Over the past year, Microsoft have made significant changes to the partner network. They’ve addressed the issue that premium service providers like ourselves had that we found it very difficult to differentiate themselves from the multitude of sub standard Microsoft Gold partners.
There is no such thing as a Microsoft Gold Partner and more – this qualification has been dropped completely and Microsoft partners are not allowed to advertise themselves as such and . If you’re thinking of selecting a service provider and you see this logo – question why this logo is still in use.
The new Microsoft Partner network is based around business like ourselves proving what services they can provide by completing competencies – of which there are two levels, silver and gold.
Silver competencies are relatively easy to obtain – you need 2 customer references, a sales assessment and 2 individuals to pass up to 2 exams on the required subject.
Gold competencies are a different matter – Microsoft see these providers as true industry experts and 4 references are required – along with 4 unique individuals obtaining premium expert qualifications of up to 6 exams in a particular topic.
PhillipsTaylorBrown currently have the following competencies and if all goes well today with Sophie’s final exam – we’ll obtain a gold virtualization competency.

Good luck Sophie…