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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 - [08/2024]
Monthly Update: Important Actions Partners Need to Take to Secure the Partner Ecosystem
- Date of Announcement: August 28, 2024
- Effective Date: September 2024 (for certain updates)
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: Direct bill partners, indirect providers, and indirect resellers transacting through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program and with advisors.
Summary:
To enhance security across the partner ecosystem, Microsoft is rolling out several critical updates, including:
- MFA Requirements for Azure Portal: Enforced starting October 2024.
- Security Requirements API: Upcoming release to provide partners with essential security compliance data.
- DAP Insights Dashboard Deprecation: Deprecated by September 1, 2024; partners should use the GDAP relationship dashboard.
- Blocked Assignments on Unused Subscriptions: Microsoft will block and terminate unused Azure subscriptions 90 days after notification, beginning in November 2024.
Reminders:
- GDAP Auto Extend: Ensure the auto-extend feature is activated for Microsoft-led GDAP.
- Security Roles: New roles (Security Administrator and Reader) have been introduced for better security management.
Next Steps:
- Review the "Securing the Channel" journey map.
- Strengthen security measures using Microsoft cybersecurity tools.
- Sign up for CSP Technical Training to address queries.
Update: Technical Enforcement of End of Sale for Microsoft 365 and Office 365 Enterprise Suites with Teams in CSP
- Date of Announcement: August 28, 2024
- Effective Date: October 1, 2024
- Workspace: Modern Workplace
- Impacted Audience: Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Direct Bill Partners, CSP Indirect Resellers, CSP Indirect Providers, Licensing Solution Provider.
Summary:
Starting October 1, 2024, Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and Office 365 E1/E3/E5 Enterprise SKUs with Teams will no longer be available for new subscriptions through CSP outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Existing customers can continue using and renewing their current subscriptions, but new customers will need to purchase separate SKUs for Teams and the enterprise suites.
Next Steps:
- Partners should familiarize themselves with the Partner-to-Partner transfer capability.
- Use the Partner FAQ for more information on managing end-of-sale offers.
Commercial Marketplace Certification Policy Update
- Date of Announcement: August 26, 2024
- Effective Date: September 1, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: Microsoft publishers with transactable SaaS offers in the marketplace.
Summary:
Microsoft is updating the certification policies for SaaS offer landing pages in the commercial marketplace to improve customer experience and security. Key updates include the requirement for landing pages to be consistently accessible, compliant with content guidelines, and free of installation/download prompts.
Next Steps:
- Review the updated policy for SaaS offer landing pages.
- Ensure compliance with the new standards by September 1, 2024.
Partner to Partner Transfer Webhooks Now Available
- Date of Announcement: August 16, 2024
- Effective Date: Immediate
- Workspace: Customers
- Impacted Audience: Cloud Solution Providers (CSP) direct-bill partners and indirect providers.
Summary:
Webhook events for partner-to-partner transfers are now available in Partner Center. These events allow partners to receive notifications for created, updated, completed, and failed transfers, streamlining the transfer process and enhancing audit capabilities.
Next Steps:
- Review the documentation for webhook events.
- Understand how to track transactions and actions through Partner Center APIs.
Billing History Page: Upcoming Changes
- Date of Announcement: August 14, 2024
- Effective Date: September 17, 2024
- Workspace: Information
- Impacted Audience: All global Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program partners.
Summary:
Microsoft is updating the Partner Center billing experience. The "Billing history" page will now only show legacy billing details, while new commerce billing information will be accessible through the "Billing overview NCE" page, providing a clearer and faster user experience.
Next Steps:
- Inform all relevant users in your company about this change.
- Start using the "Billing overview NCE" page for new commerce billing.
August Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Monthly Updates and Community Reminder
- Date of Announcement: August 7, 2024
- Effective Date: Ongoing
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: CSP direct bill partners and indirect providers.
Summary:
The August update includes new content in the partner launch calendar, the CSP Bimonthly Update newsletter, and CSP community resources. Partners are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming changes and participate in monthly CSP spotlight webinars.
Next Steps:
- Review the Partner Launch Calendar and monthly newsletter.
- Register for upcoming Community Q&A calls.
Monthly Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Update
- Date of Announcement: August 6, 2024
- Effective Date: Ongoing
- Workspace: Membership
- Impacted Audience: Partners enrolled in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner (MAICPP) Program.
Summary:
Microsoft has introduced new capabilities and updates to help partners differentiate their technical expertise, with new benefits for eligible Solutions Partners. Upcoming changes include additional certifications for specializations and a transition from legacy benefits to new partner packages by January 2025.
Next Steps:
- Visit the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program resources gallery.
- Learn about the new requirements and benefits for Solutions Partner designations and specializations.