Following Microsoft layoffs, Dynamics partners discover slashed support teams in some countries

Microsoft's new round of layoffs has resulted in deep cuts to teams that support Dynamics ERP and CRM partners in some countries.

The findings, as reported by partner employees in various countries over the last few days, reveal complete or near complete elimination of staff focused on Dynamics partners in some countries, but the impact appears to vary by country. Some of these workers are expected to land in new Microsoft roles related to customer success or software.

Much of the information gleaned on the lost staff comes through informal methods like failed attempts to reach Microsoft subsidiary employees and back channel discussions initiated by partners.

One result of the re-org and layoffs is that the number of direct managed partners will shrink dramatically in some countries. In Denmark, the list of managed partners shrinks from 50 Dynamics partners to just 5.

In Germany, one partner estimates that 90 percent of Microsoft's local Dynamics partner sales staff and all of their AX specialists roles have bene eliminated. Technical resources will reportedly remain.

While some subsidiaries will shrink drastically, so-called "time zone teams" for regions like EMEA and Latin America seem to be growing in headcount, one source remarked.

Given the scale of the reported losses and Microsoft's commitment the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, in which smaller partners transact on Microsoft business solutions through a larger distributor, the changes will push more of the traditional partner support responsibilities in affected locales to the CSPs and software distributors.

Partners have counted on a range of support services from Microsoft's local subsidiaries, including marketing and sales resources and guidance on education and certifications for their staff. Initial reaction by some channel veterans ...