Effective yesterday, June 18, 2025, Microsoft introduced important updates to the Azure IP co-sell deal submission process within the Partner Center. These changes are designed to streamline deal submissions, improve data accuracy, and enhance partner collaboration across the Microsoft ecosystem.
Changes to the Azure IP Co-Sell Deal Submission Process
One of the most significant updates is the mandatory inclusion of two new fields for all new deal submissions: Solution Area and Solution Play. These fields are critical for categorizing deals accurately and aligning them with Microsoft’s strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
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Solution Area: This field requires partners to specify the primary solution category their deal addresses, such as Infrastructure, Data & AI, Security, or Modern Work.
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Solution Play: This field captures the specific sales or marketing play that the deal supports, helping Microsoft and partners to track and optimize co-selling efforts.
By standardizing these fields, Microsoft aims to create a more unified approach to deal tracking and reporting, ensuring that every co-sell opportunity is aligned with the company’s global priorities.
Impact on Partners Using APIs
Partners who submit deals via APIs must update their integrations to include these new fields by July 31, 2025. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in disruptions to deal submissions and potential delays in co-sell benefits.
Microsoft has provided updated API documentation and support resources to assist partners in making these necessary changes smoothly. The company strongly encourages partners to review these resources as soon as possible, as any delay could impact business continuity and partner incentives.
Why These Changes Matter
The updated submission requirements reflect Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing partner collaboration and ensuring that co-sell deals are accurately tracked and managed. By requiring detailed deal categorization, Microsoft aims to:
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Improve sales alignment between Microsoft and its partners
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Increase the accuracy of reporting and analytics
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Enable better tracking of solution adoption and market trends
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Streamline the co-sell process for both Microsoft and its partners
These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize the Microsoft Partner Center and ensure that all partner activities are integrated into the company’s digital sales ecosystem.
What Partners Should Do Next
To ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions, Microsoft recommends the following steps:
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Review the updated deal submission requirements in the Partner Center.
Partners should familiarize themselves with the new fields and understand how they fit into their current submission workflows. -
Update API integrations to include the new “Solution Area” and “Solution Play” fields before the July 31, 2025 deadline.
IT and development teams should prioritize this update to prevent any interruptions in deal processing. -
Leverage Microsoft’s support resources and documentation for a smooth transition.
Microsoft has published comprehensive guides and FAQs to help partners adapt to the new requirements. -
Communicate these changes internally to ensure all relevant teams are informed and prepared.
Sales, operations, and technical staff should all be briefed on the new process to minimize confusion and maximize efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if a partner does not update their API integration by July 31, 2025?
A: Any deal submissions missing the required fields after this date may be rejected or delayed, potentially impacting co-sell benefits and incentives.
Q: Where can partners find the updated API documentation?
A: Microsoft has published the latest API requirements and implementation guides in the Partner Center documentation section.
Q: Will these changes affect deals already submitted before June 18, 2025?
A: No, the new requirements apply only to deals submitted on or after June 18, 2025. Existing deals are not affected.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the new requirements?
A: All partners submitting Azure IP co-sell deals must comply. Microsoft has not announced any exceptions.
What This Means For Partners
This update is not just a procedural change—it signals Microsoft’s ongoing investment in its partner ecosystem. By refining how deals are categorized and tracked, Microsoft can better support partners with targeted resources, co-marketing opportunities, and data-driven insights.
For partners, this means:
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Greater visibility into how their solutions align with Microsoft’s strategic goals
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Improved access to co-sell support and incentives
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Enhanced ability to measure the impact of their solutions in the marketplace
Microsoft’s update to the Azure IP co-sell deal submission process is a strategic move to enhance partner collaboration and deal management. Partners are encouraged to act promptly to update their processes and integrations to avoid disruptions and maximize the benefits of the co-sell program.
For more detailed information and official guidance, partners should visit the Microsoft Partner Center and review the latest announcements and documentation.
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