What Is a Microsoft Gold Partner? And What Is a Microsoft Solutions Partner?

What is a Microsoft Gold Partner?

A Microsoft Gold Partner was the highest level of certification in Microsoft’s Partner Network, awarded to companies with proven expertise, certified staff, and successful customer outcomes. This status was officially retired on 30th September 2022, and from 3rd October 2022, Microsoft introduced the new Solutions Partner designations as part of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program.

The change is in line with the launch of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. Alongside the new programme, they introduced Solutions Partner designations – each anchored on the Microsoft Cloud in six solution areas: Business Applications, Data & AI (Azure), Digital App & Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), Modern Work, and Security – providing a way for Microsoft partners, like The HBP Group, to demonstrate both their proven capabilities and experience.

Microsoft Gold Partner vs Solutions Partner: What’s the Difference?

If you've ever researched IT providers or technology consultants, you've likely encountered the term “Microsoft Gold Partner.” This designation was once the pinnacle of Microsoft's partner programme, signifying exceptional expertise and a close working relationship with Microsoft. However, in 2022 and the subsequent years, Microsoft has overhauled its partner programme, introducing the “Solutions Partner” designations. This change has led to some confusion among businesses seeking the right Microsoft partner.

In this blog, we'll address common questions about Microsoft Gold Partners, explain the transition to Solutions Partners, and help you understand what these changes mean for your organisation.

What Was a Microsoft Gold Partner?

A Microsoft Gold Partner was a company that achieved the highest level of certification within the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). This status indicated that the partner had demonstrated exceptional proficiency in specific Microsoft technologies and had met rigorous requirements, including:

• Employing a certain number of Microsoft Certified Professionals.

• Providing customer references that verified successful project deliveries.

• Meeting sales performance goals.

• Passing technical assessments and licensing exams.

Gold Partners were recognised for their deep knowledge and commitment to Microsoft solutions, often specialising in areas like cloud platforms, application development, or data analytics.

The HBP Group first achieved a Microsoft Gold Partner Status in 2007 and in 2022 converted our expertese and experience to become a Microsoft Solutions Partner.

Why Did Microsoft Retire the Gold Partner Status?

In October 2022, Microsoft retired the legacy Silver and Gold competencies in favour of a more streamlined and comprehensive partner programme. This shift aimed to better align partner capabilities with customer needs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The new programme introduces the “Solutions Partner” designations, focusing on six key solution areas:

1. Business Applications

2. Data & AI (Azure)

3. Digital & App Innovation (Azure)

4. Infrastructure (Azure)

5. Modern Work

6. Security

This approach allows partners to showcase their expertise in specific solution areas, making it easier for customers to identify partners with the right skills for their needs.

What Is a Microsoft Solutions Partner?

A Microsoft Solutions Partner is a company that has demonstrated a broad capability to deliver solutions within one or more of the six designated solution areas. To attain a Solutions Partner designation, a company must achieve a partner capability score of at least 70 out of 100, measured across three categories:

• Performance: Measuring customer success and growth.

• Skilling: Assessing the number of certified professionals and their competencies.

• Customer Success: Evaluating the deployment and usage of Microsoft solutions by customers.

This scoring system ensures that Solutions Partners have not only technical expertise but also a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for customers.

How Do Solutions Partners Differ from Gold Partners?

While both designations signify a high level of proficiency, there are key differences:

• Scope: Gold competencies were often narrowly focused, whereas Solutions Partner designations encompass broader solution areas.

• Measurement: The new partner capability score provides a more holistic assessment, considering performance, skilling, and customer success.

• Customer Alignment: Solutions Partner designations are designed to align more closely with customer needs, making it easier to identify partners with relevant expertise.

Partner model offers a more comprehensive and customer-centric approach to partner recognition.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

For customers, the transition to Solutions Partner designations offers several benefits:

• Clarity: Easier identification of partners with specific expertise relevant to their needs.

• Confidence: Assurance that the partner has a proven track record of success in delivering Microsoft solutions.

• Alignment: Better alignment between partner capabilities and the evolving demands of digital transformation.

When selecting a Microsoft partner, look for the Solutions Partner designation in the area that matches your project requirements.

Conclusion

The retirement of the Microsoft Gold Partner status and the introduction of Solutions Partner designations mark a significant evolution in Microsoft's approach to partner recognition.

While the Gold Partner badge was once the hallmark of technical proficiency and trust, the new Solutions Partner framework offers a more dynamic, outcome-based assessment that better reflects the capabilities of modern IT providers. This change ensures that partners are not only certified, but also consistently delivering value to their customers.

At The HBP Group, we welcome these changes as they align with our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer success. Whether you're looking to migrate to the cloud, improve your cybersecurity, or implement modern workplace solutions, choosing a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner ensures you're working with a provider recognised for their capability and proven success.