class="wp-singular news-template-default single single-news postid-8025 wp-custom-logo wp-theme-microwarehouse tribe-no-js">
Major CSP Programme Changes: What Microsoft Partners Need to Know
On 1 May, Microsoft introduced substantial updates to its Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme—changes that will affect partners across the board. You can find the full announcement HERE. Further summary details HERE.
At MicroWarehouse, we’ve been actively reviewing these developments and engaging closely with our Microsoft contacts to understand the practical implications. Our goal is to help partners navigate the changes with clarity and confidence, especially where the announcement may have caused uncertainty.
In parallel, we’re also seeing a marked increase in Microsoft’s enforcement of governance, compliance, and security standards. Several partners have already received suspension notices directly from Microsoft, underscoring the urgency of aligning with these evolving requirements.
We’ll continue to share updates and guidance as more details emerge. In the meantime, if you have questions or need support interpreting how these changes affect your business, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In Microsoft’s own words:
To realize channel growth, CSP partners authorized in our ecosystem should possess expertise across these six foundational pillars:
- Securing sufficient TAM to support healthy and thriving partner businesses
- Demonstrating proven sales capacity and solution area capability
- Delivering operational integrity, consistency, and reliability
- Providing first-level support for customers and resellers
- Leading with compliance practices to mitigate risks
- Maintaining security postures that build, maintain, and reinforce customer trust
To stay compliant and avoid disruption, indirect resellers should take the following steps without delay:
1.Review and Update Your Microsoft Partner Center Profile
Make sure your Partner Center account is fully up to date and free of any outstanding requests from Microsoft. Key areas to check include:
- Contact Information: All listed email addresses must be valid—avoid using any that end in .onmicrosoft.com.
- Business Details: Ensure your company name, address, and Eircode match the information registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
- Agreements: Confirm that you’ve accepted the latest Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA) within the portal.
- Security Compliance: Verify that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enforced for all user accounts on your tenant.
2. Review the below changes and assess how they may impact you.
What do partners need to know?
Indirect CSP Partners (from 1st October)
(Click image for larger view)
What Indirect Providers Need to Know: 3 Key Changes
Microsoft has introduced three important updates that all indirect providers should be aware of. These changes are designed to enhance partner accountability, security, and alignment with Microsoft’s evolving partner ecosystem.
1. New Revenue Threshold Requirement
Indirect providers must now meet a minimum of $1,000 USD in billed revenue over the past 12 months. This is expected to have minimal impact on most partners but is now a formal eligibility requirement.
2. Strengthened Security Standards via Partner Center Security Score
Microsoft is enforcing a new Partner Center Security Score—distinct from the familiar Microsoft 365 Secure Score. This initiative aims to improve the overall security posture and operational readiness of partners.
To remain compliant, partners must achieve a score of 80 in the mandatory security areas, which currently include:
- Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all administrative users in the CSP tenant
- Designating a security contact in Partner Center
- Responding to security alerts within 24 hours (note: this requirement does not apply to indirect resellers)
While only these three areas are mandatory for now, Microsoft has indicated that additional requirements—such as enforcing MFA for all end-user admin accounts—will be added over time. MicroWarehouse has long advocated for this proactive security approach.
[Link to Microsoft’s Partner Center Security Score documentation]
3. Incentive Eligibility Changes Effective 1 October 2025
To qualify for Microsoft incentives, partners must now meet both designation and revenue thresholds:
- Hold a Solutions Partner designation in the relevant solution area, or
- Earn 25 Partner Capability Points in that solution area
- Generate at least $25,000 USD in trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue at the Partner Location Account (PLA) level
Incentives are now tied to specific solution designations, replacing the previous model where Azure coverage extended across all areas.
For example:
- Modern Work incentives: Solutions Partner designation for Modern Work or Security
- Business Applications incentives: Solutions Partner designation for Business Applications
- Azure incentives: Solutions Partner designation for Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), or Infrastructure (Azure)
The mention of 25 capability points suggests that partners who meet this threshold in a given solution area will qualify for incentives in that area—e.g., 25 points in Azure unlocks Azure incentives. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for further clarification, as this could benefit partners transitioning from legacy Silver/Gold competencies to the new designations.
Direct bill CSP
(Click image for larger view)
Microsoft has announced several significant changes that will impact Direct Bill CSP partners starting in FY26 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Revenue Threshold Increase (Effective 1 July 2025)
From the start of FY26, the minimum revenue requirement to maintain Direct CSP status will rise to $1 million USD in billed revenue over the previous 12 months. This is a substantial increase, and partners who do not meet this threshold will be transitioned to the indirect model.
2. New Designation Requirements Coming in FY27
Looking ahead to FY27, Microsoft will introduce additional criteria for Direct CSPs, including:
- Holding a minimum number of Solutions Partner designations
- Achieving a Support Services designation
- These changes are designed to ensure that Direct CSPs are equipped to deliver high-quality support and technical capability at scale.
3. Operational and Financial Impacts from ASfP and PSfP Changes
Previously announced updates to Advanced Support for Partners (ASfP) and Premier Support for Partners (PSfP) will introduce further operational and financial responsibilities for Direct CSPs. These changes reinforce Microsoft’s expectations around partner readiness and service delivery.
4. Security and Incentive Requirements Also Apply
Direct CSPs are also subject to the same requirements as indirect partners when it comes to:
- Meeting the Partner Center Security Score thresholds
- Complying with the new incentive eligibility rules (including designation and revenue criteria)
- Need Help Navigating the Transition?
If you’re an existing Indirect CSP partner or a Direct CSP partner affected by these changes, our team at MicroWarehouse is here to help. We can guide you through a smooth transition to the indirect model and show you how our enhanced services and partner enablement tools can help grow your business with confidence.
Conclusion:
Microsoft is moving rapidly both on the tech innovation side of things and on evolving their partner program. It’s important for all partners to keep on top of this on a regular basis. The team at MicroWarehouse are here to help so reach out to us if you would like to discuss these changes to the partner program or have any further questions on how we can help you grow your business.
Finian Nally
Senior Business Solutions Manager
Landline: +353 (0)1 616 0430
Mobile: +353 87 233 8524