Convert to Pay-as-you-go to retain your Azure resources or renew Partner program?

Renewing the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program with a Partner Success Core Benefits package does not automatically extend or convert an existing individual Azure subscription that was using monthly partner credits.

Key points based on the current benefits model:

1. Azure credits are now pooled at the organization level
   Partner Program developer benefits have been updated so that Azure value is delivered through Partner Program benefit packages, not as per-user monthly credits tied directly to an individual Azure subscription.

   “Azure value shifts from per-user monthly credits to Partner Program benefit packages. This change enables pooled usage and improved utilization across teams.”

   This means the new Partner Success Core Benefits package gives the organization a pool of Azure credits, which must be redeemed/used via eligible Azure subscriptions. It does not automatically attach to an existing dev/test or sponsorship subscription.
2. Existing subscriptions tied to expiring monthly credits will not continue automatically
   When a Visual Studio or partner-based monthly credit expires, the associated Azure subscription loses that benefit. To keep resources running, one of the following must be done before the subscription is disabled:
   • Transfer resources to another Azure subscription that has valid credits or
   • Convert the current subscription to pay-as-you-go by removing the spending limit.

   “If your Visual Studio subscription expires or is removed, subscription benefits including the monthly Azure dev/test individual credit are no longer available… You must transfer your resources to another Azure subscription before your current Azure subscription is disabled or you'll lose access to your data.”

3. What to do with the new Partner Success Core Benefits credits
   With the new benefits package:
   • Redeem the Azure credits provided by the Partner Program benefit package into an eligible Azure subscription (this may create a new Azure subscription depending on how the credits are redeemed).
   • Move existing resources from the old, expiring-credit subscription into the new credit-backed subscription before the old one is disabled.
   The Partner benefits documentation explicitly recommends:
   • Option 1: Redeploy/move resources using the partner benefits package Azure credits.
   • Option 2: Keep resources running under pay-as-you-go by removing the spending limit.
   • Option 3: Move resources to another subscription or resource group that aligns with the organization’s Azure credit use.
4. Risk of doing nothing
   If no action is taken and the old partner-credit subscription reaches its disable date:
   • The subscription will be disabled.
   • Access to resources and data can be lost unless the subscription is later re-enabled as pay-as-you-go, and even then, credits from the new benefits package will not retroactively apply to that disabled period.
5. Recommended path for this scenario
   1. In Partner Center, confirm that the Partner Success Core Benefits package is active and identify the Azure credits included.
   2. Redeem those credits into an Azure subscription (this may be a new subscription depending on the benefit type).
   3. In the Azure portal, move your existing resources from the old partner-credit subscription to the new credit-backed subscription using the documented move process: Move Azure resources to a new resource group or subscription.
   4. Only if you explicitly want pay-as-you-go on the old subscription, remove the spending limit there; otherwise, keep usage on the new credit-backed subscription.

This approach avoids unplanned pay-as-you-go charges on the old subscription and ensures resources are protected under the new Partner Success Core Benefits Azure credits rather than assuming automatic renewal on the existing subscription.

References:

• Explore your Visual Studio and GitHub benefits in Partner Center
• Use your Azure credits
• Maintain a Visual Studio subscription for Azure credit access
• Renew an expired subscription, purchase a new one, or transfer your Azure resources
• Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS)