Microsoft Partner Internal Use Rights Software Program Ending - **Update!**
So, what exactly is Internal Use Rights Software (IURs) and why should we care?
IURs allow Microsoft partners to run their business on Microsoft software, from their Windows desktops to all of the back-end servers to the newer cloud services. They were consistently rated one of the best features of Microsoft's partner program in RCP surveys and cited as a key benefit in partner interviews over the years.
Effective July 1st, 2020, Microsoft will retire the IURs association with product licenses partners usually receive with the Microsoft Action Pack. According to Microsoft, use rights "will be updated to be used for business development scenarios such as demonstration purposes, solution/services development purposes, and internal training.” Additionally, beginning October 1, 2019, product licenses included with partners’ competencies will be specific to the competencies attained.
Microsoft is also cutting back on its on-premises product support incident benefit that partners get as part of the Action Pack. As of August 2019, on-premises product support will no longer be available. Gold and Silver partners whose renewal date falls before August 2019 will be able to keep this benefit until their next anniversary.
Microsoft’s partner conference, Microsoft Inspire is next week, July 12 – 18th, so we can expect more news on this big change in partner benefits.
Update: Microsoft has decided not to implement proposed changes in partner benefits! This includes proposed changes to on-premise support and new competency requirements.