Thread by @nickwhittome

There is a very obvious move over the last 24 months by @Microsoft @Microsoftirl @msPartner to push MSP Partners further and further away. Because they think there is no alternative, when in fact, there is.

Recent examples include... - thread

IUR Rights removal threat, then backing down at the 11th hour...
channeldailynews.com/news/microsoft…

Removal of NFR devices for partners using and promoting the use of @surface devices. As a MSP, this has been the best way for us to showcase the brilliant product, and get people buying it. Back to @Dell for us....

CSP / Microsoft NCE. What an absolute face this one is. Tying Partners, Distributors and end users into annual contracts that can go up, but not down, with no protection for liquidation etc. I've never had so many requests for going back to Google. What a mess!

Price hikes on 365 / Azure. Because.... "costs". Bah, what a load of crap. @awscloud is calling.

I note that the 4500 Euro for the Partner program subscription was happily taken from our bank account anyway. @msPartner are you REALLY listening?

DM comments, which I agree with.
"A lot of MSPs are but it’s not been heard - Internally at MSFT they know that they have 74million clients under MSPs and that they have no direct contact - over the next few years, watch how going direct into the marketplace will become a thing"

People close to Microsoft (read that as my old gang) contacting me on DM. It seems that in the background shit is going down. NCE is a massive disaster and people are already moving to Google.
@msPartner

Currently, as a MSP, I have my own legal people reviewing the whole liquidation thing. How can a distributor > Microsoft tie a MSP into a contract in the event of an end user going out of business. Liquidation / insolvency / bankrupsy laws are pretty clear.

Two UK partners have contacted me now saying that they have contracts between the CSP and the End-user, and the Advisor in the middle (us) is excluded. Is there something different here in Ireland? @Microsoftirl

So. Further news on this one. There is a clear line between can’t pay and won’t pay. If you are a partner dealing with your CSP. Don’t sign unless this is clearly defined. It’s madness and not enforceable.

It seems that Microsoft has made their CSP Indirect Partners sign this agreement, and they - in turn, are trying to push this onto the partner network. @msPartner @Microsoft you should be ashamed. Its ruining long relationships.

Again, massive diff between cant and wont pay

Someone said tonight. "I see a class action lawsuit in Microsoft's future". I agree, completely. @Microsoft @msPartner

I finally got an off-record update from Microsoft internal person. I'll summarise.

We know that Partners are not happy, especially about the insolvency protections. We are reviewing it, but there is no decision as of yet.

I just wish I had got this from my Direct CSP.