Subj : Microsoft is retiring one of its most popular software partner pr
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Thu Aug 29 2024 12:30:05

Microsoft is retiring one of its most popular software partner programs

Date:
Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:26:00 +0000

Description:
Microsoft is pushing partners to more expensive cloud-based services, but 
some can delay this by up to a year.

FULL STORY
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Microsoft has revealed a potentially significant change in its software 
licensing which could leave some partners with an unexpectedly high bill. 

The company announced the discontinuation of its Microsoft Action Pack and 
Microsoft Learning Pack, effective from January 21, 2025, pushing partners 
towards more expensive, cloud-based options. 

Microsoft explained the move will help it with, evolving the partner benefits 
offerings to provide partners with the tools and support they need to 
continue to lead the way in the shifting tech landscape. Microsoft pushes 
customers toward more expensive subscriptions 

The companys suggested replacements, Partner Success Core Benefits and 
Partner Success Expanded Benefits, shift away from on-prem solutions in favor 
of cloud services. 

Despite the promised accessibility, the transition could come with increased 
cost and reduced flexibility for some partners. One disgruntled customer told 
The Register that theyd have to go from spending 390 + VAT for Action Pack to 
735 + VAT for Partner Success Core. The partner also noted that it 
complicates efforts to recreate customer environments that rely on legacy 
software. 

This isnt the first time that users have been subject to a change  
previously, Microsoft attempted to remove Internal Use Rights (IURs) from the 
licenses, but reseller network backlash forced the company to reverse its 
decision. 

The news wasnt totally unexpected, though. The launch of new benefits 
packages at the start of 2024, including Partner Launch Benefits, Partner 
Success Core Benefits and Partner Success Expanded Benefits, hinted at the 
impending retirement of the Action Pack. 

To pacify partners, Microsoft is promising to add more than 20 in-demand 
product licenses, including several Microsoft Copilot products, Defender for 
Endpoint, and Microsoft GitHub. 

Those reluctant to make the change so soon can continue to purchase or renew 
Microsoft Action Pack or Learning Action Pack until January 21, 2025, so long 
as their existing renewal is on or before this date. By doing so, theyll have 
access for another year. More from TechRadar Pro Microsoft 365 update brings 
more of the latest and greatest Copilot features to your work Cut the costs 
with the best free office software Here are the best AI tools and best AI 
writers



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-is-retiring-one-of-its-most-popular-so
ftware-partner-programs


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