Microsoft Partners: What Are the Levels and Why They Matter?
/ Microsoft Partner / By

Microsoft Partners: What Are the Levels and Why They Matter?

Choosing the right Microsoft Partner is key to a successful digital transformation. With over 400,000 Microsoft Partners globally, the Microsoft Partner Network is vast but not all partners offer the same level of expertise, specialization, or support.

That’s why Microsoft has established structured partnership levels, ranging from the legacy Silver and Gold tiers to the modern Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, so businesses like yours can confidently identify the right partner for your needs.

Whether you’re implementing an ERP or CRM solution with Dynamics 365, migrating to Azure, or enhancing collaboration with Microsoft 365, understanding these partner levels will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.

In this blog, we’ll break down the Microsoft Partner levels, explain what each designation means, and show you how to choose the right partner like Cetas, a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner to support your business goals.

What is a Microsoft Partner?

A Microsoft Partner is an organization that works with Microsoft to deliver Microsoft products and services to customers. They have specialized expertise in Microsoft technologies and can offer a range of services, from consulting and implementation to support and training. These partners are part of the Microsoft Partner Network and are recognized for their expertise in key products such as:

To qualify as a Microsoft Partner, businesses must meet Microsoft’s standards across areas like technical certification, customer success, and ongoing performance.

What Are the Levels of Microsoft Partners?

1. Legacy Model: Gold and Silver Competencies

Microsoft Gold Partner

  • Highest certification level in the legacy model
  • Requires multiple Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs), strong customer success metrics
  • Preferred by larger enterprises or complex implementations

Microsoft Silver Partner

  • Entry-level competency requiring a minimum number of Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs)
  • Proven skills in areas like Business Applications, Modern Workplace, or Data & AI
  • Suitable for small or growing firms

2. Modern Model: Microsoft Solutions Partner Designations

Microsoft has transitioned from the legacy Silver and Gold competencies to a performance-based model — the Solutions Partner designations. These designations focus on three key areas: performance, skilling, and customer success.

If you currently hold a legacy Silver or Gold membership and meet the new requirements, you’ll automatically earn the corresponding Solutions Partner designation and customer-facing badge at no additional cost. There are six Solutions Partner designations, each aligned to a core Microsoft solution area:

  • Solutions Partner for Business Applications
  • Solutions Partner for Modern Work
  • Solutions Partner for Security
  • Solutions Partner for Data & AI (Azure)
  • Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure)
  • Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure)

To earn a Solutions Partner designation, partners must achieve a Partner Capability Score, which evaluates:

  • Technical certifications
  • Successful deployments
  • Customer satisfaction and retention

Cetas is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, showcasing proven expertise in Dynamics 365 implementations and support.

Microsoft Partner Certifications and Program Roles

Beyond the primary designations, Microsoft also recognizes specialized program roles to track partner engagement and enable deeper collaboration.

Partner Admin Link (PAL)

It lets authorized partners attach their Partner Network ID to a customer’s Azure or Power Platform subscription. PAL enables Microsoft to accurately attribute partner-influenced Azure consumption, a key factor for partner performance, incentives, and designation credibility

Partner of Record (POR)

It is a designation the customer assigns (often during purchase or setup of Microsoft 365 or Dynamics 365). It enables partners to offer support, licensing guidance, and receive subscription change notifications without access to billing or admin permissions

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (formerly Microsoft Partner Network)

It is the unified ecosystem for all Microsoft partner activities. It provides access to tools, training, solutions partner designations, incentives, co-selling opportunities, and global partner benefits for certified organizations

How to Choose the Right Microsoft Partner for Your Business?

When evaluating potential partners, ask:

  • Do they have a Solutions Partner designation relevant to your needs?
  • Are they staffed with Microsoft Certified Professionals or Trainers?
  • Do they offer end-to-end support and post-deployment services?
  • Can they demonstrate industry-specific success stories or case studies?

Why Choose Cetas as Your Microsoft Partner?

At Cetas, we’re more than just a vendor, we’re your trusted technology partner. As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, we specialize in:

With deep domain expertise across industries and years of ERP/CRM consulting experience, we help businesses maximize their Microsoft investment and accelerate transformation.

Choosing the Right Microsoft Solutions Partner for Your Business

Understanding the evolution from Silver and Gold tiers to the modern Microsoft Solutions Partner designations helps you make informed decisions in today’s cloud-first business landscape.

If you’re implementing ERP or CRM, enabling Power Platform workflows, or scaling with Azure, partnering with a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner like Cetas ensures trusted guidance, industry know-how, and long-term value.

Looking for a trusted Microsoft Partner to guide your ERP or CRM journey?

Connect with Cetas, a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, trusted by businesses in Chennai, Bengaluru, Dubai, and New York. Book your personalized consultation today and accelerate your digital transformation with confidence.

Contact Us