1. Partner Readiness Guide Data & AI
Partner ready October 5, 2017

2. Partner Readiness Guide
This guide provides the Technical and Sales training and resources that will help you and your staff build, deploy, and sell below Microsoft solutions for Data & AI. Click on below specializations to begin your readiness journey. See steps to readiness.
Data Platform Modernization
Includes readiness resources for: Migration to SQL Server, Data Platform Modernization
Competency & Certification
Technical Training (on demand)
Technical Training (in person)
Sales Training
Technical & Sales Resources
Advanced Analytics & AI
Includes readiness resources for: Data Warehousing and Big Data, Business Analytics and AI, Modern Business Intelligence (Power BI)
Competency & Certification
Technical Training (on demand)
Technical Training (in person)
Sales Training
Technical & Sales Resources
Internet of Things
Includes readiness resources for IoT
Competency & Certification
Technical Training (on demand)
Technical Training (in person)
Sales Training
Technical & Sales Resources

3. Your steps to readiness
Become a Microsoft Partner Join the Microsoft Partner Network to unlock extensive training programs, earn Microsoft Competencies and take advantage of Microsoft advisory hours. When you join the Microsoft Partner Network, you receive a set of core benefits that can help you save time and money while you strengthen your capabilities, better serve customers, and build connections.
Complete Microsoft-provided technical and sales training (provided in this guide)
Learn from the Microsoft staff and industry experts on the latest products, solutions, and topics through facilitated workshops and on-demand courses to help you ready your staff and grow your business. Recommended courses and resources are provided on the following pages of this guide.
Take advantage of additional programs and resources (provided in this guide)
Microsoft also provides a variety of programs, earn from the Microsoft staff and industry experts on the latest products, solutions, and topics through facilitated workshops and on-demand courses to help you ready your staff and grow your business. Recommended courses and resources are provided on the following pages of this guide. Visit the Cloud + Enterprise Partner Resources portal for all partner technical, sales and marketing resources.
Use your Microsoft Advisory hours
As a Microsoft Partner Network member, we can guide you through a suite of interactive, remote technical training and personalized technical consultations from Microsoft technical experts to help you plan and execute seamless customer solutions across cloud workloads and successfully build your apps. Get started on your technical journey today and learn how to qualify for partner advisory hours.

4. Data Platform Modernization Technical & Sales Readiness
Products/ Services in Scope
SQL Server 2017
Azure Data Services
Azure Compete (Data VMs)
BizTalk

5. Technical & Sales Readiness
The following pages provide technical and sales training and resources that will help you and your staff build, sell, deploy and support Microsoft Data Platform Modernization solutions.
Data Platform Modernization specializations covered include:
Modern Data Platform
Migration to SQL Server / Azure
Data Warehousing and Big Data

6. Competency & Certifications: Data Platform Modernization
Join the elite tier of Microsoft Partners and stand out from your competition.
Earn a Microsoft Competency
Partners can demonstrate their ability to deliver quality solutions in a specialized area of business by earning a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft competencies are designed to meet your customers’ needs and showcase your expertise to prospective customers. 
You must be a Microsoft Partner Network member to earn a competency.
Microsoft Competencies
Data Platform Competency
Cloud Platform Competency
Become a Microsoft Certified Professional
Advance your professional skills with Microsoft certifications. Delivering a wide range of online certification programs we can help you take your career to the next level. Each MCP certification path defines the set of core skills and suggested continuing education options to achieve and maintain mastery on Microsoft products and services.
Alignment to MPN Competencies: Each MCP certification path corresponds to an MPN Center of Excellence and affiliated exams and certifications are used to define the technical requirements for Silver and Gold-level partners.
Data & AI Certifications (click on “Data”)
SQL Server training & Certification

7. Technical Training: Data Platform Modernization
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through online training.
Online Technical Training
Online Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for on demand technical training for Data Platform Modernization.
SQL Server training & Certification
SQL Data Platform Modernization courses
Azure DA Data Services courses
SQL Application Platform Migration courses
Azure DA Big Data
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
C+E University: Data Platform
C+E University: Data Platform Online MPN16758
Cloud Data Warehouse
Overview of Big Data and Advanced Analytics
To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
C+E University MOOC
(Level 300)
Microsoft Cloud & Enterprise (C+E) Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) provide a structured, online training experience over a scheduled 4 to 8 week period arequire 1 to 2 hours per week to complete assignments. Click on above link for upcoming MOOCs.
Developing Big Data Solutions with Azure Machine Learning
Delivering a Data Warehouse in the Cloud
See also Open EdX MOOCs.
Skills Training
(Level 300)
SQL Server training & Certification
Sharpen your Azure technical skills with our Azure Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) catalogue featuring in-depth courseware, videos, labs, and assessments. See also Azure Learning & Certification and Get Started with Azure.
Additional Online Training
(Level )
Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free IT training for Developers, IT Pros, Data Scientists, and students.
SQL Server Azure VM Azure Data Services
Data Warehousing Big Data SQL Server
Azure VM
TechNet Virtual hands-on lab provide first hand experience with Microsoft technologies.
Channel 9 keeps you up to date with videos from the people who are building Microsoft products and services.
SQL Server Azure VM Big Data on Azure
Data Warehousing
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner training

8. Technical Training: Data Platform Modernization
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through in-person workshops and events.
In-person Technical Training
C+E University Bootcamps
(Level 400)
Boost your knowledge and gain practical learning skills for driving cloud deployment and consumption. This in-person, deep technical event is designed for Solution Architects, Technical Field Sellers, and Partners to experience an intense week of learning, collaboration, and deep technical hands-on training. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you. 
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamp
(Level 400)
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamps (PPE) are advanced training programs that help partners build, sell and deploy Microsoft solutions. Contact your local Microsoft representative for upcoming dates for PPE Bootcamps. 
Technical Events (Level 100 – 400)
Meet innovators and explore tomorrow's tech at upcoming Technology events and access on demand sessions and materials from past events.  
Microsoft Ignite sessions, insights and roadmaps from industry leaders, and deep dives and live demos on Microsoft products. 
Microsoft Build Conference – Developer aimed conference informing software engineers about the latest Microsoft technologies.
Microsoft Envision - Hear from business and technical leaders who are transforming their organizations and revolutionizing the way they compete.
Microsoft Inspire – Watch key notes, highlights and sessions on demand from the July 2017 Inspire event. 
All Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.  

9. Sales Training: Data Platform Modernization
Learn how to effectively engage and sell Microsoft solutions to your target customers.
On-demand Sales Training
Sales Learning Paths
Sharpen your technical skills with Microsoft’s Sales Learning Paths (level 200) on demand training. Recommended Learning Path(s):
SQL Data Platform Modernization courses
SQL Application Platform Migration courses
C+E Sales Webinars
With this series of convenient online webinars (level 200) focused on Azure Infrastructure sales scenarios, we will take you through the process of preparing and carrying out tactical sales discussions to articulate, position and sell Microsoft Azure Services more effectively.
In-person Sales Training
C+E Azure Power Boost Workshop
This modern marketing & sales hands-on program will onboard partner marketers and sellers with tactical and operational lead generation and monetization capabilities and valuable insights on how to develop and expand identified opportunities to sell Microsoft Azure Sales Scenarios in their market. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you.
Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.  
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner training

10. Technical & Sales Resources: Data Platform Modernization
Access technical and sales resources for partners that will help you build, deploy and sell Microsoft solutions.
Technical Resources
Data Platform Modernization – Technical
Sales & Marketing Resources
Data Platform Modernization – Sales

11. Advanced Analytics and AI Technical & Sales Readiness
Products/ Solutions
SQL Server 2017
Azure Data Services
Azure Compute (Data VMs)

12. Technical & Sales Readiness
The following pages provide technical and sales training and resources that will help you and your staff build, sell, deploy and support Microsoft Advanced Analytics and AI solutions.
Advanced Analytics & AI specializations covered include:
Business Analytics and AI
Modern Business Intelligence (Power BI)

13. Competency & Certifications: Advanced Analytics and AI
Join the elite tier of Microsoft Partners and stand out from your competition.
Earn a Microsoft Competency
Partners can demonstrate their ability to deliver quality solutions in a specialized area of business by earning a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft competencies are designed to meet your customers’ needs and showcase your expertise to prospective customers. 
You must be a Microsoft Partner Network member to earn a competency.
Competency + Options
Cloud Platform Competency
Data Analytics Competency
Become a Microsoft Certified Professional
Advance your professional skills with Microsoft certifications. Delivering a wide range of online certification programs we can help you take your career to the next level. Each MCP certification path defines the set of core skills and suggested continuing education options to achieve and maintain mastery on Microsoft products and services
Alignment to MPN Competencies: Each MCP certification path corresponds to an MPN Center of Excellence and affiliated exams and certifications are used to define the technical requirements for Silver and Gold-level partners.
Microsoft Certification
- Take exams and become certified in a variety of data and A.I. specialties. Getting a Microsoft Certification is a great way to stand out to prospective customers looking for bonafide experts.

14. Technical Training: Advanced Analytics and AI
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through online training.
Online Technical Training
Online Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for on demand technical training for Advanced Analytics and AI.
Azure DA Advanced Analytics / R
Azure – DA Cortana Analytics
SQL Business Intelligence
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
Business Analytics & AI
Practical Data Analytics with the Microsoft Cortana Intelligence Suite
Modern Business Intelligence
Technical Deep Dive on Power BI Common Scenarios
Accelerate - Azure Fast Start for Business Analytics with Power BI
Exam : Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server
To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
Visit offers self-paced video courses and deep dives on demand.
Skills Training
(Level 300)
Sharpen your Power BI skills with these courses and labsL
Introduction to Power BI webinar Power BI guided learning journey Power BI: Live technical webinar Power BI: Tech deep-dive on demand Power BI virtual labs
Sharpen your Azure technical skills with our Azure Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) catalogue featuring in-depth courseware, videos, labs, and assessments. See also Azure Learning & Certification and Get Started with Azure. Recommended courses:
Products/ Solutions
SQL Server 2017
Azure Data Services
Azure Compute (Data VMs)
C+E University MOOC
(Level 300)
Microsoft Cloud & Enterprise (C+E) Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) provide a structured, online training experience over a scheduled 4 to 8 week period arequire 1 to 2 hours per week to complete assignments. Click on above link for upcoming MOOCs.
See all Open EdX MOOCs
Additional Online Training
(Level )
Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free IT training for Developers, IT Pros, Data Scientists, and students.
Advanced Analytics Power BI Azure Data Services
Channel 9 keeps you up to date with videos from the people who are building Microsoft products and services..
Advanced Analytics Power BI Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft R Server
TechNet Virtual hands-on lab provide first hand experience with Microsoft technologies.
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner

15. Technical Training: Advanced Analytics and AI
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through in-person workshops and events.
In-person Technical Training
C+E University Bootcamps
(Level 400)
Boost your knowledge and gain practical learning skills for driving cloud deployment and consumption. This in-person, deep technical event is designed for Solution Architects, Technical Field Sellers, and Partners to experience an intense week of learning, collaboration, and deep technical hands-on training. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you. 
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamp
(Level 400)
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamps (PPE) are advanced training programs that help partners to sell and deploy key workloads. Courses are delivered online during a scheduled 4 to 8 week period. Coming this year (contact your local Microsoft representative for PPE dates): 
Technical Events
(Level )
Meet innovators and explore tomorrow's tech at upcoming Technology events and access on demand sessions and materials from past events.  
Microsoft Ignite sessions, insights and roadmaps from industry leaders, and deep dives and live demos on Microsoft products. 
Microsoft Build Conference – Developer aimed conference informing software engineers about the latest Microsoft technologies
Microsoft Envision - Hear from business and technical leaders who are transforming their organizations and revolutionizing the way they compete.
Microsoft Inspire – Watch key notes, highlights and sessions on demand from the July 2017 Inspire event. 
All Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.  

16. Sales Training: Advanced Analytics and AI
Learn how to effectively engage and sell Microsoft solutions to your target customers.
On-demand Sales Training
Sales Learning Paths
Visit the Microsoft Learning portal for on demand sales training for Data and AI. To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
C+E Sales Webinars
With this series of convenient online webinars (level 200) focused on Azure Infrastructure sales scenarios, we will take you through the process of preparing and carrying out tactical sales discussions to articulate, position and sell Microsoft Azure Services more effectively.
In-person Sales Training
C+E Azure Power Boost Workshop
This modern marketing & sales hands-on program will onboard partner marketers and sellers with tactical and operational lead generation and monetization capabilities and valuable insights on how to develop and expand identified opportunities to sell Microsoft Azure Sales Scenarios in their market. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you.
Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.  
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner training

17. Technical & Sales Resources: Advanced Analytics and AI
Access technical and sales resources for partners that will help you build, deploy and sell Microsoft solutions.
Technical Resources
Advanced Analytics and AI – Technical
Sales & Marketing Resources
Advanced Analytics and AI – Sales

18. Internet of Things (IoT) Technical & Sales Readiness
Azure IoT Suite
Microsoft IoT Central
Azure IoT Hub, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Time Series Insights, Event Hubs, Notification Hubs, Azure IoT Edge

19. Technical & Sales Readiness
The following pages provide technical and sales training and resources that will help you and your staff build, sell, deploy and support Microsoft Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Internet of Things specializations covered include:
IoT (PaaS)
IoT (SaaS)

20. Competency & Certifications: Internet of Things (IoT)
Join the elite tier of Microsoft Partners and stand out from your competition.
Earn a Microsoft Competency
Partners can demonstrate their ability to deliver quality solutions in a specialized area of business by earning a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft competencies are designed to meet your customers’ needs and showcase your expertise to prospective customers. You must be a Microsoft Partner Network member to earn a competency.
Competency + Options
Cloud Platform Competency – Azure Consumption Option (‘Using Azure for Internet of Things Solutions’ assessment)
Windows and Devices– Internet of Things Device Builders Option
Azure Certified for IoT – Device certification program
Become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Advance your professional skills with Microsoft Certifications. Delivering a wide range of online certification programs we can help you take your career to the next level. Each MCP certification path defines the set of core skills and suggested continuing education options to achieve and maintain mastery on Microsoft products and services
Alignment to MPN Competencies: Each MCP certification path corresponds to an MPN Center of Excellence and affiliated exams and certifications are used to define the technical requirements for Silver and Gold-level partners
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) paths
Developer
Database
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) paths
Cloud Platform
Machine Learning
Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) paths
Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
Data Management & Analytics
Business Applications
Products/ Services in scope: Azure IoT Suite, IoT Central, Azure IoT Hub, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Time Series Insights, Event Hubs, Notification Hubs, Azure IoT Edge

21. Technical Training: Internet of Things (IoT)
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through online training.
Online Technical Training
Online Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for on demand technical training for Data Platform Modernization.
IoT courses
IoT Predictive Maintenance courses
IoT Remote Monitoring courses
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
IoT Architecture
IoT Fundamentals
IoT Hub
Azure IoT Technical
Azure IoT Suite and Preconfigured Solutions
Getting Started with IoT Development (Apps and Windows)
Securing your IoT Environment
IoT Analytics
To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
Skills Training
(Level 300)
Azure IoT online trainings and IOT Online Webcast series offered by Microsoft experts and our training partners.
Azure IoT Developer Center with documentation, tutorials and trainings for developer.
C+E University MOOC
(Level 300)
Microsoft Cloud & Enterprise (C+E) Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) provide a structured, online training experience over a scheduled 4 to 8 week period arequire 1 to 2 hours per week to complete assignments. Click on above link for upcoming MOOCs.
See also Open EdX MOOCs.
Azure IoT Suite
Microsoft IoT Central
Azure IoT Hub, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Time Series Insights, Event Hubs, Notification Hubs, Azure IoT Edge
Additional Training
Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free IT training for Developers, IT Pros, Data Scientists, and students.
IoT courses Azure Stream Analytics
TechNet virtual hands-on lab provide first hand experience with Microsoft technologies.
Channel 9 keeps you up to date with videos for developers from people who are building Microsoft products at services.
Internet of Things Azure IoT Edge Event Hubs
Azure Time Series Insights Azure Notification Hubs
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner training

22. Technical Training: Internet of Things (IoT)
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through in-person workshops and events.
In-person Technical Training
C+E University Bootcamps
(Level 400)
Boost your knowledge and gain practical learning skills for driving cloud deployment and consumption. This in-person, deep technical event is designed for Solution Architects, Technical Field Sellers, and Partners to experience an intense week of learning, collaboration, and deep technical hands-on training. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you. 
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamp
(Level 400)
Partner Practice Enablement Bootcamps (PPE) are 1-3 day advanced technical workshops to help partners gain deep knowledge of our products in a hands-on lab environment. Courses are invite-only and delivered in-person. Coming this year (contact your local Microsoft representative for PPE dates and to get nominated for an upcoming session in your region): 
PPE: Azure IoT Suite
PPE: Microsoft IoT Central (coming soon)
PPE: Azure IoT Suite and Machine Learning
PPE: Azure IoT Suite and Predictive Analytics
Technical Events
(Level )
Meet innovators and explore tomorrow's tech at upcoming Technology events and access on demand sessions and materials from past events.  
Microsoft Ignite sessions, insights and roadmaps from industry leaders, and deep dives and live demos on Microsoft products. 
Microsoft Build Conference
Microsoft Envision - Hear from business and technical leaders who are transforming their organizations and revolutionizing the way they compete.
Microsoft Inspire – Watch keynotes, highlights and sessions on demand from the July 2017 Inspire event. 
All Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.
Case Studies
Real-life IoT technical case studies by Microsoft experts and actual customers, with solution ideation, design and coding guidance

23. Sales Training: Internet of Things (IoT)
Learn how to effectively engage and sell Microsoft solutions to your target customers.
Online Sales Training
Sales Learning Paths
Sharpen your technical skills with Microsoft’s Sales Learning Paths (level 200) on demand training. Recommended Learning Path(s):
IoT courses
Internet of Things for Sales MPN17391
C+E Sales Webinars
With this series of convenient online webinars (level 200) focused on Azure Infrastructure sales scenarios, we will take you through the process of preparing and carrying out tactical sales discussions to articulate, position and sell Microsoft Azure Services more effectively.
IoT Online Webcast Series
In-person Sales Training
C+E Azure Power Boost Workshop
This modern marketing & sales hands-on program will onboard partner marketers and sellers with tactical and operational lead generation and monetization capabilities and valuable insights on how to develop and expand identified opportunities to sell Microsoft Azure Sales Scenarios in their market. Contact your local Microsoft representative events for upcoming bootcamps near you.
Local Events
Search Microsoft Events site for in-person technical training events in your area. Also, contact your local Microsoft representative.  
Learning Partners
Microsoft Learning Partners provide local, authorized training for Microsoft solutions.  
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for all partner training

24. Technical & Sales Resources: Internet of Things (IoT
Access technical and sales resources for partners that will help you build, deploy and sell Microsoft solutions.
Technical Resources
Internet of Things - Technical
Sales & Marketing Resources
Internet of Things – Sales & marketing