A Microsoft Solutions Partner is a designation Microsoft awards to partner organisations that demonstrate verified expertise, certified staff and proven customer success within specific solution areas, such as Business Applications, Modern Work, Security, Data and AI, or Digital and App Innovation. It replaced Microsoft's older competency-based partner programme, providing customers with independently verified evidence of a partner's genuine capability rather than relying on self-reported claims.
How the Microsoft Solutions Partner designation works
To earn a Solutions Partner designation in a specific area, a partner organisation must meet defined criteria including a minimum number of relevant Microsoft-certified staff, demonstrated customer deployments and usage of the relevant Microsoft products, and customer satisfaction performance. Designations are assessed and maintained on an ongoing basis, meaning the status reflects current, active capability rather than a one-off historical achievement.
Microsoft Solutions Partner status in practice
- A business evaluating Business Central implementation partners checks for Microsoft Solutions Partner status in Business Applications as independent evidence of genuine expertise.
- A partner organisation invests in staff certifications and successful customer deployments specifically to achieve and maintain its Solutions Partner designation.
- A customer comparing several potential implementation partners uses Solutions Partner status as one factor in deciding who to trust with a significant technology project.
- An organisation researching Microsoft partners checks designations across multiple solution areas, such as Business Applications and Modern Work, to understand a partner's breadth of verified expertise.
Advantage as a Microsoft Solutions Partner
Advantage Business Systems is a Microsoft Solutions Partner, reflecting our verified expertise and track record across Business Applications and the wider Microsoft platform for UK SMEs. Find out more about our Microsoft partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Microsoft Solutions Partner and a Microsoft CSP?
A Microsoft CSP relates specifically to licensing and billing for Microsoft cloud products. Microsoft Solutions Partner is a broader designation reflecting demonstrated expertise, certifications and customer success across one or more solution areas, such as Business Applications or Modern Work. Many partners, including Advantage, hold both designations.
How does Microsoft decide which partners earn Solutions Partner designations?
Microsoft assesses partners against specific criteria for each designation, including the number of relevant certified staff, customer deployment and usage numbers, and customer satisfaction scores, recertifying these designations periodically as Microsoft's requirements and partner performance evolve.
Why does a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation matter when choosing an implementation partner?
The designation provides independent, Microsoft-verified evidence of a partner's expertise and track record in a specific solution area, rather than relying solely on the partner's own marketing claims, giving customers more confidence in the partner's genuine capability.
