We monitor the Microsoft ecosystem, so you don't have to.
Several changes coming up for software and services companies, with a few deadlines this week, and some pretty significant program changes to be aware of. We're sharing a few key updates from the full list our clients get in real-time.
Bonus: Partner1's Microsoft Marketplace Assessment helps you benchmark your current marketplace motion against FY27's new co-sell framework in seconds!
This week: The AZ-500 certification retires on August 31 (today), and the CSP Copilot Partner Council Contest closes today as well. On September 1 (tomorrow), the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement and refreshed Incentive Program Agreement become auto-effective.
NOW: BANT-qualify your co-sell referrals before submitting them; without this step, you risk your referrals getting stalled. Also, recall that Frontier Accelerate for Azure is Microsoft's unified FY27 for Azure partners and this rebranding is now live.
SEPTEMBER: Frontier Accelerate for Marketplace consolidates ISV Success, Marketplace Rewards and other programs. Existing partners will be automatically moved into this program at your renewal dates.
SEPTEMBER 16-17: Mark your calendars for the FY27 sales skilling event, which covers a ton of information ranging from FY27 Frontier Conversations, AI sales positioning, FinOps for agentic spend and more. There are several skilling events coming up but this is one we recommend attending.
A reminder: At the end of September and start of October, CSPs will have two discounts end, and see a 5% uplift on annual software subscriptions billed monthly. We highlighted these in previous editions if you want the details.
The big picture
Programs, requirements and rewards are converging into clean pathways this FY27, streamlining different motions for partners and raising the bar for entry into higher tiers and active co-selling. Take the Microsoft Marketplace Assessment to ensure your business is FY27-optimized and you're not leaving a single opportunity on the table.
This edition of Bits & Bytes covers the Microsoft partner ecosystem for CEOs, operators, and practice leaders. Partner1® is the premier partner activation firm built by former Microsoft executives. We help B2B companies grow profitably and globally through partner ecosystem-led growth.
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