Grumblings about this started on the Yahoo groups and a few people e-mailed me saying that they did not like the proposed changes coming in under the Authorised Education Reseller programme which required them to be a certified partner or above.  After much time, but before the changes come in, we are delighted to be able to announce that being a SBSC partner will also qualify you.  Below is the announcement that Jen has asked me to forward.

Microsoft Authorised Education Reseller Announcement of UK Programme Changes

Overview

From November 1 2007 the renewal process for Authorised Education Resellers (AERs) will change. The main requirement, in order to sell academic FPP, Open and School Agreement licensing programmes, will be either ‘Certified’ or ‘Gold Certified’ status.  However I have some great news, we have managed to ensure that SBSC partners will not be affected by this change and you do not have to be ‘Certified’ or ‘Gold Certified’ so the SBSC registered partner base can still benefit.

Renewal Process

From November 1 2007 the process for AER renewal will be as follows:

1. AER accesses the web site as normal: https://aer.microsoft.com/aer/default.aspx

2. Partner enters existing AER number and then their unique MSPP number

3. The web site does a background check against the MSPP web site to determine certified or gold certified status along with SBSC.

4. Partners already certified/SBSC proceed through to the next part of the site where they are required to re-do the Academic Licensing exam.

5. On successful completion their AER renewal status is confirmed.

6. If the partner does not have certified, gold certified or SBSC status they are advised that this is required and redirected to the MSPP site for further information on becoming a Certified Partner.

The web site will also cater for partners that are already certified to renew early i.e. ahead of their annual renewal date.

What you should do now

- As an SBSC partner, no further action is needed until it is time to renew your AER status.

- Further information on the Microsoft Partner Programme can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner

For further information please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

thanks for the feedback :-)

ttfn

David