With changes in the Microsoft Partner network seeing the retirement of the Gold and Silver Partner designations, trans-Tasman solution provider Lancom Technology has fulfilled the requirements for Solutions Partner for Infrastructure (Azure). In so doing, the Auckland-headquartered company has demonstrated its capability in migrating key infrastructure workloads to Microsoft Azure leading to customer success, while meeting training and accreditation specifications from the vendor.

In late 2022, Microsoft changed the name of its partner program from ‘Microsoft Partner Network’ to ‘Microsoft Cloud Partner Program’, applicable to all partners in its ecosystem including those building and selling services, software solutions, and devices. Lancom Technology previously held multiple Gold Partner designations, including Application Development, Cloud Platform, Cloud Productivity, Data Analytics, Datacenter, Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions, and Silver Partner designations for Collaboration and Content, and Security.

Lancom CEO Waruna Kirimetiyawa says the changes to the partner program represent a simplification and stratification of a previously complex structure. “The reality is that many of the partner designations have considerable overlap, while Microsoft itself is an intensely complex organisation offering an immense range of technology solutions spanning everything from infrastructure, to tools, to applications and more. A simpler ecosystem is easier to navigate for partners like ourselves, while it also makes it easier for customers to identify and access the skills and expertise they require for their technology requirements.”

Kirimetiyawa notes that the migration from old to new partner status is taking place over the course of several months and becomes current as each partner is eligible for renewal of their partner status. “It’s only since March that these renewals have been taking place, so we’re effectively front-footing it with the rapid move to Solutions Partner for Infrastructure status.” He adds that Lancom is expected to complete migration to additional partner designations in due course. “This will be reflective of our skills set and the work we do with our customers. That’s clear from our previous designations with Microsoft.”