
In order to better serve the needs of our customers, and based upon partner feedback, Microsoft has made an adjustment to our Modern Desktop Assessment offering. Just like Microsoft, we hope this provides a set of options that help you address your customers’ specific concerns even better.
What’s different?
Microsoft has created an alternate pathway to deliver the Modern Desktop Assessment by introducing a Type 2 of the Assessment, which looks at the broader organizational IT readiness while requiring less depth than the original Assessment. This Assessment type does not require you to deploy Windows Analytics (or similar tools) in a customer’s environment to get a detailed compatibility analysis but instead utilizes a discovery questionnaire-based approach to determine the customer’s IT readiness. Also, a key difference is in the Proof of Execution (POE) documents that you are required to submit on successful completion of the engagement.
You can choose either of the two Assessment types depending on your customer’s scenario.
What remains the same?
There are no changes to the customer eligibility criteria, application process, and funding amounts. Furthermore, if you already have the customer engagement approved, you can choose either of the two types for delivery and the approved funding will remain as-is. Please note in the documentation you will see the seat size set at a minimum of 1000, but for
Both variations of the Assessments address two basic objectives:
1. Presenting the value of Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus
2. Educating the customer about Windows and Office EOL scenarios, and related impact
In addition to the above, each of the two Assessments includes different scope items defined below. Microsoft understands that customer conversations may take different forms and thus have crafted different guidance and deliverables accordingly.
The detailed scope
Type 1 Assessment: Deployment Compatibility Analysis
Use this pathway for a conversation around compatibility and use of Analytics. This is the original design of the Assessment kit.
- Basic scope, as described above
- Provide a summary of existing versions of Windows OS and Office clients in the customer’s organization
- Review the compatibility of the customer’s Application and Device portfolio to deploy Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus
- Provide a summary of issues and blockers based on the compatibility analysis
Final deliverables and proof of execution: pre-assessment and post-assessment surveys, a copy of compatibility analysis report (see report guidelines)
Review the Overview and Delivery Timeline guidance for more details
Type 2 Assessment: Desktop Deployment Wheel Analysis
Use this pathway for a conversation around organizational awareness and readiness for Modern Desktop deployment.
- Basic scope, as described above
- Educate the customer about the detailed multi-step Desktop Deployment Wheel process to enable deployment of the Modern Desktop, and
- Conduct a detailed discovery of the customer’s IT readiness for Modern Desktop deployment, using the Microsoft provided ‘Discovery Questionnaire’
- Provide a summary of issues and blockers based on the discovery
Final deliverables and proof of execution: pre-assessment and post-assessment surveys,
Review the Overview and Delivery Timeline guidance for more details
The detailed scope – comparison
Modern Desktop Assessment Delivery with Type 2: What changes compared to the existing Type 1:
1. The partner does not require to use Windows Analytics (or a similar tool) deployment, hence there is less customer push-back due to customer security concerns or missing data storage in Azure;
2. The partner does not have to deal with technical issues and blockers of tool deployment;
3. It does not require L400 technical architect to deliver, can be delivered by pre-sales consultant;
4. Although ‘active’ delivery time remains the same, since no deployment or waiting data population is required – overall it will take less time to complete (2-3 days straight);
5
FAQ
Is the funding only given once per customer?
Yes, the funding is given once per delivery per customer. If a customer decided to run type 1 assessment at a later date, no funding would be given. Microsoft has had cases when partners are looking to use funding for Type 2 then charge for Type 1 – or vice versa.
What to do if I need more information for the market use of Win10 and O365?
Microsoft will provide a guide for each country for the % still using Win7 vs Win10 in the near future. Your local PMM may have more detailed insight about this for your specific country.
What about linking to Desktop Assure?
Yes, the two programmes are linked. As one of the conclusions or recommendations provided to the customer by the partner in the Modern Desktop Assessment, there might be a need for addressing issues with Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus application compatibility for customer’s business critical LoB applications. If that is the case, then Desktop App Assure service provided by Microsoft FastTrack can be part of these recommendations. (see attached partner delivery guide page 19-25 for guidance).
Is a diagram depicting the lifecycle to receive funding available?
No, at this point such template doesn’t exist. But it will be provided in the near future.
Where can I find additional information?
The following website has a lot more useful information and links for you: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/partners/moderndesktopassessment
Remember that funding is available until June 30th, 2019 and you can approach your PM or the Microsoft Proliferation team for more information