We’ll use a simple yet slightly unusual example to explain this. Imagine Microsoft having kids. Each of them is different, with specific talents, personalities, and hobbies (aka… designations!). But what do they all have in common? The value they deliver to customers worldwide, creating the best software solutions using Microsoft’s cutting-edge tools.
For a little context, Microsoft launched the partner program back in 1992, when thousands of organizations joined the global network of IT service businesses. Today, there are more than 300,000 partners around the world, each with different areas of activity and solid expertise in Microsoft technologies.
Companies that are part of the Microsoft Partner Program have a considerable competitive edge because they have constant access to training and technical support. This enables them to become extremely skilled in areas like cloud apps, data management, and cybersecurity. Moreover, Microsoft Partners undergo a rigorous process to achieve competencies and must meet specific criteria to maintain their status, making it essential for them to evolve and keep up with technological advancements.
At the end of 2022, the Microsoft Partner landscape changed, with the traditional Gold Partner accreditations being replaced by the new Microsoft Solutions Partner designations. To better understand this shift, it is important to remember that both Microsoft Gold and Silver Partners were companies that provided Microsoft-related products and services.
These firms were officially recognized as partners by Microsoft and obtained these accreditations by meeting specific prerequisites, demonstrating expert quality of service and high-performance levels. The key difference was that Gold Partner status was much more exclusive, with only 1% of all Microsoft Partners achieving this distinction. LINKSOFT was one of the elite 1% that achieved Gold status, and we prided ourselves on living up to that title (read more about it at the end of this article!).
The new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program has replaced the previous Microsoft Partner Network programs, with the current Solutions Partner designations taking over the legacy Silver & Gold competencies, as presented in the table below.
The new designations are aligned with six solution areas within the Microsoft Cloud. As we can see in the table above, besides being assessed on overall categories to become a Solutions Partner, partners can achieve key designations that demonstrate expertise in specific areas: Data & AI, Infrastructure, Digital & App Innovation, Business Applications, Modern Work, and Security. In this context, LINKSOFT acquired the Solutions Partner designation for the Business Applications area. These designations provide a clear way to validate a partner’s performance, making it easier for businesses to identify the suitable Microsoft partners for their needs.
Right from the beginning, we set out to build a Microsoft Dynamics Centre of Excellence that reunites the best specialists and the most efficient platforms in order to implement high performing and easy to use CRM and ERP solutions for companies of all sizes and industries.
It all started in 2017, when LINKSOFT became an official Microsoft Partner. Since then, we have become unstoppable, expanding our portfolio of certifications and awards year after year, while constantly growing our team with valuable experts. In just 5 years (2018-2022), we managed to obtain 8 certifications, including 6 Gold and 2 Silver. We achieved Gold certifications for Cloud Business Applications, DevOps, Data Platform, Windows & Devices, ERP & Small & Midmarket Cloud Solutions, and Silver certifications for Application Development and Cloud Productivity.
But how can we help you? In this context, we bring a broad array of services: consultancy, architecture, development, project management, training, and support. Our team members have multiple certifications in Project Management and Business Analysis (Agile PM, Scrum Master, etc.), as well as Microsoft Certifications in Business Applications (Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Functional Consultants and Developers, Azure and Power Platform Solution Architect Experts, and more). This cumulated expertise ensures an efficient solution and a successful implementation.
As a leading Microsoft Dynamics partner in Eastern Europe, our primary goal is to provide flexible software solutions that drive digital transformation and facilitate the integration of AI technologies within the constantly evolving business environment. With over 10 years of experience, LINKSOFT has developed and implemented software solutions for major players in diverse business verticals such as Energy Distribution, Healthcare, Financial Services, Real Estate, Automotive, Retail and Distribution, using advanced Microsoft technologies such as Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, and more.
In 2022, as Microsoft changed the Partner Program, we gained the Solutions Partner designation for Business Applications. At the end of the same year, our dedication to professionalism garnered recognition at a national level, with Microsoft Romania designating LINKSOFT as the Best Business Application Partner of the Year.
All these designations and awards are the driving force that motivates us to continue striving for excellence. In the near future, we aim to become the leading Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner in CEE (Central and Eastern Europe). Join us on this journey, and we’ll elevate your business alongside ours.