MAPS Microsoft Partner and offering trial subscriptions (D365 and O365)?

[philstubbington]

Hi,

I've been going round and round in circles trying to understand this, so hope someone can help.

We're a new Microsoft Partner (MAPS) and want to offer trials to prospective SMB/SME clients, and guide them through the features and benefits of O365 or D365 during their trial period. 

Obviously, the end goal is that the prospect signs up to O365 or D365 and we help them implement it.  

As far as I can see, the best way to achieve this is to guide the prospect through them getting a trial via:-

https://products.office.com/en-gb/compare-all-microsoft-office-products

However, as far as I can make out, this wouldn't allow us to set anything up for them - being smaller businesses, they may not have an IT in house at all?

Also, until they sign up for a product we're not the DPOR (Digital Partner of Record) so won't get recognition for that either?  I understand DPOR is being phased out.

What are we supposed to do?

Thanks in advance, 

Phil

[PerWerngren · Accepted solution]

Hi Phil,

My advice is that you can help them set up a trial, but because you are not engaged in any of Microsoft's initiatives reserved for the most engaged partners you will have less abilities to connect the trial to your partner ID. I highly encourage you to talk to your distributor about selling Microsoft products through CSP because that will make it so much easier and better for you.

Customers can give you access in different ways in case they want you to set it up for them (they can either 'lend out' login credentials or set up a new account for you to use. 

My advice is to identify where you can add value when it comes to provide a managed solution provider for them. There are of course some profits to be made on migrations, as well as margin on the software, but the real money lies in adding value and find a way to build a recurring revenue stream. 

I also think that it makes sense for you to have a conversation with Microsoft around building a deeper engagement and qualify for a Silver Competency.

Regards, Per