Welcome to our news!
Have you ever wondered what it is Microsoft has been doing lately? If so, you're in the right place. We've carefully selected Microsoft's most significant updates over the last month, making sure you're always up to date.
As Microsoft eventually makes changes that directly impact your business, understanding the latest releases can give you a competitive edge.
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Microsoft Updates - [04/2025]
1. Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Updates
Effective Date: Throughout April 2025
Introduction: Microsoft expanded its AI Cloud Partner Program benefits and updated specialization/certification paths.
Resume: New designations, skill updates, and SMB paths are live—plus incentives for partners using Azure Innovate.
What's happening:
- SMB paths added to Security and Azure solution areas.
- New V.Next specialization for Build AI Apps launched.
- Certification and skill requirement updates across multiple tracks.
Who is affected: All partners in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
Action required:
- Review new specialization and certification requirements.
- Enroll in applicable incentives and paths.
2. Activity Log Retention Limit Notification
Effective Date: May 1, 2025
Introduction: Microsoft is changing how it notifies CSP partners about activity log deletions in Partner Center.
Resume: Partners will no longer receive advance email notifications of activity log deletions. Logs will still be deleted after reaching 800 entries. Activity logs will continue to be automatically deleted after reaching 800-record limits, but email notifications will no longer be sent.
What's happening:
- Email alerts before activity log deletion will be discontinued.
- Logs exceeding 800 records will still be automatically removed.
- Partners should export logs proactively in .csv format.
Who is affected: All CSP partners (indirect providers and direct billers) using Partner Center activity logs.
Action required:
- Audit current logs and export important data.
- Train teams on the new retention policy.
3. MCA Partner Attestation Blocking Changes
Effective Date: May 7, 2025 (bulk tool retirement) / October 7, 2025 (API/UX retirement)
Introduction: Microsoft is retiring existing MCA attestation methods and introducing a more compliant API.
Resume: After October 7, only two methods are allowed to accept the MCA: enhanced API or direct customer acceptance.
What's happening:
- Current API and UX experiences will be deprecated.
- New API available for sandbox testing starting April 11.
- Bulk attestation tool will become read-only on May 7.
Who is affected: Direct bill and indirect providers using Partner Center UX, API, or bulk tool.
- Action required:
- Start integrating the new enhanced API.
- Ensure direct customer acceptance if not using the new API.
4. Microsoft Partner Agreement Update
Effective Date: October 4, 2025
Introduction: Microsoft updated the MPA to reflect stronger compliance, transparency, and data protection terms.
Resume: All current partners will have the new MPA terms automatically applied—no action required.
What's happening:
- Updated MPA available for review in Partner Center.
- Terms auto-apply without needing signatures.
- Who is affected: All CSP partners operating under the MPA.
Action required:
- Review the new MPA with your legal team.
5. April Price List Error and Republishing
Effective Date: April 4, 2025
Introduction: Microsoft corrected pricing errors for Copilot SKUs in the April license-based price list.
Resume: The original price list published April 1 included incorrect values for monthly billing plans.
What's happening:
- Price list was republished April 4 with correct pricing.
- Adjustments made for purchases between April 1 and April 4.
Who is affected: All CSP partners who use the license-based price list.
Action required:
- Use the updated price list moving forward.
- Check for credit adjustments on subsequent invoices.
6. Partner Center Operational Improvements
Effective Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction: Microsoft is streamlining CSP operations with automation and better customer renewal flows.
Resume: Improvements include a new EA-to-CSP renewal interface and AI assistant for midterm license upgrades.
What's happening:
- New Channel Transfers tab helps EA customers move to CSP.
- AI assistant now automates duplicate license cancellation.
Who is affected: All CSP partners managing EA renewals or midterm upgrades.
Action required:
- Familiarize teams with the new interface.
- Use the AI assistant to process midterm upgrades.
Key Resources
- Partner blog
- Partner Center Announcement – November
- Partner Center Announcement – EOS scheduling for billing frequency
- Partner Center Announcement – March 1 NCE license-based price list preview for expected price changes in April
- Partner-facing FAQ
- Partner Guidance Deck for renewals and upsell
![Risk Management [Part 1]](https://media.cloudcockpit.works/media/assets/large_managing_financial_risk_in_the_microsoft_csp_program_564aaefd90.webp)
