Understanding Partner Success Through Industry Benchmarking
Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
Intended Audience: Microsoft Partners
Marketplace adoption, Co-Sell, funding programs, AI, and evolving Microsoft priorities continue to reshape how Partners grow and compete in FY27.
With these changes, many Partners are asking:
- How do we compare to our peers?
- What’s driving growth?
- Where should we focus next?
That’s why the Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index exists.
Built on industry benchmarking and insights from Microsoft Partners worldwide, the Maven Collective Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index helps organizations better understand the trends, opportunities, and strategies shaping success across the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
The FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Partnership Survey is now open. Add your voice to the research and help shape the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index. Every response contributes to a more complete picture of the opportunities, challenges, and trends shaping Partner success.
Why Industry Benchmarking Matters for Microsoft Partners
While internal KPIs show how your organization is performing, benchmarking provides the external context needed to answer questions like:
- Are we investing enough in marketing and sales?
- How does our Marketplace strategy compare to other Partners?
- Are we maximizing Microsoft funding and incentives?
- Which programs and practices are driving growth?
Without that perspective, it’s difficult to know whether you’re leading, keeping pace, or falling behind.
For Microsoft Partners, benchmarking is especially valuable as the ecosystem continues to evolve. Understanding how other organizations are adapting can help inform smarter strategic and investment decisions.
What Last Year's Research Revealed About the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem
The 2026 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index gathered insights from over 300 Partners across six continents, uncovering several trends shaping success across the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
Marketplace and Co-Sell Maturity Continue to Evolve
Designations and Specializations Signal Partner Maturity
77% of respondents held at least one Microsoft Solutions Partner designation, and designated Partners were more likely to receive funding, leads, and Marketplace opportunities.
Funding Access and Utilization Remain Key Differentiators
Only 45% of Partners reported receiving Microsoft funding, with Managed Partners significantly more likely to access available programs and incentives.
Success Comes Down to Execution
Why Your Voice Matters in the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem
The value of the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index depends on the quality and diversity of the data behind it.
Every response helps create a more accurate picture of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem. The broader the participation, the more meaningful and actionable the insights become.
Because Microsoft Partners operate across different regions, industries, business models, and growth stages, broad participation creates stronger benchmarking data and more valuable insights for the entire community.
What the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Partnership Survey Explores
Partner Growth and Investment
- Business growth and performance
- Marketing and sales investments
- Partnership-driven revenue
Microsoft Maturity and Alignment
- Partner capabilities and credentials
- Technical expertise and specialization
- Alignment with Microsoft priorities
- Community leadership and influence
Marketplace and Go-to-Market Performance
- Marketplace maturity
- Commercial readiness
- Demand generation
- Co-Sell engagement
Funding and Incentives
- Funding adoption and utilization
- Incentive program participation
- Investment strategies
- Funding challenges and opportunities
Ecosystem Participation
- Community and association involvement
- Industry event participation
- Ecosystem marketing activities
- Customer evidence and recognition
Together, these data points will help identify the trends shaping Microsoft Partner success in FY27 and beyond.
The Value of Participating in Industry Benchmarking
Participating in the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Partnership Survey is about helping build a resource that benefits the entire Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
By participating, you’ll contribute to:
- Independent Microsoft Partner research
- More accurate benchmarking data
- Ecosystem-wide insights and trends
- A deeper understanding of Partner success
Most importantly, you’ll help shape the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index that Microsoft Partners rely on to make more informed business decisions.
Add Your Voice to the 2027 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index
FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index FAQ
What is the Maven Collective Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index?
The Maven Collective Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index is an annual research report that provides benchmarking insights into the trends, opportunities, challenges, and success factors shaping the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.
How can Microsoft Partners compare themselves to industry peers?
The annual Microsoft Partner Global Benchmark & Success Index provides aggregated benchmarking data across areas such as growth, marketplace participation, funding utilization, ecosystem engagement, and Partner maturity, helping organizations assess their position within the broader ecosystem.
How does benchmarking help Microsoft Partners make better business decisions?
How can Microsoft Partners contribute to ecosystem research?
Microsoft Partners can contribute by completing the FY27 Microsoft Partner Global Partnership Survey and sharing their experiences, challenges, and perspectives to help create a more accurate and representative view of the ecosystem.
