VERY Important! CSAT Requirement For Gold Certified Partners Starting in October
If you are a Gold Certified Partner or on the path to becoming one, you NEED TO READ this!
On day one of Worldwide Partner Conference 09 this year, Allison Watson announced the new Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and gave Partners from around the world a glimpse into some of the very exciting things that MPN will bring. During that same presentation, a timeline of how MPN would roll in for Partners and what they could start expecting when from a requirements perspective. She even walked through an example using one of our Gold Certified Partners and what their renewal timeline would look like this year and next.
The one requirement that goes into effect this year is the requirement for all Gold Certified Partners to meet the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSAT) minimum requirement of 10 CSAT survey responses in order to achieve Gold Level Certification. This requirement has been communicated through the various Partner newsletters and other Partner communications engines for several months now, reaching far before WPC09; however, it is very important that you look into this requirement if you have not done so yet. Why? Because this requirement goes into effect in October of 2009, which will be here before you know it. That means that you have between now and then to get your 10 CSAT survey responses if your renewal date is between October 2009 and December 2009.
The CSAT Index Survey runs on four distinct periods throughout the year (see below), and it is important to note that you must have participated in a survey period that has been completed prior to your anniversary date. For example, if you are re-enrolling in November 2009, you must have participated in a CSAT Index survey between October 2008 and September 2009. The following illustration shows the survey periods in which you can participate to meet this requirement:
We have a bunch of resources available for you on the Customer Satisfaction Index portion of the Microsoft Partner Network site.
Participating in CSAT Index surveys is fast and effective. Take the following steps to get started:
Sign in to the CSAT Index portal.
Access the CSAT Index Quick Start Guide.
For answers to questions about survey administration, customer lists, results, and more, review the frequently asked questions (FAQ). You can also Watch the CSAT Index Web Seminar to learn how the CSAT Index can help your organization effectively measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. You’ll also find out more about the participation requirement for Gold Certified Partners that takes effect October 1, 2009.
Thank you and have a wonderful day,
Eric Ligman – Follow me on TWITTER 
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Global Partner Experience Lead
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
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