Microsoft Partner Agreement Deadline – What You Need to Know

If you are a Microsoft Partner, then you should be aware of the Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA) and its upcoming deadline. This agreement is essential because it outlines the terms and conditions that Microsoft Partners must follow to maintain their status as an official partner. In this article, we will take a closer look at the MPA and its deadline to ensure that you are up to date with this important agreement.

What is the Microsoft Partner Agreement?

The Microsoft Partner Agreement is a legal agreement that outlines the terms and conditions that all Microsoft Partners must adhere to. The agreement covers several areas, including compliance with Microsoft policies, security and privacy obligations, customer data protection, and intellectual property rights. The MPA ensures that Microsoft Partners are following Microsoft`s guidelines and that their practices are in line with the tech giant`s expectations.

Why is the MPA important?

Being a Microsoft Partner provides many benefits, such as access to Microsoft products, support, and training resources. However, these benefits come with responsibilities, and the MPA ensures that Microsoft Partners follow the necessary guidelines to maintain their partnership status. Failure to comply with the MPA`s terms and conditions could result in revoked partnership status, which would negatively impact a Microsoft Partner`s business.

When is the MPA Deadline?

The current MPA was released on November 1, 2019, and all Microsoft Partners were required to accept it by January 31, 2020. Microsoft Partners who were unable to accept the agreement before the deadline had their partnership status suspended. The upcoming MPA deadline is on July 31, 2021, and all Microsoft Partners must accept the updated agreement before this date to maintain their partnership status.

What are the changes to the MPA?

The updated MPA includes changes that will affect how Microsoft Partners do business. One significant change is that Microsoft Partners may not use customer data for any purpose other than providing the services to that particular customer. Partners must also ensure that they comply with all applicable laws related to data protection and privacy. The new MPA also includes changes related to IP rights, revenue sharing, and marketing practices, among others.

How to Accept the MPA?

To accept the updated MPA, Microsoft Partners must log in to their Partner Center account and navigate to the “Agreements” tab. From there, the Partner Center will guide them through the process of reviewing and accepting the agreement. It`s essential to note that ALL partners must accept the updated MPA, even those who accepted the previous version.

Conclusion

As a Microsoft Partner, it is crucial to stay compliant with the MPA`s terms and conditions to maintain your partnership status. Make sure to review and accept the updated MPA before the July 31, 2021 deadline to avoid any disruptions to your partnership status. Stay up to date with Microsoft`s policies and guidelines to ensure that you continue to provide top-quality services to your customers while being in compliance with Microsoft`s expectations.