Assessment for Datacenter

Sales and Marketing Assessment for Identity and Security


Two individuals each must pass:


One of these individuals must pass:


The other individual must pass:



Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES





Retiring:


Retiring: None

New: None


Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator


Exam 70-158: Forefront Identity Manager 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-162: TS: Forefront Protection for Endpoints and Applications, Configuring


New:

Exam 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with Microsoft System Center 2012

Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with Microsoft System Center 2012








Sales and Marketing Assessment for Identity and Security


Option 1




Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

Competitive Access Provider (CAP)

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Two of the four individuals each must pass both of the following:



The other two individuals each must pass both of the following:



Option 2


MCSE Server Infrastructure


Revenue: No change


Appendix: New: Intelligent Systems competency, February 2014

Intelligent Systems is a brand new competency designed to help partners capture the large and growing devices-and-services opportunity related to the expansion of the industrial internet, also known as “the

Internet of Things.”




partners)




One individual must pass the Intelligent Systems Technical assessment


Exam 70-417: Upgrading your skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012










Exam 70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript

Exam 70-482: Advanced Store App Development using HTML5 and JavaScript


Exam 70-484: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps in C#

Exam 70-485: Advanced Store App Development using C#

Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications


Customer evidence:

3 customer references related to the implementation of any of the following Microsoft Windows

Embedded product versions:

Windows Embedded Standard, Compact, POSReady or Handheld Family

Windows Embedded Automotive 6, 7 or Auto 4.x

Windows Embedded Device Manager 2011

Windows Server 2008 R2 or 2008 for Embedded Systems

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems


FUTURE BENEFITS

Core partner benefits

Access internal-use software licenses (in addition to

those you receive as part of your core partner

benefits) for products related to this competency

Intelligent System Training Course

WE Developer Tools and Componentized Runtime

Software

Partner Enablement Kit for Intelligent Systems

Market Opportunity material

Demo assets related to Windows Embedded product

releases

Corporate and Regional Partner incentives, as

available

Eligible for invitations to Intelligent Systems summits

and industry conferences

Consideration for MPN and WPC awards and

recognition

Industry specific campaign assets

WE product tiles and Windows Embedded Partner

visual identity to differentiate your device solution(s)

WE Device Certification Program

Programmatic approach to facilitate P2P connections

Lead generation and referrals from the BG field

Participation in Industry specific Case Studies and

success stories

Community and collaboration opportunities

Eligible for support for partner press releases

Eligible for early adopter program

Application


partners)




FUTURE BENEFITS


http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windows-embedded/archive/2013/09/06/the-internet-of-things-is-here.aspx

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windows-embedded/archive/2013/09/06/the-internet-of-things-is-here.aspx

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/core-benefits.aspx



One individual must pass the Intelligent Systems Technical assessment


application tests:


Silver Competency Test for Windows Server 2012

Silver competency test for Windows Server 2012 R2

Silver Competency Test for Windows Azure


Customer evidence:

3 customer references from at least 2 unique customers related to the implementation of a test

Windows Embedded Application









Software




releases


available




recognition






Lead generation and referrals from the BG field

Participation in Industry specific Case Studies and

success stories


Eligible for support for partner press releases




partners)




Two individuals each must pass the Intelligent Systems Technical assessment

Two unique individuals each must pass one of the following:

MCSD: Web Apps



Two other unique individuals each must pass two of the following:





Exam 70-417: Upgrading your skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

MCSA Windows Server 2012

Customer evidence:

FUTURE BENEFITS







Software




releases


available




recognition

Preferred status for showcase opportunities





5 customer references related to the implementation of any of the Microsoft Windows Embedded

products

Windows Embedded Standard, Compact, POSReady or Handheld Family

Windows Embedded Automotive 6, 7 or Auto 4.x

Windows Embedded Device Manager 2011

Windows Server 2008 R2 or 2008 for Embedded Systems

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems

Your company must use the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Index survey to measure performance and

help drive customer satisfaction.

Revenue:

Market A: Agree to a goal of influencing minimum sales of 10,000 Windows Embedded devices in the

coming 12 month period.

Market B & C: Agree to a goal of influencing minimum sales of 6,000 Windows Embedded devices in

the coming 12 month period.





Access to and participation in BG Lead generation

and referrals program

Preferential participation in Industry specific Case

Studies and success stories


Preferential support for partner press releases


Application


partners)




Two individuals each must pass the Intelligent Systems Technical assessment.


application tests:


Gold Competency Test for Windows Server 2012


Gold Competency Test for Windows Azure

Gold Competency Test for Windows Phone 8

Customer evidence:

5 customer references from at least 2 unique customers related to the implementation of a tested

Windows Embedded Application

Your company must use the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Index survey to measure performance and

help drive customer satisfaction.

Revenue:

Market A: Agree to a goal of influencing minimum sales of 10,000 committed qualifying devices with a

qualifying Windows Embedded operating system, connected to the application used to qualify for the

competency, in the coming 12 month period.

Market B & C: Agree to a goal of influencing minimum sales of 6,000 committed qualifying devices with

a qualifying Windows Embedded operating system, connected to the application used to qualify for the

competency, in the coming 12 month period.

FUTURE BENEFITS









Software




releases


available




recognition

Preferred status for showcase opportunities






Access to and participation in BG Lead generation

and referrals program

Preferential participation in Industry specific Case

Studies and success stories


Preferential support for partner press releases





Appendix: Changes to Learning competency, February 2014

We are updating exam requirements to ensure learning partners are able to train customers and other partners on the newest technology in market.


Silver

N/A SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales/Business Assessment for Learning Partners

Submit a completed and approved Learning Competency business assessment


Employ or Contract with Two Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs)

KPI Requirement: No change


Revenue: No change

Gold

N/A NEW AND RETIRING REQUIREMENTS

Business Assessment:


New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012

Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012

Exam 70-583: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications

New: MCSE: Private Cloud


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales/Business Assessment for Learning Partners



Employ or Contract with four unique Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs)

One of these individuals must pass the following:

MCSE: Private Cloud

KPI Requirement: No change


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Management and Virtualization competency, February 2014

As previously communicated, we plan to merge this competency into the new Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014. Until then, partners can earn the Management & Virtualization competency which

has been updated with new exam and assessment options reflecting the most recent product releases. These training requirements will also count towards the Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014.

NOTE: Existing partners at the Gold level will be allowed until Q3 calendar year 2014 to meet these new requirements.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New:


Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Private Cloud, Management and Virtualization

Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Datacenter


Retiring:

Exam 70-400: TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-401: TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-658: TS: Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring


Exam 70-669: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization

New:






Retiring: None

New: None





Sales and Marketing Competency Assessment for Private Cloud/Management and Virtualization















Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New:





Retiring:

Exam 70-693: PRO: Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator

Exam 70-400: TS: Operations Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-401: TS: Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring

Exam 70-658: TS: Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring



New:






Retiring: None

New: None





Sales and Marketing Competency Assessment for Private Cloud/Management and Virtualization

One unique individual must pass one of the following:





MCSE Private Cloud certification

Two additional unique individuals must each pass the following:


Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012

OR




NOTE: Existing partners at the Gold level will be allowed until Q3 calendar year 2014 to meet these new

requirements.


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Messaging competency, February 2014





partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Messaging


Retiring:

Exam 70-663: PRO: Designing and Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server

2010

Exam 70-662: TS: Configuring Microsoft Exchange 2010

Associated MSL certifications for Exchange 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Messaging sales assessment


Presales Technical Specialist Assessment for Messaging






MCSE: Messaging

MCSM: Messaging


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Silver Exchange Server 2010 Platform Ready

Silver Competency test for Exchange Online


Retiring: None





New:

Competency Test for Exchange Online v.2




Your organization must submit one application that passes one of the following:

Competency test for Exchange Server 2013



Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Messaging Presales technical assessment


Retiring:


2010

Exam 70-662: TS: Configuring Microsoft Exchange 2010

MCM: Exchange Server 2010

MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Messaging sales assessment


Messaging Presales Technical assessment




Exam 70-342: Advanced solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013


MCSE: Messaging

MCSM: Messaging


Revenue: No change

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/master.aspx


Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Gold Exchange Server 2010 Platform Ready

Gold Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2

Gold Competency test for Exchange Online

New:



Retiring: None






Your organization must submit one application that passes one of the following:

Competency test for Exchange Server 2013



Revenue: No change



Appendix: Changes to Midmarket Solution Provider competency, February 2014



Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:


Exam 70-455: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP SQL Server 2005 Developer Skills to MCITP SQL

Server 2008 BI Developer

Exam 70-515: TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Exam 70-523: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Web Developer Skills to MCPD

.NET Framework 4.0 Web Developer

Exam 70-662: TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-667: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-649: TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008,

Technology Specialist




Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading from Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008,

Technology Specializations

New:

Exam 74-325: Administering Office 365 for Small Businesses



Retiring: None

New: None




Midmarket Sales assessment




Exam 70-331 Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013

Exam 70-336 Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Exam 70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013

Exam 70-687: Configuring Windows 8




Exam 70-457: Transition your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012-Part 1



Exam 70-462: Administering a Microsoft SQL Server

2012 Database

Exam MB2-703: Microsoft Dynamics 2013 Customization and Configuration


Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows

Server 2012



Exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring


Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:


Exam 70-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-667: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuring



MCITP: Server Administrator


Exam 70-455: Upgrade: Transition Your MCITP SQL Server 2005 BI Developer to MCITP SQL Server

2008 BI Developer

New:




Retiring: None

New: None




Midmarket Sales assessment



MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification

Two unique individuals each must pass two of the following:


Exam 70-331 Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013

Exam 70-336 Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Exam 70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013








Exam 70-462: Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database









Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Mobility competency, February 2014

As previously communicated we plan to merge this competency into the Devices & Deployment (partners in Systems Integration track) and Application Development (partners in the Application track)

competencies in Q3 calendar year 2014. Until then, partners must earn the Mobility competency with updated requirements to reflect current products in market.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

Exam 70-506: TS: Microsoft Silverlight 4, Development




2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None





Exam 70-599: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Phone Applications

Exam 70-243: Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager


Exam 70-483 Programming in C#


Revenue: No change

Application


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: Silver competency test for Windows Phone 8


Retiring: None






Submit one application that has passed the qualifying application test:



Silver Windows Phone 7 Platform Ready Test

Silver competency test for Windows Phone 8

Qualifying applications must be currently available in the Windows Phone Marketplace, be categorized

in one of the approved business categories, and meet specified functionality requirements.


Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring:

MCA: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010

MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

MCPD: Web Developer 4

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Four unique individuals each must hold at least one of the following certifications:

MCPD: Windows Phone Developer

MCSD: Web Applications




Revenue: No change

Application (development

oriented partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: Gold competency test for Windows Phone 8


Retiring: None






Submit one application that has passed the qualifying application test:



Gold Windows Phone 7 Platform Ready Test

Gold competency test for Windows Phone 8

Qualifying applications must be currently available in the Windows Phone Marketplace, be categorized

in one of the approved business categories, and meet specified functionality requirements.

Two unique individuals each must hold at least one of the following certifications:

MCPD: Windows Phone Developer

MCSD: Web Applications




Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to OEM competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and application test requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment. Partners

qualifying for the OEM competency via the Windows Hardware Certification Program should ensure their devices are tested and certified on the latest software version.


Silver Systems Builder

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: Sales assessment for Device Sellers

Technical Exams and Certifications:

Retiring:

Exam 70-169: TS: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuring


Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center

Exam 70-635: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 Desktop Deployment

Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration

Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008,




New:

Exam 74-324: Administering Office 365 for Small Business



Retiring: None

New: None

DETAILED LIST OF FEBRUARY 2014 READINESS REQUIREMENTS


One individual must pass the sales assessment for Device Sellers



Exam 70-684: OEM Reseller

Exam 74-697: OEM Pre-Installation







Exam 70-577: TS: Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Development











Exam 70-682: Upgrading to Windows 7 MCITP Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Exam 70-683: TS: Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs


Revenue: No change

Device Manufacturer

(for partners offering certified

Windows devices)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None



Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Technical tests, Exams and Certifications:

Your organization must submit a device certified by the Windows Hardware Certification Program

(previously known as the Windows Logo Program).


Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Builder

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None



Retiring:



Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center

Exam 70-635: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 Desktop Deployment

Exam 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration

Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration


Retiring: None

New: None


Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008,




New:





Two individuals must pass the sales assessment for Device Sellers


Two unique individuals each must pass one of the following exams:



Another two unique individuals each must pass one of the following exams:






Exam 70-577: TS: Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Development










Exam 70-682: Upgrading to Windows 7 MCITP Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Exam 70-683: TS: Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs


Revenue: No change

Device Manufacturer

(for partners offering certified

Windows devices)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None



Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None






Your organization must submit two devices certified by the Windows Hardware Certification Program

(previously known as the Windows Logo Program).


Revenue: No change

Agreement

(for partners with Microsoft

agreements)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Your organization must have one of the following current agreements:

Desktop Operating System (DTOS) Microsoft Agreement

OEM Master License Agreement (MLA)

Refurbishment License Agreement


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Project and Portfolio Management competency, February 2014

We are updating exam and assessment requirements to reflect the newest technology in market, enabling partners to offer our joint customers optimal value from their Microsoft investment.




partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Sales Specialist Competency Assessment for Project and Portfolio Management


Retiring:

Exam 70-177 : TS: Microsoft Project Server 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-178:TS:Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Sales Specialist Competency Assessment for Project and Portfolio Management



Exam 74-344: Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013

Exam 74-343: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013


Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: Sales Specialist Competency Assessment for Project and Portfolio Management


Retiring:

Exam 70-667: TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-177 : TS: Microsoft Project Server 2010, Configuring

Exam 70-178:TS:Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2010

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-177





Sales Specialist Competency Assessment for Project and Portfolio Management



Exam 74-344: Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013

Exam 74-343: managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013

Two of the four unique individuals must also pass the following:

Exam 70-331: Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Server Platform competency, February 2014

As previously communicated we plan to merge this competency into the Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014. Until then, partners can earn the Server Platform competency which has been updated

with new exam and assessment options reflecting the most recent product releases. These training requirements will also count towards the Datacenter competency in Q3 calendar year 2014. NOTE: Existing

partners at the Gold level will be allowed until Q3 calendar year 2014 to meet these new requirements.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES





Retiring:


Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator


Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading from Windows Server 2003 MCSA to, Windows Server 2008,

Technology Specializations



Exam 70-690: TS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Configuring and Managing

Exam 70-691: TS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Developing


New: None


Retiring: None

New: None




Server Platform Sales and Marketing Assessment












Revenue: No change



partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



Retiring: None





Retiring:

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008

MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2


New: None

Only one qualification option at Gold instead of two.

New: None




Server Platform Sales and Marketing Assessment



Two unique individuals must pass the following:

MCSE Server Infrastructure

Two other unique individuals each must pass both of the following:



NOTE: Existing partners at the Gold level will be allowed until Q3 calendar year 2014 to meet these new

requirements.


Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Small Business competency, February 2014



Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:



Exam 70-321 Deploying Office 365

Exam 70-323 Administering Office 365

New:



Retiring: None

New: None




Small Business sales assessment


Option 1 (one individual with two exams)




The same individual also must pass one of the following:


Exam 70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012





Option 2 (two individuals with one exam each)














Option 3 (markets where Microsoft Office 365 is not available)

One individual must pass two of the following:








Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None


Retiring:



New:



Retiring: None

New: None




Small Business Sales Assessment


Option 1 (two individuals with two exams each)


Exam 74-324 Administering Office 365 for Small Business

Exam 74-325 Administering Office 365 for Small Business

The same two individuals each must pass one of the following:





Exam 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows


Option 2 (four individuals with one exam each)





Another two individuals each must pass one of the following:









Option 3 (markets where Microsoft Office 365 is not available)

Two individuals each must pass two of the following:








Revenue: No change


Appendix: Changes to Software Asset Management competency, February 2014

Specifically for the Software Asset Management competency, we are reducing the number of required certified individuals for Silver (from two to one individual). We are providing Gold partners more flexibility by

introducing two qualification options, and at the same time updating Gold exam requirements.


Silver

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None

Technical Tests, Exams and Requirements:

Retiring: None

New: None


Retiring: None

New: None





Exam 70-673: TS: Designing, Assessing, and Optimizing Software Asset Management (SAM)


Revenue: No change

Gold

Systems Integration


partners)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES



New: None

Technical Tests, Exams and Requirements::

Retiring:

Exam 70-656: TS: Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuring

Exam 74-674: Delivering Business Value Planning Services

Exam 70-401: TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring

New:

We are providing Gold partners more flexibility by introducing two qualification options instead of just

one.


Retiring: None

New: None

FEBRUARY 2014 REQUIREMENTS



Option 1:


Exam 70-673: TS: Designing, Assessing, and Optimizing Software Asset Management (SAM)


Two of those individuals each must pass the following:

Exam 70-671: Designing and Providing Microsoft Volume Licensing Solutions to Small and

Medium Organizations

Exam 70-672: Designing and Providing Microsoft Volume Licensing Solutions to Large

Organizations

The other two individuals each must pass one of the following:

Exam 70-243: System Center 2012, Configuration Manager


Option 2:


Exam 70-673: TS: Designing, Assessing, and Optimizing Software Asset Management (SAM).

Exam 70-671: Designing and Providing Microsoft Volume Licensing Solutions to Small and

Medium Organizations

Exam 70-672: Designing and Providing Microsoft Volume Licensing Solutions to Large

Organizations

The same two individuals each must pass one of the following:

Exam 70-243: System Center 2012, Configuration Manager



Revenue: No change

Documents

Disclosure Guide December2013