Microsoft Streamlines Azure VMware Solution Specialization Path, Removing Key Certification Hurdles

Microsoft has significantly simplified the pathway for cloud partners to earn the Azure VMware Solution (AVS) specialization, removing two major requirements that previously created barriers to entry. The update, announced on January 13, 2026, removes the requirement to pass an outdated AVS technical assessment and eliminates Broadcom certification requirements that were previously part of the audit process.

What Changed in the AVS Specialization Requirements

The Azure VMware Solution specialization is designed to help partners demonstrate their technical expertise in migrating VMware workloads to Azure. The recent changes focus on removing outdated or redundant requirements that no longer align with current market needs:

Removed Requirements:

• AVS Technical Assessment: Microsoft has eliminated the requirement to pass a specific AVS technical assessment. This assessment was originally designed to validate partner capabilities but had become outdated as the Azure VMware Solution itself evolved.
• Broadcom Certification Requirements: Previously, partners needed to maintain certain Broadcom certifications as part of the specialization audit. These requirements have been removed entirely.

These changes reflect Microsoft's recognition that many partners already possess the necessary expertise through hands-on experience and other certification pathways, making a separate assessment redundant.

Provider Comparison: Azure VMware Solution vs. Alternatives

Understanding the AVS specialization requires context about the broader cloud VMware landscape. Azure VMware Solution represents Microsoft's managed VMware service, competing with similar offerings from other major cloud providers:

Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers VMware Cloud on AWS, a fully managed service that runs VMware software stacks directly on AWS infrastructure. The certification path for partners is different, requiring specific AWS competencies alongside VMware expertise.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Provides Google Cloud VMware Engine, which allows customers to run VMware workloads natively on Google Cloud. Partner requirements focus more on Google Cloud certifications rather than VMware-specific assessments.

Azure's Differentiation: Azure VMware Solution stands out by offering seamless integration with the broader Azure ecosystem, including Azure Arc, Azure Monitor, and Azure Security Center. This integration creates opportunities for partners to offer comprehensive hybrid cloud solutions rather than just VMware migration services.

Business Impact for Cloud Partners

The simplified requirements create several strategic opportunities for cloud consulting firms and managed service providers:

Reduced Time to Market: Partners can now pursue the specialization more quickly without investing time in preparing for and passing the technical assessment. This acceleration is particularly valuable for firms that already have extensive VMware and Azure experience.

Cost Savings: Eliminating the Broadcom certification requirements removes both direct certification costs and the administrative overhead of maintaining these certifications.

Enhanced Credibility: The specialization still provides significant value through the verified expertise badge, priority listing in Microsoft directories, and access to incentives and co-sell programs. These benefits remain intact despite the simplified requirements.

Competitive Positioning: Partners who earn the specialization can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The badge signals to customers that the partner has demonstrated expertise in Azure VMware migrations, which can be particularly valuable for enterprises with legacy VMware environments.

Technical Considerations for Migration Projects

While the certification requirements have been simplified, the technical complexity of Azure VMware migrations remains substantial. Partners should consider several key factors:

Network Architecture: Azure VMware Solution requires careful network planning. Partners need to understand VNet peering, ExpressRoute connectivity, and hybrid networking patterns. The solution typically requires a /22 or larger subnet for the initial deployment.

Storage Performance: VMware workloads often have specific storage performance requirements. Azure provides Premium SSD and Ultra Disk Storage options, but partners must correctly size and configure these resources based on workload characteristics.

Backup and Disaster Recovery: Integrating Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery with VMware workloads requires specific configurations. Partners should understand both VMware-native tools (like vSphere Replication) and Azure-native solutions.

Cost Optimization: Azure VMware Solution pricing includes compute, storage, and network egress costs. Partners need expertise in right-sizing VMs, implementing reserved capacity, and optimizing data transfer costs to provide cost-effective solutions.

Migration Considerations and Best Practices

Successful Azure VMware migrations require more than just technical certification. Partners should develop comprehensive methodologies that address:

Assessment Phase: Use tools like Azure Migrate to inventory VMware workloads, analyze dependencies, and identify migration candidates. This phase should include performance baselines and compatibility assessments.

Pilot Migration: Start with non-critical workloads to validate the migration process, test connectivity, and establish operational procedures. This reduces risk for production migrations.

Operational Transition: Plan for the shift from on-premises VMware operations to Azure management. This includes updating monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery procedures to work within Azure's operational model.

Post-Migration Optimization: After migration, partners should help customers optimize their Azure VMware environments for cost and performance. This might include rightsizing VMs, implementing Azure Cost Management policies, and exploring opportunities to modernize certain workloads.

Strategic Value of the Specialization

Despite the simplified requirements, the AVS specialization continues to offer substantial business value:

Market Recognition: The verified expertise badge appears in Microsoft Partner Center and can be used in marketing materials, proposals, and customer communications.

Co-Sell Opportunities: Partners with the specialization gain access to Microsoft's co-sell program, which can lead to joint sales engagements and revenue opportunities.

Incentive Programs: Microsoft offers financial incentives for partners who achieve and maintain specializations, creating additional revenue streams for migration projects.

Customer Confidence: For enterprises considering VMware migrations to Azure, seeing a partner with the AVS specialization provides assurance of proven expertise and successful track records.

Next Steps for Partners

Partners interested in earning or renewing the AVS specialization should:

1. Review Current Status: Visit Partner Center to verify existing qualifications and understand any remaining requirements.
2. Assess Technical Capabilities: Ensure your team has hands-on experience with Azure VMware Solution, including deployment, management, and optimization.
3. Prepare Documentation: Gather evidence of successful AVS implementations, customer references, and technical capabilities.
4. Submit Application: Apply through Partner Center once all requirements are met. The review process typically takes several weeks.

Looking Ahead: The Future of VMware in Azure

Microsoft's decision to simplify specialization requirements signals a broader strategy to accelerate VMware workload migrations to Azure. As more enterprises seek to modernize their infrastructure while preserving VMware investments, Azure VMware Solution provides a bridge between traditional virtualization and cloud-native architectures.

Partners who earn the specialization position themselves at the forefront of this transition, helping customers navigate hybrid cloud strategies while maintaining operational consistency. The simplified requirements make this opportunity more accessible, but the technical and strategic expertise required for successful implementations remains as important as ever.

For the latest information on Azure VMware Solution and partner specializations, visit the Microsoft Partner Center and review the Azure VMware Solution documentation.