1. Partner Readiness Guide Data & AI
11/28/2017 version
Partner-ready, Nov 28, 2017 version

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 training and resources for: Modern Data Platform, Migration to SQL Server/Azure, Data Warehouse and Big Data.
Competency & Certification
Technical Training (on-demand)
Technical Training (in-person)
Sales Training
Technical & Sales Resources
Business Analytics & AI
Includes readiness training and resources for: Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, 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 training and 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 Warehouse 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.
Microsoft Certifications
Data Certifications

7. Technical Training: Data Platform Modernization
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through online training.
Online Technical Training
Partner Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for On-demand Technical Training for Data Platform Modernization. Relevant training includes:
Data Platform Modernization Technical Courses
Data Warehousing & Big Data Technical Courses
SQL Server Technical Courses
Azure SQL Technical Courses
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
C+E University: Data Platform MPN 17610
C+E University: Data Platform MPN16758
Cloud Data Warehouse MPN17645
Big Data and Advanced Analytics MPN17331
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.
See also Open EdX MOOCs
Skills Training
(Level 300)
SQL Server Training & Certification
Sharpen your Azure Training and Certification with our Azure Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) catalogue featuring in-depth courseware, videos, labs, and assessments. See also Azure Online Courses 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. Relevant courses: Data Platform Data Warehouse Big Data Data Migration
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. Relevant videos: Data Platform Data Warehouse Big Data Data Migration
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
Partner Learning Portal
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for On-demand Sales Training for Data Platform Modernization. To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
Recommended Learning Path: Data Platform University Sales Learning Series MPN16150
C+E Sales Webinars
With this series of convenient On-demand 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, Migration to SQL/Azure and Data Warehouse & Big Data
Sales & Marketing Resources
Data Platform Modernization, Migration to SQL/Azure and Data Warehouse & Big Data
Visit the C+E Partner Resources Portal for all Data Platform Modernization resources

11. Business 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 Business Analytics and AI solutions.
Business Analytics & AI specializations covered include:
Business Analytics / Advanced Analytics
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Modern Business Intelligence (Power BI)

13. Competency & Certifications: Business 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
Data Analytics 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.
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: Business Analytics and AI
Learn about Microsoft solutions and technologies from the experts through online training.
On-demand Technical Training
Partner Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for On-demand Technical training for Advanced Analytics and AI.
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
Practical Data Analytics with the Microsoft Cortana Intelligence Suite
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 labs:
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 Online Learning 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 also Open EdX MOOCs
Additional Online Training
(Level )
Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers free IT training for Developers, IT Pros, Data Scientists, and students. Relevant training: Advanced Analytics Artificial Intelligence Power BI Azure Data Services
Channel 9 keeps you up to date with videos from the people who are building Microsoft products and services. Relevant videos: Advanced Analytics Artificial Intelligence Power BI 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: Business 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: Business Analytics and AI
Learn how to effectively engage and sell Microsoft solutions to your target customers.
On-demand Sales Training
Partner Learning Portal
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.
Recommended Learning Path: C+E University: Data & AI Online Sales Training Series MPN18199
C+E Sales Webinars
With this series of convenient On-demand 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: Business Analytics and AI
Access technical and sales resources for partners that will help you build, deploy and sell Microsoft solutions.
Technical Resources
Business Analytics, AI and Modern Business Intelligence
Sales & Marketing Resources
Business Analytics, AI and Modern Business Intelligence
Visit the C+E Partner Resources Portal for all Business Analytics & AI resources

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
Certifications
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.
On-demand Technical Training
Partner Learning Portal
(Level 200 – 400)
Visit the Microsoft Learning Portal for On-demand Technical Training for Internet of Things.
Recommended Technical Learning Paths:
IoT Architecture IoT Fundamentals IoT Hub Azure IoT Technical Azure IoT Suite and Preconfigured Solutions
Getting Started with IoT Development 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 Training and IoT 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. Relevant training: IoT 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. Relevant training: 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.
On-demand Sales Training
Partner
Learning Portal
Sharpen your sales skills with Microsoft’s On-demand Sales.
To take courses, partner must be a Microsoft Partner Network member and individual must have MPN log-in.
C+E Sales Webinars
IoT Online Webcast Series for sales and technical presales professionals.
On-demand Azure Sales 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

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
Sales & Marketing Resources
Internet of Things
Visit the C+E Partner Resources Portal for all Internet of Things resources