Note: The MPN ID is now known as the Microsoft Partner ID. Read our most up-to-date article here!
So, have you heard of this exciting up-and-coming start-up called ‘Microsoft’?
Only kidding, of course. We all know that Microsoft’s continuing history of innovation, enablement, and user centricity is the chief reason we are where we are now, using the tools we use. And cloud solutions are no exception to this success story.
Ready to join forces with a value-added cloud solutions provider? Check out our Partner Guide
Deciding to partner up and sell Microsoft products is the first step on your road to cloud success. Nothing’s left up to chance—you’ll find all you need in the Microsoft Partner Network, an environment that exists solely to help its members benefit from a wealth of resources and grow their business. As such, you’ll want to make sure you make full use of it. Enter the MPN ID.
What’s the MPN ID?
A unique identifier of your business that gives you access to all the resources and benefits of your partnership with Microsoft. Your Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) ID is:
- Free to obtain,
- Ready in seconds, and
- Crucial to manage your overall relationship with Microsoft.
Sounds important. How do I get one?
- If you’re not a partner already, sign up as a Microsoft Partner.
- Done! Your MPN ID can be found in the Microsoft Partner Profile page of the Partner Center.
Why you need a MPN ID
These days, it’s passwords, access codes, and PINs left and right. What good is yet another ID number? Let’s summarize why getting an MPN ID is well worth your while.
You start getting recognized for your business
All your transactions and revenue are properly documented—which is a good backup and safety precaution—but even more importantly, it allows you to make the most of these next benefits.
You can choose from different levels of involvement to suit your business’s needs and scope, including preparation for a competency
Success means different things to different businesses. That’s why Microsoft lets you pick your partnership level—Network Member, Action Pack, or Competency (Gold and Silver), each with an increasingly comprehensive level of support, training, and service.
While, as a Network Member, you can start out slow, Competencies require you to demonstrate your expertise, certify your staff and undergo training. This freedom of choice allows you to always take full advantage of what’s available.
You get access to Microsoft resources and benefits
After you’ve completed the initial setup and customized your partnership, it’s time to dive deep into the resources. These include (but aren’t limited to):
- a portfolio of go-to-market services to help you grow your business
- technical presales and deployment services
- product licenses including internal-use rights (not for commercial use)
- product support (varies by partnership level)
You get rewards through incentives where eligible
Here’s where documenting your revenue comes in especially handy! Microsoft offers a solid range of incentive programs that CSPs can qualify for by driving revenue, selling strategic products, adding customers, expanding channels, influencing customers’ usage—the list goes on. In short, the options are many and chances are you’ll find an incentive program that suits your specific business.
How to know if you have the right MPN ID
Because the Microsoft ecosystem is rather complex, hiccups do happen. Your MPN ID might be linked to an expired program, you might be using the wrong one, or you might actually need multiple IDs!
Sounds too intimidating to wrap your head around? It doesn’t need to be. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start with roles and permissions
Before anything else, verify the roles and permissions your user has for the Partner Center. You must be a global admin to give yourself the additional permissions for MPN Admin and Account Admin. These are required for the next steps. Here’s what it should look like:
Find out if you have the right MPN ID
In the Account settings dashboard, under the Reseller profile tab, you will find the Associated MPN ID that needs to be shared with your CSP Indirect Provider:
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Learn more about the MPN ID with Sherweb as your guide
As a value-added cloud solutions provider and Microsoft Gold partner, Sherweb has expertise and resources to help partners navigate the complex Microsoft ecosystem. What we can offer includes:
- Webinars and educational events on all things MPN and Microsoft resources
- Blogs, guides and other support for all things Microsoft
- Experienced Subject Matter Experts and Account Managers available to help you make sense of the complex Microsoft environment—email, call or chat with us to started!
