How to become a Microsoft Dynamics CRM ‘App’ Partner – Basic Steps

Several startups and ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) in the bizapps market have recently asked me about the basic steps they need to complete, in order to become an official Microsoft Dynamics ISV partner, so that they can build apps and services that connect to Dynamics CRM Online. Becoming a Microsoft Dynamics partner provides you with an opportunity to bring your solutions to Dynamics customers along with a number of other benefits including a free 12-month demo/development instances, access to PartnerSource portal and many other benefits.

Below are the two basic steps you need to complete in order to become a registered Dynamics CRM partner:

1. Microsoft Partner Network (MPN): The first step for any new ISV partner is to enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network. The Microsoft Partner Network is a single, integrated membership that focuses on your ability to serve your customers. To enroll, please visit: https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/enroll.aspx. When you join the Microsoft Partner Network, you receive a set of core benefits that help you to save time and money while you strengthen your core capabilities and portfolio pertaining to Microsoft. If you have any issues during the sign-up process, please visit the Regional Operations Center Support website (https://mbs2.microsoft.com/PartnerSourceApp/chatnow.aspx?r=90&l=3) to contact a support professional or call 1-800-676-7658.
2. Partner Registration Agreement (PRA): The second step is to sign the Partner Registration Agreement (PRA). This document must be received via postal mail from the ISV partner. Electronic copies will not be accepted. You can get a copy of the Partner Registration Agreement by emailing MBSjoin@microsoft.com. The Microsoft Dynamics PRA provides partners with the following benefits:
   • 1 year renewable development and demonstration environment
   • Access the PartnerSource North America Training Homepage
   • Easy visibility to Microsoft Dynamics Readiness, Trainings and Events
   • Enables ISVs to participate in the Dynamics Partner Revenue Recognition Program
   • Join partner communities, blogs, and forums
   • Access to the PartnerSource Business Center (formerly VOICE) that serves as a one-stop shop for Microsoft Dynamics information including real-time sales, financial information, list of existing Microsoft Dynamics customers and support history information. For more information on how to use PSBC, please visit https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/global/help/help/how_to_use_PSBC.

 

These steps are part of the broader Dynamics CRM ISV playbook/guide with lot more details on partner programs, ISV partner types (reselling, non-selling, etc), App Store listing with PinPoint, GTM (Go-to-market) guidance and many more important details. You can download the playbook from PartnerSource here: https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/partneressentials/guides/dynamicspartnerplaybook.htm. But the catch is that you have to be a registered Microsoft partner before you can access PartnerSource. I’ve mentioned this catch-22 situation to our partner team and I’m sure they’ll be fixing this soon.

I swear I didn’t come up these steps but I’m just the messenger here trying to share information that I could discover. Many thanks also to Kasara D’Elene who had meticulously put the ISV playbook together, gathering resources from several Microsoft properties and teams. See you soon on the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem!