For more than 20 years, IT leaders looked to certified Microsoft Gold Partners. Microsoft Gold Partners were companies that met stringent criteria as Microsoft technology experts.<\/p>\n
However, late in 2022, Microsoft evolved the Microsoft Gold Program into the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. At the same time, Microsoft replaced the previous Gold and Silver Partner levels and badges with new solution areas and specializations. These changes reflected the company\u2019s strategic focus on cloud services and computing.<\/strong><\/p>\n Even more recently, the company evolved the program again to reflect its generative AI focus<\/a>. But what do the new Microsoft AI Cloud Partner\u00a0solution areas and specializations mean for you the customer and the potential client of these certified partners? Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n Any company can join the MAICPP. But similar to the Microsoft Gold Program, MCPP members can earn designations in any or all of six Microsoft\u2019s AI Cloud Partner solution areas:<\/p>\n For each solution area, Microsoft evaluates and scores partners in three areas:<\/strong><\/p>\n As a result, working with certified experts in these Microsoft solution areas gives you confidence that your partner has demonstrated expertise in implementing Microsoft technology.<\/p>\n When a partner earns all six designations, they become a Microsoft AI Cloud Partner. Currently, just over 25 Microsoft partners have earned this rare distinction<\/a> from among the thousands of Microsoft Partners.<\/p>\n Microsoft AI Cloud Partners can also earn additional Advanced Specializations from Microsoft to further credential their technical knowledge.<\/strong> For example, so far, we have earned three Advanced Specializations:<\/p>\n We earned this specialization by having:<\/p>\n We earned this specialization by having:<\/p>\n We earned this specialization by having:<\/p>\n Each of the six Microsoft solution areas addresses specific business needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n From: Microsoft Cloud Partner Program<\/p><\/div>\n Below are a few of the business problems that solution partners in each area can help with:<\/p>\n Choosing a Microsoft AI Cloud Partner with demonstrated expertise in Microsoft technology<\/a> delivers many benefits, especially the proven ability to provide holistic solutions across the Microsoft Copilots and Azure Cloud.<\/p>\n For example, a Microsoft AI Cloud Partner can tailor solutions to meet your specific business needs, whether you’re looking to adopt cloud technology, enhance your cybersecurity<\/a>, or implement a new collaboration platform. They can also access the latest Microsoft technology, as well as the tools and roadmaps needed to benefit their clients. Finally, they can provide a full suite of M365, D365, and Azure licensing and subscription services.<\/p>\n\n What\u2019s in a Name: Microsoft Gold Partners vs. Microsoft AI Cloud Partners<\/h2>\n
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Above and Beyond: Advanced Specializations<\/h2>\n
Modern Work \u2013 Adoption & Change Management<\/h3>\n
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Modern Work \u2013 Meetings and Meeting Rooms for Microsoft Teams<\/h3>\n
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Azure \u2013 Migrate Enterprise Apps to Microsoft Azure<\/h3>\n
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What Kind of Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Do I Need?<\/h2>\n
![\"Centric](\"https:\/\/centricconsulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Screenshot-2023-09-26-at-1.34.07-PM.png\")
<\/a>Business Applications<\/h3>\n
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Data & AI (Azure)<\/h3>\n
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Digital & App Innovation (Azure)<\/h3>\n
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Infrastructure (Azure)<\/h3>\n
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Modern Work<\/h3>\n
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Security<\/h3>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n