FY16 Skype for Business Competency and Readiness Partner Walking Deck

Content

Competencies • MPN competencies & benefits

• Evolution of the Communications competency

• Communications competency requirements

• FY16 Communications competency changes• Exams and assessments• Certifications• Changes roadmap

• Cloud productivity competency

• FAQ

Partner readiness• Partner readiness approach

• Partner readiness updates

• Certification path

• Learning paths by role

• Partner Learning Plan Tool

• FAQ

• Partner resources

Communications CompetencyPartners who want to show their expertise and grow their Skype for Business practice. There are three tracks corresponding to partner type: SI, ISV, hardware.

Cloud Productivity Competency A complimentary competency to the Communications competency. Use Communications competency expertise to attain the Cloud Productivity competency. This helps to expand business to the cloud and hybrid deployments built on Office 365.

Gain a competitive advantageCompetency membership establishes your expertise as a provider of solutions and services built on Microsoft technology.

Benefits include• Internal use

software licenses

• Premium listings in directories

• Competency logos and other branding materials

Microsoft Partner Network competencies

Competency benefits

Customized Communications Competency logo and other marketing materials to promote competency membership and differentiate your company as a Microsoft solution expert.

Internal Usage Rights (IUR) specific for each competency, in addition to core IUR benefits that apply to all competencies.

Competency designation and enhanced listing in the Microsoft Pinpoint online marketplace.

No-cost partner advisory hours and product support from Microsoft experts.

MSDN and TechNet subscriptions for access to developer tools, software, and community resources.

MPN technical benefitsOn PremisesCompetencies: All other

50 Advisory Hours, Pre-sales Support, Partner Support Community

20 Product Support Incidents

10 Signature Cloud Support Incidents*Unlimited Signature Cloud Support* 20 Product Support Incidents

20 Advisory Hours, Pre-sales Support, Partner Support Community

15 Product Support Incidents

5 Advisory Hours (with first cloud sale), Partner Support Community

10 Product Support Incidents

Partner Support Community

Online Interactive Sessions

Gold

Silver

Action Pack

Network*Currently limited to Office 365, Microsoft Azure, and CRMOL Support aligned to primary competency product

Cloud PerformanceCompetencies: Cloud PlatformCloud Productivity, Small and Midmarket Cloud, andCloud CRM

HybridCompetencies:App Dev, Collab & Content, Communications, CRM, Data Platform, Datacenter, Dev & Deployment, Messaging, Mid Market Solution Provider, Project & Portfolio Management.

5 Signature Cloud Support Incidents*Unlimited Signature Cloud Support* 15 Product Support Incidents

Communications competency

2015Skype for Business update

2007 SI track

2008 ISV track

2008 IHV track

2011 UC comp split

2013 The fastest growing MPN competency

Communications competency evolution

Current Communications competency requirements

Gold Competency partners

Meet the exam or certification requirements for the track in which they choose to qualify.

Systems integration

Application

Independent hardware vendor

TRACKS

Meet additional track requirements, which may include passing the Communication Sales or Pre-sales Technical Assessment or having a solution that has qualified under the applicable application test or program.

All partners (Silver and Gold) must:

For Gold Competency status, SI and application partners must also submit customer references and use the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) index survey to gather customer feedback to measure performance and help drive customer satisfaction.

Current Communications competency requirements Systems integration track exam and certification requirements

Gold Competency

Silver CompetencyEmploy two Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) who have met the requirements of either option 1 or option 2.

Employ four Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) who have met the requirements of either option 1 or option 2.

2x

4x

Whichever option you choose, one of the four individuals who met the exam or certification requirement must also pass exam 74-338: Lync PSLP Depth Support Engineer and Exam 74-335: Lync Network Readiness Assessment.

ADDITIONAL EXAMS FOR GOLD COMPETENCY

Hold the following certification:

MCSE—Communications

Option 2Pass the following exams:

Exam 70-336—Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

and

Option 1

Exam 70-337—Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Current Communications competency requirements

Gold Competency

Silver Competency

2x

4x

Application track exam and certification requirements

1x

1x

Employ two Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) who have met the requirements of either option 1 or option 2 and have one application that has passed one of the Silver tests.

Employ four Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) who have met the requirements of either option 1 or option 2 and have one application that has passed one of the Gold tests.

Have one application that has passed one of the following application tests:Silver Competency Test for Lync Server 2013OR Silver Competency Test for Lync Online V2

Silver tests

Have one application that has passed one of the following application tests:Gold Competency Test for Lync Server 2013OR Gold Competency Test for Lync Online V2

Gold tests

Hold the following certification:

MCSE—Communications

Option 2Pass the following exams:

Exam 70-336—Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

and

Option 1

Exam 70-337—Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Current Communications competency requirements

MCSE—Communications

Pass the following exams:

MCP exams

Exam 70-336—Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

Exam 70-337—Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013or

Hold the following certification:

IHV track exam and certification requirements

Gold Competency

Silver Competency

1x

2x

1x

1x

Employ one Microsoft Certified Professional (MCPs) who has met both of the MCP Exam requirements.

Employ two Microsoft Certified Professional (MCPs) who have met both of the MCP Exam requirements.

For both the Silver and Gold competencies, your organization must also have one qualified solution involving one of the following:DevicesVideoNetworking infrastructureLoad balancersCommunication services and infrastructure

Qualified solutions

This solution must be approved through the Unified Communications Open Interoperability Program for Lync Server.

and

FY16 Communications competency updates Sales and Pre Sales assessments will be retired from the competency requirements

in the Fall 2015. Sales courses will still be available to stay current on Lync, Skype for Business and Office 365

Two new Skype for Business exams will be in market in November 2015, replacing the current 4 Lync exams in market. The Communications Competency recognize the new exams when available. The Lync exams will continue to qualify to meet the competency requirements for a period of time.

CURRENT QUALIFYING LYNC EXAMS

70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013

70-337: Enterprise Voice and Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013

74-335: Lync Network Readiness Assessment

74-338: Lync PSLP Depth Support Engineer

NEW SKYPE FOR BUSINESS EXAMS

70-333: Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015

70-334: Core Solutions of Skype for Business

FY16 Communications Sales Training updateThis Fall, the following assessments will no longer be a requirement for the SI track in the Communications Competency:

Sales Specialist Assessment for CommunicationsPre-sales Technical Specialist Assessment for Communications

it is recommended that partners with a significant Office 365 practice also take Office 365 Sales Readiness training and assessments

Drumbeat Start – on-demand sales training for Office 365 which includes Skype for Business

Office 365 Sales Knowledge Validation

Sales Specialist Assessment for Office 365Sales Specialist Assessment for Office 365 Small and Midsize Business (SMB)

EXAM 335Lync Network Readiness Assessment

Lync 2013 Sales and Marketing Assessment

EXAM 337Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Lync Server 2013

Lync 2013 Pre-sales Assessment

EXAM 338Lync 2013 PSLP Depth Support Engineer

FY16 Communications competency roadmap

EXAM 333Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015

EXAM 334Core Solutions of Skype for Business

EXAM 336Core Solutions of Lync Server 2013

FY 2015 FY 2016July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June

Lync exams continue to qualify for competency requirements

Start Skype for Business exams as competency qualification

Sales and Pre Sales Assessment requirement retiring Fall 2015

Cloud Productivity competency

Current Cloud Productivity competency requirements GoldSilver

Requir

em

en

ts

oMust have deployed 500 seats (150 in developing markets) of Exchange Online within the past 12

months

3 unique Microsoft Office 365 customer references

One certified individual

Or, ProPlus Activation

5 unique Microsoft Office 365 customer references

Two certified individuals

Or, ProPlus Activation

Must have deployed 1500 seats (500 in developing markets) of Exchange Online within the past 12

months

Tech

nic

al Exam

s

Option 1: Pass the following exams;70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 70-342 Advance Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013

Option 2: Attain the following certification:

MCSE: Messaging

Option 1: Pass the following exams;70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 70-342 Advance Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server  Option 2: Attain the following certification:

MSCE Messaging

Office 365 Core (required) Option 1: (Both Exams) Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements AND Exam 70-347: Enabling

Office 365 ServicesOption 2: Obtain the certification MCSA: Office 365

FY16 Cloud Productivity competency requirements update GoldSilver

Requir

em

en

ts

2,000 Active Entitlements (users) across any O365 workload

1,000 Active Entitlements (users) across any O365 workload (Developing)

3 unique Microsoft Office 365 customer references

One certified individual

Or, ProPlus Activation

5 unique Microsoft Office 365 customer references

Two certified individuals

Or, ProPlus Activation

4,000 Active Entitlements (users) across any O365 workload (Global)

Tech

nic

al

Option 1: Select any two of the following exams;70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 70-342 Advance Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 201370-331 Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Core Solutions 70-332 Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Advanced Solutions70-488 Core Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development 70-489 Advanced Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development74-335 Lync Network Readiness Assessment70-337 Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013 70-336 Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013 74-338 Lync 2013 Depth Support Engineer70-334 Core Solution of Skype for Business 201570-333 Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015

Option 2: Select any one of the following certifications;MCSE: Messaging | MCM Exchange | MCSM ExchangeMCSE: Communication | MCM Lync | MCSM: Lync Cert. for SfB TBDMCSE: SharePoint | MCSM: SharePoint | MCPD: SharePoint Developer 2010 | MCSD for SharePoint Application Developer 2010 | MCSD for SharePoint Application

Option 1: Select any two of the following exams;70-341 Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 70-342 Advance Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 201370-331 Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Core Solutions 70-332 Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Advanced Solutions70-488 Core Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development 70-489 Advanced Solutions of SharePoint 2013 Development74-335 Lync Network Readiness Assessment70-337 Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013 70-336 Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013 74-338 Lync 2013 Depth Support Engineer70-334 Core Solution of Skype for Business 201570-333 Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015 Option 2: Select any one of the following certifications;MCSE: Messaging | MCM Exchange | MCSM ExchangeMCSE: Communication | MCM Lync | MCSM: Lync Cert. for SfB TBDMCSE: SharePoint | MCSM: SharePoint | MCPD: SharePoint Developer 2010 | MCSD for SharePoint Application

Office 365 Core (required) Option 1: (Both Exams) Exam 70-346: Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements AND Exam 70-347: Enabling Office 365 Services

Option 2: Obtain the certification MCSA: Office 365

I have people in my organization who have been preparing to take the Lync exams so that we can qualify for the competency. Do they need to wait and take the Skype for Business exams instead?

Frequently asked questions

A

Q Will the exam requirements for the Communications Competency be changing because of the update to Skype for Business from Lync?

New Skype for Business exams are scheduled to be released in November 2015. These exams, 70-333: Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015 and 70-334: Core Solutions of Skype for Business, can be used to fulfill the exam requirement under Option 1 for all tracks of the Communications Competency. Partners seeking to qualify for the SI track who pass these won’t need Exam 74-338 Lync 2013 Depth Support Engineer and Exam 74-335: Lync Network Readiness Assessment. 70-333 and 70-334 satisfies all exam requirements.

A

Q

The Lync exams can still be used to satisfy competency requirements, and will continue to be offered for a yet to be determined period of time after the Skype for Business exams are released. However, we recommend that when they become available, you make an effort to qualify for the competency with the new exams, ensuring that your organization has expertise with the latest technology and solutions.

Frequently asked questions

A

Q Is the MCSE: Communication certification required for attaining the Communications Competency?

Attaining the MCSE: Communications certification is one of the ways to satisfy the exams or assessments requirement for Communications Competency membership. The other option is to pass exam 70-336 and 70-337, or when they become available, the new Skype for Business exams, 70-333 and 70-334.

AQ What is the minimum cost to a new partner of attaining the

Communications Competency based on meeting the certification requirements?With the MOC courses available online at no charge it would be the cost of passing the required certification exams. The average cost of each exam is $150 USD. The requirement for first attaining competency membership at the Silver level is employing two individual who have passed one of the relevant certification exams. (The Gold Competency requirement is four individuals.) Partners should also be mindful of the cost of employee time that will be spend preparing for and passing the certification exam. In addition to the cost of meeting the certification requirements, all Partners must pay the competency fee. This fee varies by geography, but the average is $1,850 USD for the Silver Competency and $3,440 USD for the Gold Competency. These figures represent the current average and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

AQ

In FY16, will the Sales Specialist Assessment and Pre-Sales Technical Assessments continue to be required for the SI track in the Communications Competency?

A

QIf I’m already in the Communications competency, and I’m interested in expanding my business to include Office 365 or other cloud solutions, should I become a member of the Cloud Productivity competency (CPC)?

.

Fall 2015, will announce when the assessments will not be a requirement for competency membership in the SI track. However, we recommended the sales training be taken in order to ensure a depth of knowledge within your organization. If you are interested in selling and deploying Office 365 it is also recommended that you pass the Office 365 training and assessments.

Each MPN competency has a specific set of benefits. The CPC provides a significant number of additional seats of Office 365 as an IUR benefit. Additionally it provides eligibility for Microsoft Online Services Advisor Deploy Accelerator Incentive, and offers other benefits that could help you grow your cloud business. During FY16, Lync/Skype for Business active entitlements will count towards satisfying the workload requirements of the CPC, and you will be able to use the same individuals who have passed qualifying exams to meet exam requirements in both competencies.Current partners can earn the Silver CPC at no cost and the Gold CPC at a reduced cost. So the investment you’ve already made in the Communications competency will gives you a jump start on qualifying for the CPC and providing your business with a further competitive advantage.

Partner readiness approach

Improved training ResourcesReduce training costs

Increase global coverage

Continuous content updates to align with technology release cadence

Partner readiness updates

Use the tools of the Right Start Kit and the Roll-out and Adoption Success Kit (RASK) to drive deployments.

Global events with updated Sales and IT Pro training from Microsoft experts. Learn what’s new in current and/or upcoming technology releases.

Right Start Kit and RASK

Offi ce 365 events

MPN prescribed training in paths for Lync 2013 and Skype for Business.. Develop a learning plan to stay on track. Learning paths connect you to the latest updated training.

Learning paths

Up-to-date content

A new training interface to present training and courses in digestible modules, with progress and attainment.

Partner University Training

Skype for Business sales course is available online.

Skype for Business exams available Online

Partner readiness updates

Lower costMicrosoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courses to prepare for competency required exams are available on demand via www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com.Skype for Business courses (70-333 and 70-334) will become available in Fall, 2015 and will be added to MOC and be made available through Virtual Academy.

MOC courses EXAM 336Core Solutions of Lync Server 2013

EXAM 337Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Lync Server 2013

EXAM 335Lync Network Readiness Assessment

EXAM 338Lync 2013 PSLP Depth Support Engineer

EXAM 333Enterprise Voice Skype for Business 2015

EXAM 334Core Solutions of Skype for Business

Partner readiness updates

Office 365 training programs have a worldwide reach. Microsoft experts will be travelling to selected destinations around the globe to deliver readiness training.

Communications competency courses that will prepare partners to pass the currently required exams are all available via MPN Communications Competency Learning Paths

Courses to prepare for new exams (70-333: Enterprise Voice Skype for Business and 70-334: Core Solutions of Skype for Business will be added when available).

Increased global coverage

Learning paths by roleSALES

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (option 2)

Skype for Business Sales and Marketing

Lync 2013 Sales CourseAvailable online3 hours

The key roles within a partner organization that are essential to a successful Skype for Business practice are sales specialist and technical specialist.

Learning paths help prepare your business staff to learn the newest in selling and technical to pass certification exams that align with these roles.

Technical training focus has shifted from Lync to Skype for Business .

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (option 1)

EXAM 338Lync 2013 PSLP DepthSupport Engineer

EXAM 335Network Readiness Assessment

EXAM 337Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Lync Server 2013

EXAM 336Core Solutions of Lync Server 2013

MSCA Windows Server

MSCA Windows Server

Drumbeat Office 365 Sales Training

Partner University – Learning Paths

INDIVIDUALS TEAM MANAGERS

can create a learning plan, based on prescriptive guidance, and track their progress to help them to achieve their training and certification goals.

can create learning plans and assign them to people on their team. They can then track completion of the plans, which gives the ability to send reminders encouraging people to complete plans.

can create custom learning path groups and publish them to all people in their company—thus providing custom, prescriptive guidance for employees.

TRAINING ADMINISTRATORS

http://aka.ms/learningpath

Partner University Training – coming Fall 2015

New, simplified Microsoft Training portal experience. Designed to make it easier for partners to find the training they need. Partners can search all available courses by product, topic, level, and language

Does the release of Skype for Business change the recertification process?

Frequently asked questions

A

Q Will there be a Skype for Business upgrade exam for those who have already completed the Lync exams?

A

QNo. Holders of the MCSE: Communication credential are still required to recertify every three years. Recertification is a great way to ensure that you stay current in the latest technology, such as Skype for Business. More information about recertification options for the MCSE: Communication certification will be provided later in 2015.

No. Once you’ve earned your MCSE: Communication certification you cannot re-earn it. You can, however, keep it current through recertification. Training is available through Microsoft Virtual Academy that can prepare you to recertify with the new exams.

Is my MSCE: Communications certification valuable even though I earned it

by taking Lync exams?

Frequently asked questions

A

Q How will the release of Skype for Business impact the MSCE: Communications certification?

In FY16 new exams covering Skype for Business will be incorporated into the MCSE: Communication credential. The new exams will replace Lync Exam 70-336: Core Solutions of Microsoft Lync Server 2013 and Exam 70-337: Enterprise Voice & Online Services with Microsoft Lync Server 2013.

A

QYes. Skype for Business builds on Lync’s features and functionality. The Lync exams provide you with a solid foundation for your Skype for Business implementation. The Lync exams provide you with a solid foundation for your Skype for Business implementation.

What is an Online Proctored (OP) Exam

Frequently asked questions

A

Q Can I use my Communications Exams for the Cloud Productivity Competency too?

Yes. Exams take to qualify for the Communications Competency may also be used to qualify for the updated Cloud Productivity Competency. Please check the Cloud Productivity Competency for details.

A

QExams with the OP designation are available to you be taken online via the internet. These exams have a proctor who works with you online to setup and take the exam from the comfort of your office or home.

Microsoft Partner Network Skype for Business main page

Microsoft Communications Competency

Microsoft Cloud Productivity Competency

MPN resources for Skype for Business Systems Integrators

MPN resources for Hosting Service Providers

MPN resources for Skype for Business Independent Hardware Vendors

MPN resources for Skype for Business Independent Software Vendors

Partner Learning Paths

Microsoft Partner Network – Manage Your Membership

Partner Technical role Learning path - MCSE

Microsoft Learning

Microsoft Virtual Academy

Partner resources

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