Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program

Badge usage guide

March 2024 Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program

Table of contents

3 Overview 13 Usage guidance

Partnering to achieve more
14 Color options
About the badge program
15 Requirements and restrictions
4 How to use this guide
Making partners part of the Microsoft brand 16 Sizing and spacing
Resources 17 Sizing and spacing – Small logo
5 Badge depictions 18 Usage examples
6 Microsoft Partner 19 Putting it all together
7 Azure Expert MSP 20 Scenarios to avoid
8 Partner of the Year Awards badge 21 Website
9 Microsoft Solutions Partner solution areas 22 Digital banner ads
10 Microsoft Solutions Partner specializations 23 Event signage
11 Microsoft Solutions Partner* with certified software** 24 Email newsletter and signature
12 Microsoft Solutions Partner – Key terminology 25 Disclaimers

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 2

Overview

Partnering to achieve more About the badges

It’s our mission to empower every person Microsoft provides partners with badges Our official badges and descriptors can be
and every organization on the planet to to help customers identify Microsoft valuable differentiators for your company,
achieve more. Our partnerships are central partners, partners who have technical services, or applications. Badging also
to that mission and to ​our business. ​ capability and expertise in particular areas, helps prospective customers identify the
and partners who have won awards. right partner to meet their needs. Partners
We believe that partners make more
can create and download their badges
possible. Together, we have an opportunity Badges also provide additional credibility,
from Logo Builder in the Partner Center.
to continue meeting the evolving needs of so customers immediately associate you
our customers.​ and your organization with the trust and
reliability of the Microsoft brand.
As a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud
Partner Program, you are part of the largest
partner ecosystem in the world—400,000
strong. Whether you offer simple
applications or complex integrations, you’re
at the center of how we deliver technologies,
transform businesses, and drive positive
customer outcomes. You’re also part of our
own transformation, as we enable more
organizations to capitalize on the full
potential of the Microsoft Cloud and
Microsoft AI.

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Overview

How to use this guide Making partners part of the Microsoft brand Resources
It’s our goal to make it simple for you For partners who have invested, at minimum, Requirements for Solutions Partner
designations
to promote your organization as a in the Microsoft Action Pack, Microsoft
Microsoft Solutions Partner and to display provides a text badge indicating that Partner Center Logo Builder
the organization is a Microsoft Partner. Microsoft Terms of Use
your designation with pride in all your
communication formats and channels. Microsoft Company logo and
Partners who have attained Solutions Partner trademark guidelines
This guide provides standards to help designations, earned specializations, earned
partners generate and display badges Azure Expert Managed Service Provider
(AEMSP), or deliver certified software can
correctly. It reviews the badges that you will
access additional badges. Solutions Partner,
be eligible to use and provides language to
specialization and AEMSP badges include the
describe your proficiency in the Microsoft Microsoft logo, showing your relationship to
solution areas, deep technical expertise in Microsoft and providing your organization
specializations, awards you’ve earned from with a halo of brand equity and trust. As you
us, and your relationship to Microsoft. ​ use the power of our network to scale,
innovate, and differentiate solutions, you also
To create and download badges, will drive business growth for you and your
visit Logo Builder in the Partner Center. customers.

This naming and badge system has been

developed according to Microsoft guidelines
for accessibility and inclusion. To better serve
our partners operating outside English-
language markets, localization options are
available in 12 languages.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 4

Badge depictions
Partners of various types are eligible to download and display different badges
to indicate their capabilities, credentials, and relationship with Microsoft.

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Badge depictions
Microsoft Partner
Minimum size

Microsoft partners who have purchased

Microsoft Action Pack will have access to 0.375in. 27 pixels
the basic Microsoft Partner badge. This
badge can also be used by Solutions Partners
and partners with a specialization or partners
who have earned Microsoft Azure Expert
Managed Solution Provider (AEMSP).
Partners who have purchased silver and gold 0.2in. 12 pixels
legacy benefits also may be eligible to use
the Microsoft Partner badge.
Visit Logo Builder in the Partner Center to
create and download these badges. Clear space

M x
2x

M
M
2x

Microsoft
Partner
M
M
2x

2x

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Badge depictions
Azure Expert MSP
Minimum size

Partners can become an Azure Expert

Managed Service Provider (AEMSP) to
1in. | 72 pixels
further showcase their proven MSP
capabilities and experience by passing a
rigorous audit.
Visit Logo Builder in the Partner Center to
create and download this badge.

1in. | 72 pixels

Clear space

M
M 2x

M
2x
M
2x

M 1 symbol height @ .02in | 14 pixels

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Badge depictions
Partner of the Year
Awards
The Partner of the Year Awards recognize the
outstanding successes and innovations of our
global and diverse partner ecosystem in areas
of social impact, cloud technologies, and more.
We’re pleased to provide award badges for
this recognition to help our leading partners
create new or stronger business opportunities
and gain greater market awareness.
Partner of the Year Awards winners and
finalists receive a badge use guide, and badges
are available for download from Logo Builder.
Note: Badges are available to partners for
the full year following the announcement of
the award winners and finalists. Badges are
updated each July.

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Badge depictions
Microsoft The Microsoft Cloud badge
demonstrates broad proficiency in

Solutions Partner all six solution areas shown below.​

solution areas Solution area badges

Partners who have attained a Microsoft

Solutions Partner designation for their
proficiency in Business Applications, Data
& AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation
(Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), Modern
Work, and Security—are eligible to
display the corresponding solution area
badge(s). These partners have
demonstrated their ability to successfully
deliver solutions built on Microsoft
technology. Success is measured by
performance, skilling, and customer
success. How to talk about your Solutions Partner designation
Partners who attain all six designations
[Company name] is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for [solution area(s)].
are eligible to display a Microsoft Cloud
badge, recognizing their organization’s [Company name] has earned a Microsoft Solutions Partner designation for proficiency in [solution area(s)].
proficiency across all solution areas within We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for [solution area(s)].
the Microsoft Cloud. We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner with proficiency in [solution area(s)].
Visit Logo Builder in the Partner Center to We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for [Azure-specific solution area(s)] (Azure).
create and download these badges.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for the Microsoft Cloud.

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Badge depictions Specialization badges

Microsoft
Solutions Partner
specializations Solutions area designation

Partners can earn specializations to

further showcase their organization’s specialization(s) earned

deep technical expertise in specific

technical scenarios aligned to the
solutions areas and listing them on the
relevant solution area badge(s). Partners
who have earned a specialization are
eligible to display the corresponding
specialization badge(s). You have the
option to highlight a single specialization
or, if applicable, to list multiple
specializations.​
Microsoft Solutions Partners for multiple
solution areas must list specializations
for each on distinct badges aligned to
their respective solution area. How to talk about your specialization

Your account in Logo Builder will [Company] is a specialist in [specialization(s)].

dynamically offer the specializations you We specialize in [specialization(s)].
are eligible to display. Visit Logo Builder
[Company] is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for [solution area], specializing in [specialization(s)].
in the Partner Center to create and
download this badge. [Company] is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for [solution area] and a specialist in [specialization(s)].

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Solutions partner badges
Microsoft Solutions
Partner* with
certified software**
ISV badges
Partners who have demonstrated quality
and success in delivering certified software
can display a Solutions Partner* with
certified software** badge for the relevant
solution area or industry. This designation
has been designed to help you
Solution area or industry relevance
differentiate your solution’s quality and
Certified software designation
performance to customers and demonstrate
its transactability, cloud integration and Specialization(s) earned
interoperability, and customer satisfaction.
Your account in Logo Builder will
dynamically offer the designations you are
eligible to display.
How to talk about your certified software designation
Visit Logo Builder in Partner Center to
create and download this badge. [Company] is a Microsoft Solutions Partner* with certified software** for [solution area].
[Company] is a Microsoft Solutions Partner* with certified software** for [industry] AI.

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Badge depictions – Key terminology
PARTNER/BADGE TYPE
TERM EXAMPLES/VARIATIONS CONTEXT

Microsoft Solutions Partner Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work. “Microsoft Solutions Partner” encompasses naming and badging associated with a partner’s proficiency
for [solution area] and specialization(s). It is required that partners qualify their Microsoft Solutions Partner status with their
Earn your designation as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security. proficiency in a solution area (ex. “We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security”) and avoid describing
themselves or their organizations simply as a “Microsoft Solutions Partner.” Please note capitalization (i.e.,
not “Microsoft solutions partner”). Do not shorten to “MSP.”

Microsoft Cloud Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Microsoft Cloud. Microsoft Solutions Partners who attain proficiency in all six solution areas are eligible to display a Microsoft
Cloud badge.

Solution area(s) Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security. The six solution areas are already naturally defined by their labels: Business Applications, Data & AI (Azure),
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security and Infrastructure (Azure). Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), Modern Work, and Security. We recommend that
partners call solution areas by their specific names, using “solution area(s)” only when needed to reduce
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner with proficiency in Security.
confusion. Do not refer to proficiency in Azure without specifying focus area(s).

Specialization Contoso is a specialist in Linux & OSS DB Migration. Specializations are aligned to solution areas. A Microsoft Solutions Partner for any solution area who earns a
We are specialists in Windows Server & SQL Server Migration. specialization is an expert in a specific scenario related to a Microsoft technology. It’s unnecessary to modify
this term with “advanced.” “Specialist” is used as a header on specialization badging to indicate a partner’s
Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, specializing in
Identity Management. areas of specialization. It conserves space in the limited badge area and is quickly understood.

Independent Software Vendor Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner* with certified software** The certified software designation is available to Solutions Partner ISVs whose solutions have been measured
(ISV) / certified software** for Data & AI (Azure). against Microsoft standards of excellence. These partners are eligible to display the Solutions Partner logo
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner* with certified software** lockup but note that the designation applies to the software’s relevance to a solution area or industry, not
for Healthcare AI. necessarily the partner’s proficiency in that solution area or industry.

Certified Contoso is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work. ”Certified” is used to refer to the status learners achieve when they have taken and passed a Microsoft
Certified Professional exam. It is not applicable when referencing the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. Use
“Microsoft Solutions Partner” instead.

Azure Expert Managed Contoso is an Azure Expert Managed Service Provider for Azure Expert Managed Service Providers have met prerequisites, passed an audit, and continue to meet
Service Provider Microsoft customers. ongoing requirements to qualify for this designation. Can be abbreviated “MSP”. Do not use "AEMSP.”

Training Services partner Contoso is a Microsoft Training Services partner with a Partners who have demonstrated depth of knowledge in one or more solution areas can attain a Training
Microsoft Solutions Partner for Training Services. Services partner badge with a Training Services designation in one or more solution areas.

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Usage guidance
In addition to the minimum sizing requirements stated for each badge
category, these specifications ensure compliance with Microsoft brand,
legibility, and clear information hierarchy.

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Usage guidance
Color options

The Microsoft Solutions Partner badge

system has two color options. Use the full-
color version in most scenarios. When color
is limited, use the single-color option. When
choosing the logo badge for your scenario,
Full-color badge Single-color badge
use the version that will best suit the
(preferred in all instances) (limited use)
background color of the execution. ​

​In digital and print assets that do not allow

sufficient space, a borderless logotype can
be used at a minimum size; eligible partners
may use the logotype lockup on its own to
display their partnership with Microsoft.

Black-and-white versions of all Solutions

Partner badges are available on Logo
Builder in the Partner Center for limited use
in one-color or black-and-white
communications. All badge options and
colors pass accessibility requirements.

For further details around the Microsoft

logo, please see the full trademark and
brand guidelines.

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Usage guidance
Requirements
and restrictions
Microsoft AI Partner Program badges o All Solutions Partner badges must be o Use of Microsoft Solutions Partner badges
and recognition must comply with the generated in Logo Builder in the by individuals or organizations must cease
standards provided in this guide, Partner Center. Modifications to badges when qualifications, including Solutions
including layout, required components, and wording outside of Logo Builder are Partner status and specializations, are no
logo use, colors, and wording. strictly prohibited. longer maintained.

o Scale badge elements together o Usage must cease if network membership

proportionally. (See pages 17 for size and becomes inactive or when instructed
spacing guidance.) by Microsoft.

o Height of specialization badges will vary o In digital or print assets, the preferred
depending on the specializations listed. placement of the badge is the lower left
(See pages 17 for size and spacing corner or the top/bottom right corner of
guidance.) the marketing material.

o Microsoft Solutions Partner badges may o In instances where cover space is not
only be used by partner organizations available, badge use on spines or backs of
and their teams. No sublicensing publications is allowed. (See page 18 for
is permitted. small-space guidance.)

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Usage guidance
Sizing and spacing
Solution area badges
On-screen: 130px
Print: 1.8” (46. mm) in width

The Microsoft Solutions Partner logo lockup 1in | 72px length

may not be smaller than 1.75 inches or 168 On-screen: 78px X @ 1 symbol height
Print: 1.06” (27 mm)
pixels wide within the eligible badges. in height

Clear space—or minimum distance between

the Solutions Partner badge and other visual
Minimum size Clear space X @ 2 symbol around
elements (including the edge of another
asset)—should be equivalent to two
Microsoft symbols at the same scale as those
used in the Microsoft Solutions Partner logo
lockup. Multiple specializations badge

When using a Microsoft Solutions Partner

logo lockup in conjunction with other logos,
please follow the clear space guidelines.

Please pay special attention when using

The height of your badge
multiple badges in one location or on a
will vary based on
single asset. solution area and Specialization(s) earned
specialization(s) achieved

Clear space

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 16

Usage guidance
Sizing and spacing –
Small logo
Small space solution
In digital and print assets that do not allow
sufficient space for the solution area or There are two ways to measure the minimum size of the logo.
specialization badges to be used at
minimum size, eligible partners may use the On-screen: 16px On-screen: 72px
logo lockup image on its own to display Print: 22” (5.5 mm) Print: 1” (25.4 mm)
their partnership with Microsoft. This logo
1 symbol height @ X
lockup can be used in environments where
its relationship to the partner and solution
area is clear. Minimum size Clear space

Give this logo space on all sides equivalent

to the height of the Microsoft symbol. The
Microsoft Solutions Partner logo lockup
may not be smaller than 1 inch or 72
Partner logo
pixels wide within the eligible badge lockup.

Black-and-white versions of all solution area

and specialization badges are available on Clear space
Logo Builder in the Partner Center for
limited use in one-color or black-and-white
communications. All badge options and
colors pass accessibility requirements.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 17

Usage examples
These examples indicate appropriate usage for each badge type,
as well as guidance for scenarios to avoid.

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Usage examples
Putting it all together
Typical uses

Partners may use Microsoft Solutions • Website†

Partner badges wherever they make • Digital banner ads†
sense in their digital, print, physical, and
• Event signage and tradeshow booths†
virtual or mixed reality environments.
Please note layout guidance and • Email newsletter and signature†
requirements from previous section, • Print ads
particularly when using badges on small • Out-of-home ads
printed items or digital specs, paying
close attention to accessibility with • Video bumper
regards to assets that will be viewed on • Business card
a mobile device. • White paper/letterhead
• Social media posts and images
• Mailers and other print materials

†Examples included in this section.

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Usage examples
Scenarios to avoid

The Microsoft Solutions Partner badges

should be reproduced according to the
specifications set in these guidelines.
Our visual identity is an essential
element of our brand. Adhering to these
requirements assures quality and makes
it possible for us to properly protect our
brand. Avoid the following common Avoid placing on busy, textured,
Do not stretch, compress, Do not use single-color badges in
incorrect uses: or distort the badge. or photographic backgrounds. full-color communications. It is
only intended for limited print use.

Avoid placing on busy, textured, or Avoid backgrounds that provide Do not use a one-color, white, or
photographic backgrounds. insufficient contrast. black logo in a full-color
communication.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 20

Usage examples
Website

When using a Microsoft Solutions

Partner badge in conjunction with
the other logos, please follow the
clear space guidelines.

We are a Microsoft Solutions

Partner for Business Applications

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Usage examples
Digital banner ads
300 x 250 300 x 600 160 x 600

Recommended placement is to the right of the

partner’s name/logo. Maintain sufficient amount of
clear space all around the graphic.
Small logo depicted in examples at right.
(See pages 13-14 for size and spacing guidance.)

728x x 90

540x200

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Usage examples
Event signage and trade show booths

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 23

Usage examples
Email newsletter and signature

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 24

Disclaimers
Please be aware of the following legal disclaimers.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 25

Microsoft Legal disclaimers

* Solutions Partner
Solutions Partner: “Solutions Partner” refers to a company that is a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud
Partner Program and may offer software, services, and/or solutions to customers. Reference to “Solutions
Partner" in any content, materials, resources, web properties, etc. and any associated designation should
be not interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or functionality, a
commitment or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions
pertaining and related to your business needs including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner
selection, implementation, etc. rests solely with your business.

** Certified software
Certified software: A certification is (1) specific to the solution’s interoperability with Microsoft
products and (2) based on self-attestation by the solution owner. Solutions are only certified as of the
date the solution is reviewed. Solution functionality and capability are controlled by the solution
owner and may be subject to change. The inclusion of a solution in the marketplace and any such
designations should not be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or
functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of
Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs including but not limited to
strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc. rests solely with your business.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 26

Thank you

Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program 27