June July 2025 Microsoft Partner Center Announcement

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Critical Deadlines and Actions

• June 23, 2025: Solutions Partner Designation’s unlimited Partner Cloud Support benefit package will be capped at 50 incidents per year for new purchases or renewals. This benefit is renamed to Partner Cloud Support.
• July 1, 2025: Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) and Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE) will become generally available.
• July 1, 2025: Prices for all standalone on-premises server products (SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Skype for Business Server) will increase by 10%.
• July 1, 2025 (Before): Assets related to the Microsoft 365 Copilot Getting Started CSP Promotion will be refreshed and available.
• July 2025 (General): An important update to the qualification framework for the Training Services Partner (TSP) designation will be effective, replacing the two-bucket courseware model with a three-bucket structure.
• July 2025 (End of July - Specific date not given): The new "Copilot Specialization" is set to launch. This specialization will highlight partner capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot, focusing on consulting and professional services, deployment readiness, adoption/change management, and extensibility.
• July 11, 2025: The Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue (PRACR) vNext report will go live.
• July 15, 2025 (Estimated Time of Arrival - ETA): Self-serve capability for partners to cancel a purchase order is expected to be available, automating a process previously handled manually by the support team.
• July 21, 2025: The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Concierge benefit will be introduced, replacing existing Go-to-Market (GTM) benefits.
• July 31, 2025: Partners using API to create Azure IP co-sell deals must update their API integration by this date to comply with new mandatory requirements (Solution Area, Solution Play).
• August 1, 2025: Prices for Core CAL Suite and Enterprise CAL Suite will increase by 15% and 20% respectively.
• August 30, 2025: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enforced for all pages in the Partner Center portal.
• August 31, 2025: The graph.windows.net audience tokens will be retired. All Partner Center services using Azure Active Directory graph API must migrate to api.partnercenter.microsoft.com.
• September 1, 2025: Changes to the PLA API and UI will be implemented to ensure distributors assign only authorized indirect resellers as Partner of Record (POR) on new Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions.
• September 30, 2025: The API for Partner Center will be code-ready for MFA.
• September 30, 2025: Several Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) promotional offers, including Microsoft 365 Copilot and Accelerate with Microsoft 365 E3/E5, will end.
• April 1, 2026: MFA will be mandatory for API access to Partner Center.

Recently Effective Changes & Actions:

• June 1, 2025: New enhancements to NCE license-based price lists, including a 'PreviousValue' column and unique, descriptive file names, became effective.
• June 5, 2025: Microsoft announced support for extended multiyear contract durations (up to five years) for public and private offers in the marketplace for SaaS, Professional Services, and Virtual Machine Software Reservations.
• June 3, 2025: Reminder issued regarding upcoming changes to Partner of Record (POR) assignment for CSP resellers, effective September 1, 2025.
• June 4, 2025: AI Assistant within the Incentives workspace began providing support for Co-op, Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR), and Workshop claims.
• May 2025 Billing Cycle: All billed usage and reconciliation files began to be delivered in .CSV.GZIP format.
• June 30, 2025: Active partners nominating through Azure partner-led offerings for ISVs (Azure Migrate and Modernize, Azure Innovate) will continue to have access to incentives through this date.
• Late Q3 (unspecified fiscal year, but announced June 4, 2025): The new Azure Specialization V. Next for Build AI Applications launched. This offers an alternative path for qualified partners to meet the Module B audit requirement by using existing completed projects in the Azure Innovate (AI) partner-led program

What are the key updates for Microsoft partners?

Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) and Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE) are launching on July 1, 2025. To deploy and use these Subscription Edition server products, customers must have active Software Assurance (SA) or cloud subscription licenses for all accessing users and devices.

1. PRACR vNext is an enhanced version of the Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue report, designed to streamline the reporting process. Its new go-live date has been rescheduled to July 11, 2025, delayed from the initial July 1, 2025 date.
2. The Microsoft 365 Copilot Getting Started CSP Promotion has been extended through September 30, 2025. This promotion offers a 15% discount off the net partner price on new Copilot subscriptions for 10 to 2,400 seats for 12 months.
3. A new column called "PreviousValue" has been added to the NCE license-based GA price list. This column shows the previously published value from the prior month for any item where the "ChangeIndicator" shows a "Change," helping partners understand price list modifications.
4. Partners can now use the existing price sheet API to retrieve EOS NCE license-based price list data by setting the Price sheet View parameter to license based eos. This enhancement allows partners to access current and historical EOS pricelists for the past six months.
5. The two mandatory fields now required for Azure IP co-sell deal submissions are "Solution Area" and "Solution Play." This change aims to better support partners by improving deal velocity for their co-sell engagements with Microsoft sellers.
6. Publishers can now upload Closed Captions and Audio Descriptions for apps and games trailers in the Partner Center Apps and Games workspace. Closed captions provide text alternatives for the deaf or hard of hearing, while audio descriptions offer audio alternatives for visual elements for the blind or low-vision users.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be enforced for all pages in the Partner Center portal starting August 30, 2025. For API access, MFA will be code-ready on September 30, 2025, and mandatory as of April 1, 2026.
8. All billed usage and reconciliation files are now delivered in .CSV.GZIP format. This new format offers significant performance improvements, reducing download times from over 6 hours to 6 minutes for high-volume partners and from over 3 hours to 2 minutes for all partners.
9. Beginning September 1, 2025, the PLA API and UI will be updated to ensure distributors can only assign active, compliant indirect resellers as Partner of Record (POR) for new Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscriptions. This change is being implemented to ensure compliance with CSP Partner of Record policies.

What are the key updates regarding financial reporting and billing in Partner Center?

Several significant updates are being implemented to improve financial reporting and billing processes. The go-live date for the Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue (PRACR) vNext report has been rescheduled to July 11, 2025, offering an enhanced and streamlined reporting experience.

Additionally, starting June 1, 2025, the New Commerce Experience (NCE) license-based price lists include a new PreviousValue column to show prior month's values for changed items and the file names are now more descriptive (e.g., Month_Pricelist_Market.csv) for easier management.

From June 2025, partners can also use the existing price sheet API to retrieve End-of-Sale (EOS) NCE license-based price list data for the past six months by setting the PricesheetView parameter to licensebasedeos. Finally, to enable faster and more efficient downloads, all billed usage and reconciliation files are now delivered in .CSV.GZIP format, significantly reducing download times (e.g., from over 6 hours to 6 minutes for high-volume partners) and aligning UX download attributes with API capabilities. Large invoices will also be split into multiple .CSV.GZIP files.

What new promotional offers are available for Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners, and how long are they extended?

Several significant Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) promotional offers have been extended through September 30, 2025 (FY26 Q1). The Microsoft 365 Copilot Getting Started CSP Promotion offers a 15% discount on new Copilot subscriptions (10 to 2,400 seats) for 12 months, allowing flexible additions of seats and billing options (annual or monthly with a 5% uplift). This promotion is available worldwide for new or existing Microsoft 365 Copilot customers (Promo ID: 39NFJQT20KJ2).

The Accelerate with Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 15% Annual Term CSP promotions are also extended through September 30, 2025. CSP partners can offer a 15% discount on the net partner price for new annual term Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 subscriptions for eligible new-to-offer customers, up to 2,400 users, with no deal minimums (Promo IDs: 39NFJQT27WLH for E5, 39NFJQT27WQP for E3). Partners have the flexibility to offer either these extended 1-year 15% offers or the recently launched 3-year 10% Microsoft 365 offers.

What upcoming changes are being introduced for on-premises productivity server products, including licensing and pricing?

Microsoft is implementing several licensing and pricing changes for on-premises server products in July and August 2025, while continuing to emphasize Microsoft 365 suites as the preferred solution. Effective July 1, 2025, Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) and Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE) will be generally available. Customers will need active Software Assurance (SA) or cloud subscription licenses for all users and devices accessing these Subscription Edition server products, bringing them into alignment with SharePoint's Modern Lifecycle Policy (version-less with regular updates).

Additionally, to support ongoing maintenance and updates, prices for all standalone on-premises server products (SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Skype for Business Server) will increase by 10% on July 1, 2025. Prices for the Core CAL Suite and Enterprise CAL Suite will also increase by 15% and 20% respectively, effective August 1, 2025. These price changes apply exclusively to the on-premises versions, with no impact on pricing for SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, or Microsoft 365 licenses.

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How is Microsoft enhancing security for partners and the partner ecosystem?

Microsoft is significantly strengthening security measures across the partner ecosystem. Several key actions are required or coming soon:

• Azure Active Directory Graph API Deprecation: Partners using the graph.windows.net audience tokens must migrate to api.partnercenter.microsoft.com by August 31, 2025, to avoid business disruption, as these tokens are retiring. A new version of the generateToken API is available, and partners should stop decoding the token in the API response.
• MFA Enforcement: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is being enforced for all users signing into the M365 admin center portal. MFA will also be enforced for all pages in the Partner Center portal starting August 30, 2025, and for API access, becoming mandatory by April 1, 2026 (code-ready by September 30, 2025).
• Security Workspace Enhancements: The Partner Center Security workspace now includes an AI assistant to help resolve queries, clarify requirements, and navigate learning resources efficiently. The Security Requirements UI has also been redesigned to clearly separate mandatory and recommended controls, making compliance easier to understand.

These updates aim to improve overall security posture and protect customer tenants.

What improvements are being made to the Microsoft Marketplace and co-sell opportunities?

Microsoft is enhancing the Marketplace and co-sell experience in several ways. For Marketplace offers, extended multiyear contract durations are now supported for both public and private offers, allowing customers and partners to lock in terms and pricing for up to five years. This includes four- and five-year terms for SaaS and Professional Services (previously limited to three years), and two-, four-, and five-year terms for Virtual Machine Software Reservations (previously limited to one and three years). This provides customers with greater stability and potential savings, while offering partners more reliable revenue streams.

Regarding Azure IP co-sell deal submissions, effective immediately, two important fields—Solution Area and Solution Play—are now required for all new deals created through Partner Center and bulk upload. Partners using APIs to create deals must update their API integration by July 31, 2025, to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions, aiming to improve deal velocity with Microsoft sellers.

What accessibility features are now available for apps and games trailers in Partner Center?

To support customers with disabilities, apps and games publishers can now upload Closed Captions and Audio Descriptions for their product trailers in the Partner Center Apps and Games workspace.

• Closed Captions provide text alternatives for audio, benefiting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Audio Descriptions offer audio alternatives for visual elements, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Publishers can upload these files by signing into Partner Center, navigating to the Apps and Games workspace, selecting an app or game, going to the Store listing page, choosing a language, and then editing the trailer section to upload the respective files before saving and publishing changes.

How is the AI Assistant being expanded across Partner Center to assist partners?

The AI assistant in Partner Center is being significantly expanded to provide more comprehensive support across various workspaces:

• General Security Workspace: An AI assistant is now available to help resolve queries, clarify requirement details, and navigate learning resources efficiently within the Security workspace.
• Incentives Workspace: The AI assistant now supports inquiries related to Partner Incentives Co-op, Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR), and Workshop claims, in addition to existing support for Microsoft commerce incentives policies. Sample prompts include checking claim status, listing pending actions, and tracing activities.
• Membership Workspace (AI Assistant Anywhere): This capability, which launched in May 2025, allows partners to select predefined queries based on the page context for instant answers. It is available in sections like Membership offers, Solution Partner designations (including for score improvement suggestions and qualification requirements), Azure Credits, Cloud Services, and Developer Tools benefits pages. It will be further expanded to areas like MAPS/Legacy Silver/Gold, Bills and Payments, Learning Profile, and Marketplace rewards in May and June 2025.

These expansions aim to provide instant, contextual answers to common partner questions, streamlining their experience and access to information.

What are the latest updates for the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP), including specializations and benefits?

The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP) is introducing several updates to help partners differentiate their expertise and receive enhanced benefits:

• New Specializations and SMB Tracks: New SMB (Small and Medium Business) tracks are now available on the Insights Workspace for Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), and Security Solutions Partner designations (note: Security SMB path is not eligible for Microsoft Commerce Incentives). A new Copilot Specialization is targeted for release in July 2025, focusing on consulting and professional services for Microsoft 365 Copilot, role-based Copilot, Copilot Studio, and extensibility.
• Azure Specialization V.Next for Build AI Apps: This new offer provides an alternative path to meet Module B audit requirements for the Build AI Applications with Azure specialization by leveraging existing qualified Azure Innovate Partner-led engagements (post-sales, Small/Medium/Large size, $300 per pillar for Data Platform, AI Platform, and Application Platform).
• Certified Software Designations Benefits: Partners who attain one of the seven Solutions Partner with certified software designations (Azure, Security, or Industry AI like Healthcare AI) can qualify for top-tier benefits. Microsoft is also offering subsidies for third-party auditor assessments.
• Benefit Changes: Effective June 23, 2025, the Solutions Partner Designation's unlimited Partner Cloud Support benefit will be capped at 50 technical cloud support incidents per partner per year, enforced on new purchases or renewal anniversary dates. This benefit will be renamed to Partner Cloud Support.
• Training Services Partner (TSP) Updates: Renewals for TSP Designations opened on April 5, 2025. Effective July 2025, the qualification framework for TSP is changing from a two-bucket courseware model to a more refined three-bucket structure: Fundamentals, 2 Days or Less, and 3 Days or More.
• New GTM Benefit: Starting July 21, 2025, existing Go-To-Market (GTM) benefits (Profile Optimization, Referral Management, How to Market with Microsoft Guidance/Consultation) will be replaced by a single, unified Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Concierge benefit, serving as a streamlined resource for all MAICPP program-related desk engagements.

Details and Key Actions

I. Key Program and Policy Updates

Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue (PRACR) vNext Rescheduled

• Go-Live Date: The launch of PRACR vNext, an enhanced version for streamlined Azure consumed revenue reporting, has been rescheduled from July 1, 2025, to July 11, 2025.
• Impact: Partners who currently access PRACR reports. No changes to the Partner Center experience until July 11.
• Details: "This updated timeline allows for final preparations and testing to ensure a smooth and successful rollout."
• Next Steps: Refer to certified software resources or PRACR documentation for more information.

Changes to Partner of Record (POR) Assignment for CSP Resellers

• Effective Date: Beginning September 1, 2025, updates to the PLA API and UI will require distributors to assign only authorized indirect resellers as POR for new CSP subscriptions.
• Impact: CSP distributors and indirect resellers.
• Details: This change ensures compliance with CSP POR policies by verifying that resellers have an active CSP tenant associated with an authorized PLA ID, have accepted the Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA), and are associated with a distributor in their CSP region.
• Next Steps for Indirect Resellers: Have an active CSP tenant with an authorized PLA ID, accept the MPA, and be associated with a distributor.
• Next Steps for Distributors: Review CSP overview, test POR assignments in sandbox, and use the Insights dashboard to identify and resolve invalid PORs.

Monthly Update: Important Actions for Partner Ecosystem Security

• Ongoing Focus: Microsoft continues to introduce capabilities and updates to improve partner security posture and protect customer tenants.
• Key Actions/Dates:Graph.windows.net Audience Tokens Retirement: Retiring on August 31, 2025. Partner Center services using Azure Active Directory Graph API must migrate to api.partnercenter.microsoft.com. Partners using generateToken API should stop decoding the token.
• MFA for M365 Admin Center: Microsoft is enforcing multi-factor authentication for all users signing into the M365 admin center portal.
• MFA for Partner Center Portal: Enforced on August 30, 2025.
• MFA for Partner Center API Access: Code-ready on September 30, 2025, mandatory as of April 1, 2026.
• New Security Tools:Security Workspace AI Assistant: Now available to help partners resolve queries, clarify requirements, and navigate learning resources efficiently within the Security workspace.
• New Security Requirements UI: Redesigned to clearly separate mandatory and recommended controls, improving clarity for compliance.
• Impact: Direct bill partners, indirect providers, indirect resellers, and advisors transacting through CSP.
• Next Steps: Update systems before deadlines, review security documentation, and attend CSP community calls for more information.

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II. Licensing, Pricing, and Contract Updates

FY26 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Promo Extensions

• Extension Date: Several CSP promotional offers are extended through September 30, 2025 (FY26 Q1).
• Impact: All CSP Partners transacting Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.
• Promotions Extended: Microsoft 365 Copilot Getting Started CSP Promotion: Offers a 15% discount off the net partner price on new Copilot subscriptions (10-2,400 seats for 12 months). Flexible additions and billing options available. "With a new promotional structure coming in Q2 that will better align with scaled customer adoption, now is the time to act and maximize value under the current, more flexible offer."
• Accelerate with Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 15% Annual Term CSP promotions: Offers a 15% discount for new annual term subscriptions up to 2,400 users for new-to-offer customers. Partners can offer these 1-year 15% offers or the recently launched 3-year 10% offers.
• Next Steps: Review the Global Promo Readiness Guide and specific offer FAQs.

Licensing and Pricing Updates for On-Premises Productivity Server Products

• Effective Dates: July and August 2025.
• Impact: CSP direct bill, CSP distributors, and CSP indirect resellers.
• Key Changes:Exchange and Skype for Business Server Subscription Editions (SE): Generally available July 1, 2025. Customers need active Software Assurance (SA) or cloud subscription licenses to deploy and use these version-less products with regular updates via the Modern Lifecycle Policy.
• Price Increases for Standalone Server Products: Prices for SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, and Skype for Business Server are increasing by 10% on July 1, 2025.
• Price Increases for CAL Suites: Core CAL Suite prices are increasing by 15% and Enterprise CAL Suite by 20%, effective August 1, 2025.
• Note: These changes apply exclusively to on-premises versions; no changes for online counterparts or Microsoft 365 licenses.
• Next Steps: Inform customers of price increases and adjust offerings. Review Modern Lifecycle Policy.

Extended Multiyear Contract Durations in Microsoft Marketplace

• Availability: Now supports multiyear contract durations for public and private offers, up to five years.
• Impact: All partners transacting in the marketplace.
• Value: Customers gain stability, continuity, and potential savings. Partners benefit from supporting budget needs, strengthening relationships, reducing administrative burdens, and growing reliable revenue streams.
• New Durations:SaaS and Professional Services: Four- and five-year terms (previously 1-3 years).
• Virtual Machine Software Reservations: Two-, four-, and five-year terms (previously 1-3 years).
• Details: Software partners must ensure public offers include extended terms before creating private offers with those durations. Supports various billing frequencies.
• Next Steps: Update existing offers or create new plans for SaaS, Professional Services, and Virtual Machine software reservations.

III. Partner Center Enhancements and Tools

New Commerce Experience (NCE) License-Based Price List Improvements

• Effective Date: Beginning June 1, 2025.
• Impact: All CSP partners.
• Enhancements: Previous Value Column: A new column added to the NCE license-based GA price list. If ChangeIndicator shows "Change," this column displays the previously published value, making it easier to understand price list modifications.
• Unique File Names: NCE license-based product price list file names are now unique and descriptive (e.g., June_NCE_LicenseBasedPL_GA_US.csv), improving file management.
• Next Steps: Learn how to access and understand NCE license-based price lists.

General Availability for End of Sale (EOS) NCE License-Based Price List API

• Effective Date: Effective June 2025.
• Impact: All CSP partners.
• Functionality: Partners can now use the existing price sheet API to retrieve EOS NCE license-based price list data by setting the PricesheetView parameter to licensebasedeos.
• Value: This enhancement, based on partner feedback, simplifies access and management of EOS pricing information, providing access to current and historical EOS price lists (up to six months back).
• Next Steps: Review updated documentation and view a demo.

Accelerated File Download for Billed Usage and Reconciliation Files

• Effective Date: Beginning with the May 2025 billing cycle.
• Impact: All partners downloading Billed usage and reconciliation files through Partner Center.
• Enhancement: All files are now delivered in .CSV.GZIP format for faster and more efficient downloads.
• Performance Improvement: Download times have dramatically decreased (e.g., from over 6 hours to 6 minutes for high-volume partners).
• Other Features: Aligned UX and API download attributes, file splitting for large invoices (over 1.5 million records), and a new "Number of files" column for enhanced visibility.
• Next Steps: Refer to guidance for merging multiple .CSV files and troubleshooting Excel or download issues.

Ability to Upload Closed Captions and Audio Descriptions for Apps and Games Trailers

• Availability: Now live in the Partner Center Apps and Games workspace.
• Impact: All Apps and Games publishers with a product trailer.
• Purpose: To support accessible trailers for customers with disabilities. Closed captions provide text alternatives, and audio descriptions provide audio alternatives for visual elements.
• Next Steps: Sign in to Partner Center, navigate to the Apps and Games workspace, select an app/game, go to the Store listing page, and upload files in the Trailers section.

IV. Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP) Updates

Monthly Program Updates (June 2025)

• Key Themes: Differentiating deep technical expertise, additional benefits for Solutions Partners with certified software designations.
• Available Now:AI Assistant Expansion: Now available across multiple sections of the Benefits pages (Azure Credits, Cloud Services, Developer Tools), Membership offers, and Solution Partner designations. Provides instant answers to FAQs.
• Learn Linking Experience Update: Effective June 3, 2025, users can authenticate using official account credentials (@microsoft.com) for a streamlined and secure sign-in.
• SMB Track for Azure Solution Areas: Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), and Infrastructure (Azure) SMB tracks are now available on the Insights Workspace for partners to assess and improve performance.
• SMB Path for Security Solutions Partner Designation: Recently introduced, enabling partners to qualify for Security Solutions Partner designation (not eligible for Microsoft Commerce Incentives).
• New Azure Specialization V. Next for Build AI Apps: An alternative path to meet Module B audit requirements using completed Azure Innovate Partner-led engagements (post-sales, Small/Medium/Large size, $300 per pillar for Data, AI, App Platforms). Module A remains required.
• Renewals for MAICPP Training Services Designation (TSP): Partners within their enrollment window can renew TSP Designations since April 5, 2025.
• More Benefits with Seven Solutions Partner Certified Software Designations: Partners attaining one of these designations (Azure, Security, or Industry AI like Healthcare AI) qualify for top-tier benefits. Microsoft offers subsidies for third-party auditor assessments.
• Coming Soon:Capping MAICPP Signature Cloud Support (SCS) Benefit: From June 23, 2025, the unlimited SCS benefit will be capped at 50 incidents per year upon new purchase or renewal anniversary. Renamed to Partner Cloud Support.
• Introduction of Security SMB Track on Insights Pages: Partners can check data and insights for Security solution areas on insights pages.
• Skilling Updates for Azure Specializations: Expired skilling certifications (e.g., Azure Data Engineer Associate for Analytics and Data Warehouse Migration) are being removed or replaced (e.g., with Fabric Data Engineer Associate certificate). Some specializations (AEMSP, Migrate Enterprise Apps to Azure) no longer require this certification.
• Training Services Partner Qualification Change: Effective July 2025, the two-bucket courseware model will be replaced with a three-bucket structure: Fundamentals, 2 Days or Less, and 3 Days or More, offering greater flexibility.
• Introducing Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Concierge Benefit: Effective July 21, 2025, this unified GTM benefit replaces existing Profile Optimization, Referral Management, and Marketing Guidance/Consultation benefits, serving as a streamlined resource for MAICPP program-related desk engagements.
• Introducing the New Copilot Specialization: Targeted for release in July 2025. This specialization helps partners differentiate expertise in Microsoft 365 Copilot, role-based Copilot, Copilot Studio, and extensibility, covering advisory services, deployment readiness, adoption/change management, and extensibility.
• Next Steps: Visit the MAICPP resources gallery, explore Solutions Partner designations and specializations.

V. Deal Submission and Support Enhancements

Important Updates to Azure IP Co-Sell Deal Submission

• Effective Immediately: Two important fields, Solution Area and Solution Play, are now required for all new deals created through Partner Center and bulk upload.
• API Updates: Partners using API to create deals should update their API integration by July 31, 2025, to comply and avoid disruptions.
• Purpose: "This change aims to better support you on improved deal velocity for your co-sell engagements with Microsoft sellers."
• Next Steps: Update API integration by July 31, 2025. Refer to "Manage co-sell opportunities."

AI Assistant Support for Co-op, CPOR, and Workshop Claims

• Availability: The AI assistant within the Incentives workspace now supports inquiries related to Partner Incentives Co-op, Claiming Partner of Record (CPOR), and Workshop claims.
• Functionality: Continues to assist with policies and program guidelines for Microsoft commerce incentives. Sample prompts include checking claim status, listing pending actions, and identifying associated IDs.
• Impact: Incentive Admin and Incentive users.
• Next Steps: Explore the AI assistant in the Incentives workspace using the prompt guide.

VI. General Communications and Resources

Monthly CSP Updates and Community Reminder

• Monthly Resources: Partner launch calendars, CSP Bimonthly Update newsletter, and additional CSP community resources are now published.
• Always Available: Partner Launch Calendars (consolidated view of launches with timelines), CSP Bimonthly Update newsletter (aggregates announcements, updates, events), Partner Journey Maps (detailed navigation for Microsoft’s priority transformations), and CSP spotlight webinars (latest CSP licensing information).
• CSP Community Q&A: Monthly sessions for partners to learn more and ask questions about program changes.
• Next Steps: Review launch calendars, newsletter, and register for upcoming Q&A calls.

Now Live! Partner Center Technical Corner Blog Series: June 2025 Edition

• June Edition Highlights: Spotlight on Partner Center AI assistant evolution.
• Spotlight on accelerating small and medium enterprises.
• Securing the channel (bulk update for fraud event status, upcoming changes for Partner Center portal and APIs access).
• Recent releases: Claiming Partner of Record experience, co-sell plan priorities, referral confidence score, flexible billing schedules.
• Next Steps: Check out all partner blogs

Recommendations

• Accelerate with Microsoft 365: A promotional offer for Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 subscriptions providing a 15% discount for new annual term subscriptions, extended through September 30, 2025.
• AI Assistant: An artificial intelligence tool integrated into various Partner Center workspaces (e.g., Security, Incentives, Benefits, Membership) to help partners with queries, clarify requirements, and navigate resources.
• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with software applications. Used by partners to automate tasks and access data in Partner Center.
• Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR): Revenue generated from a customer's consumption of Azure services, which partners can report.
• Azure Innovate Partner-led Program: A program involving post-sales engagements (small, medium, large projects) where partners can qualify for specific Azure Specializations by meeting certain financial and platform requirements.
• Azure IP Co-sell Deal Submission: The process for partners to submit deals where they collaborate with Microsoft sellers to sell Azure Intellectual Property (IP) solutions.
• Cloud Solution Provider (CSP): A Microsoft program that allows partners to directly manage the entire customer lifecycle, including sales, billing, and support for Microsoft cloud services.
• Closed Captions: Text alternatives for audio content in videos, primarily for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, now uploadable for apps and games trailers.
• Co-op Claims: A type of incentive claim related to cooperative marketing activities within the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
• Copilot Partner Services Blueprint: A resource providing guidance for partners on offering services related to Microsoft 365 Copilot.
• Copilot Specialization: A new specialization available from July 2025, designed for partners who demonstrate expertise in Microsoft 365 Copilot, role-based Copilot, Copilot Studio, and extensibility.
• Core CAL Suite: A set of client access licenses (CALs) for on-premises Microsoft server products, experiencing a 15% price increase effective August 1, 2025.
• CPOR (Claiming Partner of Record): A mechanism in Partner Center where a partner can claim to be the partner of record for a customer's subscriptions, affecting incentive eligibility.
• CSV.GZIP Format: A compressed file format (.CSV within a .GZIP archive) used for delivering billed usage and reconciliation files, significantly improving download speeds.
• Dynamics 365: Microsoft's line of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications, part of the CSP promotional extensions.
• End-of-Sale (EOS) Pricelist: A price list detailing products or SKUs that are no longer being sold. Now accessible via API for NCE license-based products.
• Enterprise CAL Suite: A more comprehensive set of client access licenses (CALs) for on-premises Microsoft server products, experiencing a 20% price increase effective August 1, 2025.
• Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE): A new version-less subscription-based edition of Exchange Server, generally available from July 1, 2025, aligning with the Modern Lifecycle Policy.
• FY26 Q1: Fiscal Year 2026 Quarter 1, which ends on September 30, 2025. Used to define the extension period for several CSP promotions.
• General Availability (GA): The stage at which a product, service, or feature is released to the general public and is fully supported.
• Graph API (Azure Active Directory Graph API): An older API for accessing Azure Active Directory data, being retired on August 31, 2025, with Partner Center services migrating to api.partnercenter.microsoft.com.
• License-based Price List: A price list for products or services sold based on a per-license or per-user model, specifically for the New Commerce Experience (NCE).
• Microsoft 365 Copilot: An AI-powered productivity tool integrated with Microsoft 365 applications, subject to CSP promotional offers.
• Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP): Microsoft's overarching partner program designed to help partners differentiate their technical expertise and access benefits.
• Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA): A foundational agreement that defines the relationship between Microsoft and its partners, required for CSP indirect resellers.
• Modern Lifecycle Policy: Microsoft's policy for software products that receive continuous updates rather than traditional version releases, applicable to Subscription Editions of server products.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security measure requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an application or account. Being enforced for Partner Center portal and APIs.
• Multiyear Contract Durations: Extended contract terms for public and private offers in the Microsoft Marketplace, now supporting up to five years for SaaS, Professional Services, and Virtual Machine Software Reservations.
• NCE (New Commerce Experience): Microsoft's platform for transacting and managing cloud services, featuring updated pricing models and capabilities.
• Partner Center: Microsoft's unified portal for partners to manage their business with Microsoft, including customer relationships, incentives, offers, and technical support.
• Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue (PRACR): A report used by partners to track and report their customers' Azure consumption for incentive purposes.
• PFAM (Partner Fund Management): A system that checks customer eligibility for promotions, preventing undesired leakage of promotional benefits.
• PLA API (Partner Location Account API): An API used in Partner Center related to partner account locations, being updated to enforce POR compliance for CSP resellers.
• Private Offer: A customized offer created by a partner for a specific customer in the Microsoft Marketplace, which can now include extended multiyear contract durations.
• Promo ID: A unique identifier for a specific promotional offer.
• Reconciliation Files: Files that detail billing information, allowing partners to reconcile their invoices with customer usage.
• Security Workspace: A section within Partner Center dedicated to security-related information, requirements, and tools for partners.
• Signature Cloud Support (SCS): A benefit previously offering unlimited cloud support to Solutions Partner Designation holders, being capped at 50 incidents per year and renamed to Partner Cloud Support.
• Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE): A new version-less subscription-based edition of Skype for Business Server, generally available from July 1, 2025, aligning with the Modern Lifecycle Policy.
• SMB Track: A specific path within Solutions Partner Designations designed to meet the evolving demands and needs of Small and Medium Business (SMB) markets.
• Solution Area/Solution Play: Mandatory fields for Azure IP co-sell deal submissions, categorizing the type of solution being offered and its strategic focus.
• Solution Partner Designation: A designation within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program that showcases a partner's expertise in specific Microsoft solution areas.
• Software Assurance (SA): A Microsoft program that provides various benefits, including new version rights, support, and training, often required for on-premises Subscription Editions.
• Training Services Partner (TSP) Designation: A designation for partners who provide training services, with an updated qualification framework coming in July 2025.
• Virtual Machine Software Reservations: A way for customers to save money on Azure VMs by committing to a reservation for a specified term, now supporting extended multiyear durations.

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