Best Alternatives to Microsoft Action Pack in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP)
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Intended Audience: Microsoft Partners
Microsoft has announced major changes to its partner ecosystem, including the discontinuation of the Microsoft Action Pack and Microsoft Learning Pack effective January 22, 2025. Microsoft Action Pack provided valuable benefits for Microsoft Partners, from software licenses and technical support to training resources and more. With Action Pack’s recent discontinuation, many Microsoft Partners are wondering what is replacing it.
Learn how you can leverage Partner Success Core Benefits and Expanded Benefits, Action Pack’s replacements.
What were Microsoft Action Pack and Learning Action Pack?
Microsoft Action Pack (MAP) was a subscription-based package designed for Microsoft Partners, offering a cost-effective alternative to becoming a Solutions Partner. Geared toward small to mid-sized companies, it provided essential tools and resources to help businesses build, develop, and expand their cloud practices and solutions.
Benefits included access to licenses for Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, and other Microsoft products, resources to build skills and troubleshoot issues, and tools to support growth and innovation. Offering both cloud and on-premises services, the Microsoft Action Pack helped partners strengthen their capabilities and drive success.
Learning Action Pack (LAP) was targeted towards partners involved in training and education. It provided resources to deliver training on Microsoft technologies, prepare students for certification exams, and become authorized training providers.
Both packages aimed to support Microsoft partners by offering a cost-effective way to access software, training, and support. The Action Pack was more business-focused, while the Learning Action Pack catered to educational and training organizations.
Why were MAP and LAP Discontinued?
Microsoft discontinued Action Pack and Learning Action Pack as part of its commitment to up-to-date benefits. This decision reflects the shift toward a cloud-first approach and aligns with Microsoft’s strategic priorities. Reasons for the change include:
- Emphasizing Cloud-Centric Solutions: Moving away from on-premise services to focus on cloud-based solutions.
- Streamlining the Partner Experience: Simplifying programs to provide a seamless and effective partnership model.
- Aligning with Key Priorities: Supporting Microsoft’s focus on AI, security, and cloud migrations.
Looking for an Alternative to Microsoft Action Pack?
For partners with an existing Microsoft Action Pack and Learning Action Pack, Microsoft is now recommending Microsoft Partner Success Core and Expanded Benefits. These new offerings maintain many similar advantages, but shift focus exclusively to cloud-based services, aligning with the industry trend away from on-premises solutions.
Both offerings are designed to help service partners grow their business by providing:
Tools to develop and expand cloud & AI solutions
- Cloud access with tools to build, host and manage cloud applications.
- AI resources with pre-trained models, Azure Cognitive Services and AI APIs for intelligent solutions.
- Automation tools including Power Automate and Power Apps for low-code and automated workflows.
Resources to grow technical capabilities
- Training and certifications with courses and discounts for Azure, AI, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365.
- Workshops and webinars for in-depth training on new Microsoft technologies.
- Learning paths to build tailored skills for different roles including developers and administrators.
- Expert support from Microsoft engineers and advisory services.
- Community access to collaborate with other partners and experts.
Support for marketing and business development
- Marketing resources with templates, co-branding materials, and pre-built campaigns.
- Co-selling opportunities to collaborate with Microsoft to reach more customers.
- Lead generation with Marketplace listings and inclusion in the Solution Provider Finder.
- Market insights to understand trends and customer needs with data and reports.
- Business guidance in developing strategy, pricing, and growth planning.
Key Differences Between Microsoft Partner Success Core & Expanded Benefits
While both offerings provide essential tools to help partners grow their cloud and AI solutions, the Expanded Benefits package offers additional support and resources, including:
- More software licenses
- Increased Azure credits
- Enhanced technical support & services
The Expanded Benefits package is geared towards partners who provide cloud-based solutions or consulting and is most suitable for partners who were using or interested in Action Pack.
The Success Core Benefits package provides foundational resources, ideal for partners whose needs aligned with the Learning Action Pack, including access to Microsoft Learn and ongoing training, workshops and learning paths.
Which Microsoft Partner Benefits Should You Choose?
To put it more simply, choose Partner Success Core if you are:
- A smaller or growing partner looking for essential tools to build and expand your cloud solutions.
- Primarily looking for training, certifications, and education.
Choose Expanded Benefits if you:
- Need more software licenses, additional Azure credits, and extra sales and marketing support, including pre-sales and deployment assistance.
- Provide cloud-based solutions or consulting services.
Your choice depends on the level of resources and support your business requires to scale effectively.
How to Take Advantage of The New Benefits Replacing Action Pack
Once you’ve decided which offering is right for you, access it with these steps:
- Join the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP)
- Verify Your Partner Center Account
- Purchase your choice of either Microsoft Partner Success Core or Expanded Benefits.
It is important to note that only one Partner Success Core Benefits package can be purchased per Partner Global account.
Embrace the Future with Microsoft Partner Success Core Benefits
With the phase-out of the Microsoft Action Pack and Learning Pack, Microsoft introduces a robust lineup of new benefits tailored to meet the needs of its partners. This update offers tools and resources that are aligned with current market demands, empowering partners to enhance their capabilities.
At Maven Collective Marketing, we are experts in all things Microsoft, staying up to date with the latest developments, including the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and the transition to Partner Success Core & Expanded Benefits.
Ready to make the most out of your Microsoft Partnership? Contact the leading Marketing Partner for Microsoft Partners today.
