Explainer
Microsoft partner types explained: Solutions Partner vs CSP.
A Solutions Partner designation shows that Microsoft has assessed a partner’s skills and customer results in one area, such as AI Business Solutions or Security. A Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) is a partner allowed to sell and bill Microsoft cloud licences, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure, and support them. The two answer different questions: “are they skilled?” and “can they sell and bill me licences?”. Many buyers need a partner that is both.
The main Microsoft partner types today
- Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program member. The base membership. Any company can join, so membership on its own says little about skill.
- Solutions Partner designation. Awarded per solution area, for example Modern Work, Security, Infrastructure (Azure), Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure) and Business Applications. Microsoft scores performance, skilling and customer success. AI Business Solutions is a newer designation.
- Specialisations. Narrower, audited credentials that sit on top of a Solutions Partner designation, for example in identity or migration work.
- Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). A licensing and billing relationship. A direct-bill CSP buys from Microsoft; an indirect reseller buys through a distributor. Either way, the CSP is your first line of support for those licences.
What changed, and what to check
- Gold and Silver are gone. Microsoft retired the Gold and Silver competencies in 2022. A provider that still calls itself a Gold partner is describing the old programme.
- Look the partner up. Use the Microsoft partner directory, or ask for the partner ID (a number) and the designation letter.
- Match the designation to the work. For Microsoft 365 and Copilot work, look for Modern Work or AI Business Solutions. For Azure, look for the Azure designations.
- Check the CSP terms. Ask about licence term, monthly or annual commitment, cancellation windows and who you call for support.
Questions
Common questions.
Is a CSP the same as a Microsoft Solutions Partner?
No. CSP is the right to sell and bill Microsoft cloud licences. A Solutions Partner designation is Microsoft’s assessment of skills and results in a solution area. A partner can be one, both or neither.
Does Microsoft still have Gold partners?
No. Microsoft retired Gold and Silver competencies in 2022 and replaced them with Solutions Partner designations and specialisations.
How can I verify a Microsoft partner in the UAE?
Search the Microsoft partner directory for the company name, or ask for its Microsoft partner ID and dated designation letter and check them with Microsoft.
Where Missan fits
Missan's honest fit.
Missan Global is both. We hold the Microsoft Solutions Partner for AI Business Solutions designation (2026) and we are a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, under Microsoft partner ID 1645640. That suits UAE organisations that want Microsoft 365, Copilot and Azure licences billed and supported by the same team that runs their IT. If you only need a large enterprise agreement negotiated directly with Microsoft, a licensing solution provider may be a better route.
Find out where your IT stands.
The free IT health check (AED 1,800 value) is a one-session review of your support, security, Microsoft 365 and backups. You get a written list of what to fix first.