--- title: Speed is of the essence for Microsoft partners description: Stay updated with key changes in the Microsoft ecosystem, including certification updates, new programs, and essential deadlines for partners. image: https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/1783963488770-1.png --- [![PARTNER1 LOGO-03-1](https://www.partner1.io/hs-fs/hubfs/PARTNER1%20LOGO-03-1.png?width=424&height=146&name=PARTNER1%20LOGO-03-1.png)](https://www.partner1.io) - [Contact](https://www.partner1.io/contact) - [How We Help](https://www.partner1.io/#solutions) - [Events](https://www.partner1.io/events) - [Insights](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog) - [Podcast](https://www.partner1.io/podcast) - [About Us](https://www.partner1.io/about) - [Home](https://www.partner1.io) ![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/1783963488770-1.png) - - - - - ![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/tagIconBlack.svg) [ISV](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/isv), [Microsoft](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/microsoft), [Cloud Marketplaces](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/cloud-marketplaces), [SI Partners](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/si-partners) [![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/authorIcon.svg)Juhi Saha](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/author/juhi-saha) ![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/readIcon.svg)1 min # Speed is of the essence for Microsoft partners #### Table of Contents **Multiple changes in two weeks: your November 2 Microsoft partner briefing** We monitor the Microsoft partner ecosystem, so you don’t have to. Across the last two weeks of Microsoft changes, the theme is speed: leads expire faster, old code stops being supported, and incentives reward partners who move quickly. We’re sharing a shortlist of what our clients see; if you want the full scoop, DM me or sign up for our newsletter at [https://www.partner1.io/newsletter](https://www.partner1.io/newsletter) **Bonus:** Partner1's [Microsoft Marketplace Assessment](https://assessments.partner1.io/msft-mkpl) helps you benchmark your current marketplace motion against Microsoft's FY27 framework in seconds! --- **NOVEMBER 2: SMB referrals now expire after five days:** Starting today, you have 5 calendar days, down from 14, to accept or reject an SMB referral from Microsoft, or it can go to another partner. **NOVEMBER 10: .NET 8, .NET 9 and the in-process model on Azure Functions** lose support November 10. If you're using these for integrations, check your code today. **OCTOBER 1: Funding for Azure services work was** updated for over 18 partner-nominated programs, backdated to October 1, with claim limits now set per customer and new payment amounts and earning caps. **DECEMBER 31 and JUNE 30: Two CSP offers for large Microsoft 365 customers:** Through December 31, Microsoft matches up to five Copilot Studio capacity packs on new E7 deals of 300+ seats; through June 30, 2027, eligible customers get 30% off 300+ new E3 seats. --- **The bottom line** Microsoft is shortening every cycle and assigning measurements and numbers across all programs, particularly incentives. Take the [Microsoft Marketplace Assessment](https://assessments.partner1.io/msft-mkpl) 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®](https://www.linkedin.com/company/partner1-io/) is the premier partner activation firm built by former Microsoft executives. We help B2B companies grow profitably and globally through partner ecosystem-led growth. If someone forwarded this to you, you can subscribe [here](https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7062561705460912128/?displayConfirmation=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_pulse_read%3Bls4ny6%2BRTlW%2F2kKFTt4qRQ%3D%3D) and follow us at [www.partner1.io](https://www.partner1.io/). ![Juhi Saha](https://www.partner1.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/image%2010.png?width=86&height=86&name=image%2010.png) ###### Juhi Saha ##### Search ![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/search_icon.svg) #### Subscribe now and never miss an event or update Tap into our community of Microsoft and partnerships experts! ### Related Blog ![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/1783963488770-1.png) #### 26 Oct, 2026 [ISV](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/isv), [Microsoft](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/microsoft), [Cloud Marketplaces](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/cloud-marketplaces), [SI Partners](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/tag/si-partners) #### Your October 19th Microsoft Monday briefing by Partner1 We monitor the Microsoft ecosystem, so you don't have to. [Read More](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/your-october-19th-microsoft-monday-briefing-by-partner1) [![](https://www.partner1.io/hubfs/Partner1_Theme/Images/authorIcon.svg)Juhi Saha](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog/author/juhi-saha) [![PARTNER1 LOGO-03-1](https://www.partner1.io/hs-fs/hubfs/PARTNER1%20LOGO-03-1.png?width=4990&height=3620&name=PARTNER1%20LOGO-03-1.png)](https://www.partner1.io) - [Home](https://www.partner1.io) - [What We Do](https://www.partner1.io/#solutions) - [About](https://www.partner1.io/about) - [Blog](https://www.partner1.io/partner-blog) - [Testimonials](https://www.partner1.io/#testimonials) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.partner1.io/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.partner1.io/terms-of-service) - [Work with Us](https://www.partner1.io/contact) - © Partner1® LLC 2023-2025. All rights reserved. Partner1 is a registered trademark of Partner1 LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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