partners that intend to qualify for the competency with this application test. Impact
of new product ..... Exam 70-506: TS: Silverlight 4, Development. Exam 70-511: ...
Introducing the Application Development Competency The Evolution of the ISV, Software Development and Web Development Competencies
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Table of Contents Introduction
3
Why merge the three competencies into one Application Development competency?
3
How does the new competency help partners?
4
Impact of new product releases
4
Microsoft investment in application development
5
Benefits earned with the Application Development competency
5
Application Development Competency Requirements
8
Application Track Requirements
9
1. Application validation
9
2. Additional business requirements
10
Certification Track requirements
11
1. Professional certification requirements
11
2. Additional business requirements
13
Migrating into the new Application Development competency
14
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
15
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Introduction In November 2012, the ISV, Web development and Software Development competencies are merging to form a new competency called Application Development.
ISV competency Software Development competency
Application Development competency
Web Development competency This new competency aims to differentiate your expertise in developing applications on Windows 8, Windows Server or Windows Azure, or leveraging Visual Studio 2012. Whether your solutions are commercial or custom-developed; whether you build business applications, create advanced web portals or rich client user interfaces - running on premise or in the cloud, the Application Development competency gives you the opportunity to differentiate your business as a trusted expert in application development. With your proven expertise and Microsoft’s Partner Network (MPN), you can leverage the unprecedented opportunity presented by the launch of Windows 8, Windows Server, Visual Studio 2012 and by emerging cloud-based and Web business models. To help you, as a partner, grow your business and increase profitability, the Application Development competency provides access to a set of relevant resources, tools, training and support that are described later in this document.
Why merge the three competencies into one Application Development competency? Application developers live in a changing world. Many applications now have web components. The border between custom development and commercial applications is getting thinner. New development technologies, new connected devices, and new cloud-oriented business models create rich opportunity for application developers to drive greater innovation and creativity. With Windows Server, Windows 8, Windows Azure and Visual Studio, developers can build the next generation of continuous services that are dynamic, scalable and optimized to connect with a next-generation multi-device world. With these competency changes, Microsoft recognizes the evolution of the development technologies that are used for both custom and commercial applications and aims to provide the right tailored engine to help application development partners grow their expertise and their business based on the Microsoft platform and Microsoft technologies, and take advantage of the opportunity presented by a connected universe of devices and data.
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How does the new competency help partners? By attaining the new Application Development competency, you will align with Microsoft’s integrated value proposition, marketing investments, and sales motions. This alignment will allow you to take advantage of the marketplace momentum that Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows Azure and Visual Studio are experiencing - and to lead the market evolution toward the cloud. With the Application Development competency, you can differentiate your organization with a customized Application Development Competency logo to market your expertise, and gain access to a whole set of benefits designed to help you win customers, grow your business and improve your margin. The main benefits include: - Microsoft licenses for customer demonstration, testing, internal training and internal use - MSDN subscription - Pre-sales and delivery technical support - Prioritized exposure in the Pinpoint marketplace - Free or low cost technical, sales and business trainings - Sales, marketing and demo materials - SQL Server Solution Incentive Program (Gold only) - Designated Microsoft contact (Gold only) You will find a comprehensive list of the competency benefits later in this document. The new competency clarifies your positioning within the Microsoft competency program as an application developer. Moving forward, you only need to earn one competency versus the three development competencies that exist today. This change will streamline the way you manage your partnership across the competencies. Plus, the price for the Windows Server application test will be significantly lowered, which will reduce the costs for partners that intend to qualify for the competency with this application test.
Impact of new product releases The launch of the new Application Development competency is aligned with the release of the associated Microsoft development platforms and solutions: -
Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications across a global network of Microsoft-managed datacenters. You can build applications using any language, tool or framework, and you can integrate your public cloud applications with your existing IT environment.
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Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1st and will be generally available on October 26th. Information about the Windows 8 release plans are available on this blog. The new Windows 8 user interface along with new cross-device technology represents a tremendous opportunity for partners to develop innovative modern applications.
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Windows Server 2012 is scheduled to be released in September, and includes a set of robust technologies for optimum flexibility, – enabling deployment of on-premise, cloud-based or hybrid applications.
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Visual Studio 2012 will be released in September 2012 bringing exciting new capabilities for organizations, teams and individual developers. It provides an integrated solution that enables individuals and development teams of any size to turn their ideas into exceptional, compelling applications
With the release of these products, new professional exams and certifications as well as new application validation processes will be implemented to accredit partners for the new Application Development competency. To make the upgrade path smooth for our existing partners, the existing exams and professional certifications, as well as the existing application tests, will remain valid to qualify for the new Application Development competency until the fall of 2013 - one year after the release of the new validation criteria. You will find more detailed information about these new certifications and application requirements later in this document.
Microsoft Investment in Application Development Microsoft is committed to helping development partners build successful application development practices, and is reinforcing this commitment to help you build and market high-quality applications. Altogether, Microsoft is investing $5.8 billion in the core Microsoft Partner Network benefits. In July 2012, IDC released a white paper about the Business Value of the Microsoft Partner Network Core Benefits. IDC estimates that in aggregate, there is $320,000 in value directly attributable to a partner's utilization of the MPN benefits suite. You will find below a comprehensive list of the Application Development competency benefits:
Benefits earned with the Application Development competency Benefits are available for each stage of the business cycle:
Plan: Enter new markets with early access to the latest technologies Enable: Strengthen staff expertise with online business and technical training Create Demand: Access marketing campaigns, guidance, and support along with online customer directories Sell: Increase sales and cash flow with Microsoft customer financing and channel incentives for partners Service: Improve customer response times with technical support Retain: Get insights on customer satisfaction and loyalty with survey solutions
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Plan Core benefit Get firsthand knowledge of features and capabilities with internal-use software licenses for the latest Microsoft software. See: Microsoft Partner Network License Calculator Give your business a boost with support from Microsoft partner account specialists
Earn a silver competency Up to 25 licenses for each product
Earn a gold competency Up to 100 licenses for each product
Eligible for sales support
Find the most-qualified technical students for entry-level and internship positions, with Students to Business
Access
Assistance from a designated Microsoft contact Access
Earn a silver competency Unlimited access
Earn a gold competency Unlimited access
10 Microsoft® Visual Studio® Premium with MSDN subscriptions 3 TechNet for Microsoft Competency Partners licenses Eligible
35 Microsoft Visual Studio Premium with MSDN subscriptions 3 TechNet for Microsoft Competency Partners licenses Eligible
Eligible
Eligible
Earn a silver competency Competency designation and prioritized marketplace exposure Unlimited access
Earn a gold competency Competency designation and premier marketplace exposure Unlimited access
Silver competency logo
Gold competency logo
Eligible
Eligible
Enable Core benefit Build technical and business skills with training at the Partner Learning Center Developers: access tools, software, communities, and resources for developers and testers with an MSDN subscription IT professionals: access tools, software, communities, and resources, with a TechNet Subscription Sign up for the Windows Phone Discount Program to get exclusive savings on Windows Phone plans and devices Access the latest product news and technical and sales resources with the no-cost Windows Phone app Create demand Core benefit Make your company or solution profile accessible to tens of thousands of potential customers through the Microsoft Pinpoint online marketplace Save time and money with customizable marketing resources at the Partner Marketing Center Microsoft Branded Logo Show your unique expertise with the Application Development competency logo that identifies your capabilities. Bing advertising credits – Credits to run your customer’s search advertising campaigns free of charge on Bing and our partner Yahoo! (Via Microsoft adCenter, in markets where available)
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Sell Core benefit
Earn a silver competency
Earn a gold competency
Technical Presales Assistance that can be used for competitive assistance, business value, and proof-of-concept guidance. See: Technical Presales and Advisory Services Custom Demos and Tools: Create compelling sales presentations with rich, customizable demos from Demo Showcase. Leverage Microsoft Financing to offer tailored financing options that can help you close more sales Eligible for the Solution Incentive Program awarding up to 20% incentive fees on SQL licenses. See: Application platform (SQL Server) incentives program guide Get help with recommending Microsoft Volume Licensing products and solutions with Microsoft LicenseWise for Volume Licensing ISV Royalty Licensing Program
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited access
Unlimited access
Eligible
Eligible
Licensing and online incentives
Solution, licensing, and online incentives
Access
Access
Access
Access
Earn a silver competency 20 partner advisory hours
Earn a gold competency 50 partner advisory hours
Unlimited online support
Unlimited online support
Unlimited phone support (for critical issues)
Unlimited phone support (for critical issues)
5 incidents of phone support (for noncritical issues)
5 incidents of phone support (for noncritical issues)
Core benefit
Earn a silver competency
Earn a gold competency
Get insight into customer satisfaction and loyalty with the CSAT Index survey solution
Access
Access
Service Core benefit Partner advisory hours: Get access to Technical Enablement and Technical Presales and Advisory Services from Microsoft consultants Resolve technical issues quickly with product support from Microsoft experts
Retain
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Application Development Competency Requirements The Application Development competency is scheduled to launch in November, 2012. With the launch, all active ISV, Software Development and Web Development competency partners will be transferred automatically to the new Application Development competency. All requirements valid for the current ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies remain valid for the new Application Development competency until November 2013. The Application Development competency can be earned through one of two tracks:
Application track: This track is for partners that develop commercial applications, and want to position their organization in the marketplace as a software vendor. You can earn the Application Development competency by validating that one of your flagship applications is functionally sound and optimized for the Microsoft platform. o o
Attaining a silver competency demonstrates your organization’s proven ability to deliver on the current Microsoft platform. Attaining a gold competency demonstrates your organization’s proven ability to exploit the most innovative features and functions of the current Microsoft platform.
Certification track. This track is for partners that offer customized development services and want to demonstrate their expertise in developing, implementing and maintaining custom-built applications based on Microsoft technologies. o o
Attaining a silver competency demonstrates that your organization has the fundamental skills to develop and deliver applications on the current Microsoft platform. Attaining a gold competency demonstrates that your organization has extended expertise in developing and delivering applications and validates your organization’s deep commitment to the Microsoft platform.
Application Track
Certification Track
(competency earned by testing commercial applications)
(competency earned by testing technical professionals)
Application Development competency
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As mentioned earlier, new optional professional certifications and application tests will be added with the launches of Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 and Visual Studio 2012. All of these requirements will be available by December 2012 at the latest. As you plan to stay current in your accreditation, please consider these new requirements.
Application Track Requirements 1. Application validation Silver competency
Gold competency
Your organization must deliver one software application or solution that is built on Windows Server, Windows 8 or Windows Azure that is validated by the Microsoft Platform Ready (MPR) process outlined below:
Your organization must deliver one software application or solution that is built on Windows Server, Windows 8 or Windows Azure that is validated by the Microsoft Platform Ready (MPR) process outlined below:
1. Your organization is profiled on the Microsoft Platform Ready Site and your application is tagged as commercially available.
1. Your organization is profiled on the Microsoft Platform Ready Site and your application is tagged as commercially available.
2. Your application passes one of the following application tests:
2. Your application passes one of the following application tests:
New application tests will be launched in Fall 2012, linked to the Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 and latest Windows Azure releases:
New application tests will be launched in Fall 2012, linked to the Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 and latest Windows Azure releases:
-
-
Windows Server 2012 Platform Ready Silver Windows 8 Platform Ready Windows Azure Platform Ready Silver
Legacy application tests will remain valid until November 2013: -
Windows 7 Platform Ready Windows 7 Logo Test Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready for SAAS Applications - Silver Windows Azure Platform Ready - Silver Microsoft Surface Test
Windows Server 2012 Platform Ready Gold Windows 8 Platform Ready Windows Azure Platform Ready Gold
Legacy application tests still valid until November 2013: -
Windows 7 Logo Test Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2 Platform Ready for SaaS Applications Windows Azure Platform Ready
3. Your application is commercially available, as evidenced by publicly accessible digital marketing assets (i.e. company website, blog, Facebook page).
3. Your application is commercially available, as evidenced by publicly accessible digital marketing assets (i.e. company website, blog, Facebook page).
4. Your application is supported, as evidenced by publicly-available customer support offered via Web,
4. Your application is supported, as evidenced by publicly-available customer support offered via Web,
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phone or email.
phone or email.
5. Your application is listed in the Microsoft Pinpoint catalog.
5. Your application is listed in the Microsoft Pinpoint catalog.
2. Additional business requirements Silver competency
Gold competency
3. Customer references To demonstrate market acceptance, your organization must submit three unique customer references who have successfully implemented the application
3. Customer references To demonstrate market acceptance, your organization must submit five unique customer references who have successfully implemented the application developed on Windows Server, Windows 8 or Windows Azure that has been tested to earn the competency.
developed on Windows Server, Windows 8 or Windows Azure that has been tested to earn the competency.
Each reference must feature an application that you have delivered within the past 12 months; the application reference will be verified with your customer. Once approved, each reference is valid for two years.
Each reference must feature an application that you have delivered within the past 12 months; the application reference will be verified with your customer. Once approved, each reference is valid for two years.
In May 2013, the number of customer references required to earn the Silver Application Development competency will increase:
In May 2013, the number of customer references required to earn the Gold Application Development competency will increase:
-
-
-
To 5 customer references for partners applying with the Windows Azure or Windows Server application tests, To 10 customer references for partners applying with the Windows 8 application test.
4. Silver competency fee To complete your enrollment in the Silver Application Development competency, you must pay the silver competency fee. The fee varies by geography.
-
To 10 customer references for partners applying with the Windows Azure or Windows Server application tests, To 20 customer references for partners applying with the Windows 8 application test.
4. Revenue commitment Microsoft Partner Network members with a gold competency must meet a minimum revenue commitment based on geography and competency. You will find detailed information in the gold competency revenue guidelines.
5. Customer satisfaction Your company must use the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Index survey to measure performance and help drive customer satisfaction. You will find detailed information in the WCSAT web page.
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6. Gold competency fee To complete your enrollment in the Gold Application Development competency, you must pay the gold competency fee. The fee varies by geography.
Certification Track requirements 1. Professional certification requirements Silver competency
Gold competency
Your organization must employ or contract with two unique individuals who have each passed one of these exams:
Your organization must employ or contract with four unique individuals who have each passed one of these certifications:
Current exams, to be retired in November 2013: Exam 70-506: TS: Silverlight 4, Development Exam 70-511: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Exam 70-512: TS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration (to be retired in May 2013) Exam 70-513: TS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Exam 70-515: TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Exam 70-516: TS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Exam 70-518: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Exam 70-519: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Exam 70-521: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Windows Developer Skills to MCPD .NET 4.0 Windows Applications Developer Exam 70-523: Upgrade: Transition Your MCPD .NET Framework 3.5 Web Developer Skills to MCPD .NET Framework 4.0 Web Developer
Current certifications to be retired in November 2013: MCPD: Windows Developer 4 MCPD: Web Developer 4 certification MCPD: Silverlight Developer 4 certification.
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Current certifications with no defined retirement date: MCPD: Windows Azure Developer 4 New certifications related to the Visual Studio 2012 release: MCSD: Web Apps MCSD: Metro Style Apps
September 2012
Current exam with no retirement date: Exam 70-583: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Azure Applications New exams related to the Visual Studio 2012 release: Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 Exam 70-481: Programming Advanced Windows 8 Metro Style Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript Exam 70-482: Developing Advanced Windows 8 Metro Style Apps using HTML5 and JavaScript Exam 70-483: Programming in C# and XAML Exam 70-484: Programming Windows 8 Metro Style Apps in C# and XAML Exam 70-485: Developing Advanced Windows 8 Metro Style Apps using C# and XAML Exam 70-486: Designing and Developing Web Solutions Exam 70-487: Integrating Data and Services into Web Solutions All the new exams will be available between August 2013 and October 2013. For more information about availability dates, please refer to: Microsoft Technology Training and Certification | Microsoft Learning
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2. Additional business requirements Silver competency
3. Licensing assessment Your organization must employ or contract with one customer-facing individual who passes the Microsoft Partner Network Licensing Overview Assessment.
4. Customer references
Gold certification
3. Licensing assessment Your organization must employ or contract with one customer-facing individual who passes the Microsoft Partner Network Licensing Overview Assessment.
4. Customer references
Your organization must submit three unique customer references that showcase an application project developed on Windows Server, Windows Client or Windows Azure.
Your organization must submit five unique customer references that showcase an application project developed on Windows Server, Windows Client or Windows Azure.
Each reference must feature a project you have completed within the past 12 months. Once approved, each reference is valid for two years.
Each reference must feature a project you have completed within the past 12 months. Once approved, each reference is valid for two years.
5. Silver competency fee To complete your enrollment in the Silver ISV competency, you must pay the silver competency fee.
5. Revenue commitment Microsoft Partner Network members with a gold competency must meet a minimum revenue commitment based on geography and competency.
6. Customer satisfaction Your company must use the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Index survey to measure performance and help drive customer satisfaction.
7. Gold competency fee To complete your enrollment in the Gold ISV competency, you must pay the gold competency fee.
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Migrating into the new Application Development competency Partners that have earned one of the three current development competencies (ISV, Software Development or Web Development) will move automatically into the merged Application Development competency and retain their current status (gold or silver) as active competency partners. As the requirements for the current competencies remain valid for the new Application Development competency, partners will have one year to update their accreditation - either by passing the new application tests if they choose the Application track, or qualifying with the new exams or certifications if they choose the Certification track. Partners who currently have more than one of the three current competencies (ISV, Software Development and Web Development) will be migrated with their highest-earned status:
Partners with one or more Gold ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies will be migrated to become active Gold Application Development competency partners. Partners with one or more Silver ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies will be migrated to become active Silver Application Development competency partners.
Current application validation criteria and current professional exams and certifications will expire in October 2013. We strongly encourage your organization to qualify with the new competency requirements before your membership anniversary date.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the recommendation for partners who do not have any of the three current competencies, but are interested in attaining one of the three before November 2012? A: We recommend that new partners earn the current competency that fits best with their business. As new Application Development-relevant application tests, exams and certifications become available, they will be valid options to qualify for the existing ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies through an override process - and by doing so, to pre-qualify for the new Application Development competency. Therefore, until the new Application Development competency is available in November, we recommend that our partners qualify for the ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies with these new Application Development requirements and call their Regional Support Center to accredit these requirements for the current competencies. Q: If I have an ISV, Software Development or Web Development competency now, do I have to meet any new requirements before November 2012 to attain the new Application Development competency? A: As long as you meet requirements for the current ISV, Software Development or Web Development competency by November 2012, you do not need to meet any new requirements to be migrated automatically into the merged competency. All current ISV, Software Development and Web Development requirements will remain valid for the new Application Development competency until November 2013. You will have until this date to meet the new competency requirements related to the new releases of Windows Azure, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 and Visual Studio 2012. Q: What is the guidance for existing ISV, Software Development or Web Development partners with renewal dates before November 2012, (i.e. before the competencies merge)? A: As long as you meet requirements for the current ISV, Software Development or Web Development competency by October 2012, you do not need to meet any new requirements in order to be automatically moved into the merged competency. Q: What is the guidance for existing ISV, Software Development or Web Development partners with renewal dates after November 2012, (i.e. after the competencies merge)? A: As requirements for the current competencies remain valid until November 2013, partners will have until this anniversary date to update their competency requirements with new Application Development application tests, exams or certifications.
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Q: What internal use licenses will partners receive once they are transitioned into the new Application Development competency from the current individual ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies? A: The internal use licenses defined for the new Application Development competency will combine the products currently offered for the current ISV, Software Development and Web Development competencies. The license grants for each product will be the greatest number of licenses granted in each of the current competencies. For example: Licenses granted with competency attainment
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Premium with MSDN* Windows 8 Enterprise*
Core Gold competency
Gold ISV
Gold Software Development
Gold Web Development
Gold Application Development
10
35
35
35
35
100
125
140
100
140
Q: What happens to the internal use licenses for partners who currently hold two or all three of the ISV, Software Development or Web Development competencies? Partner organizations that transition into the new Application Development competency and previously earned two or all three of the ISV, Software Development or Web Development competency may experience a license reduction for products offered in all three competencies. Partners impacted may continue to use the internal use licenses previously earned through the two or three competencies until October 31, 2013. This grace period is intended to provide partners with time to plan appropriately for any shortfall of licenses. Partners must be actively enrolled as a competency partner to be entitled to the grace period. These licenses are bound to the country and worldwide maximum grants for internal use licenses. Partner organizations that require additional product internal use licenses after October 31, 2013 will need to purchase licenses through the appropriate channel.
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