Partner FAQs

 

What is Cloud9’s core focus as a Microsoft partner?

We’re a Microsoft Solutions Partner that specialises in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Power Platform. That’s our core focus, we’re not trying to be everything to everyone. There’s no overlap or conflict, we complement what you already offer with CRM software and ERP system expertise.

 

How does Cloud9 support partners in delivering Dynamics 365 solutions?

We support partners by offering three tailored delivery models, depending on your client’s needs and budget:

  • Lite - Ideal for businesses who want to move fast. We offer affordable off-the-shelf CRM and ERP software solutions that help clients get up and running in as little as two weeks.
  • Rescue - If a client is stuck or things have gone off track, we can step in. These are businesses that can’t move forward on their own and need expert help to get value from their CRM or ERP implementation.
  • Strategic - For organisations with big ambitions, we build fully tailored Dynamics 365 solutions that align with long-term business goals. These are deeper, more consultative CRM/ERP projects designed for digital transformation.

 

What types of businesses are a good fit for Dynamics 365 through Cloud9?

We typically work with businesses that have anywhere from 1 to 300 users, but most of our projects are in the 20 to 150 user range. Whether it’s a small business ready to get off spreadsheets, a growing company looking for their first proper CRM system, or someone needing help with a failed ERP rollout, we’ve got models that fit.

 

What industries does Cloud9 specialise in?

Cloud9 is agnostic, we’re flexible and can tailor our approach to suit different industries. But we have done a lot of work in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Membership
  • Not-for-profit
  • Financial Services
  • Professional Services

 

What is the typical size of a Dynamics 365 project Cloud9 delivers?

Most projects come in at around 40 consulting days, and for partners that usually means a £4,000 referral margin. Projects are often delivered in phases, so you’ll continue to earn as the client grows or adds functionality to their CRM or ERP system over time.

 

What commercial incentives or referral margins does Cloud9 offer to partners?

Our standard model pays £100 per consulting day, with average margins around £4,000 per project. You also keep the monthly recurring revenue from CRM or ERP licensing, which is 5 times greater than Microsoft Office licences. Moreover, we currently run a quarterly prize draw for two £1,000 holiday vouchers to reward our active partners.

 

Can partners retain licensing revenue or does Cloud9 manage that?

Yes, you can absolutely manage the licensing, that’s one of the key benefits for our partners. For many, the ongoing CRM software licensing revenue is worth far more than the initial referral fee. You also get access to Microsoft incentives and rebates, and we’ll never step in unless you want us to handle it.

 

Is there a conflict of interest if Cloud9 works directly with clients?

No, we’re focused solely on Dynamics 365 CRM, Business Central (ERP), and wraparound services like Power Platform. If a client needs something and you have those capabilities, we’ll speak to you first. We’re here to support you, not compete.

Can Cloud9 provide white label delivery models?

We don’t offer white label delivery, we always operate as Cloud9 during project delivery. We’ve found that staying visible as the delivery partner leads to smoother communication and better outcomes for the client. We do however offer whitelabel billing so the partner can retain the exclusive billing relationship with clients, ensure they have one single bill and partners control their margin.

 

What support does Cloud9 offer during the pre-sales process?

We make it easy for partners, you’ve got two simple options:

  • Make an introduction and let us take it from there. We’ll handle everything from qualification through to demo and proposal.
  • Or, if you prefer to manage the sales process yourself, we’ll equip you with everything you need: budgeting tools, ROI calculators, slide decks, and demo support for CRM and ERP software. You stay in control, and we work behind the scenes to help you close the deal.

 

How does Cloud9 handle ongoing support and post-implementation services?

We offer an ongoing support package that includes unlimited ad hoc training partners or clients can book in whenever they need to. We often deliver ERP/CRM projects in phases, starting with the most critical modules and building from there. It’s a structured approach that ensures clients see value quickly while keeping momentum for future phases.

 

What training or enablement does Cloud9 offer to partner sales teams?

We offer a four-part training series designed specifically for partner sales and client-facing teams. Each session is around 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into the working day. The sessions are focused on giving your team a solid understanding of what Dynamics 365 and CRM/ERP solutions can do, how to identify opportunities with your clients, and how to confidently talk about the value it can deliver both from a business and commercial point of view. It’s practical, no-fluff content to help your team feel confident having those first conversations.

 

Can Cloud9 help partners with marketing or lead generation campaigns?

Yes - we’ve got “campaign-in-a-box” kits that you can brand as your own. These include landing page content, brochures, and email templates. We have also partnered with clients on events and webinars.

 

What documentation or sales collateral is available for partners?

We’ve created a library of client-facing brochures, one-pagers, and slide decks specifically for partner use. These will be available in the Partner Hub. In the meantime, if there’s something you need like a proposal template or demo video, just let us know and we’ll send it over.

 

How does Cloud9 maintain impartiality when working with partners who offer consultancy or vendor selection services?

We’re happy to remain impartial, we don’t lead with financial incentives, and we can even offer client discounts in place of commissions if needed. That way, the consultancy keeps its credibility while the client gets great value from our CRM and ERP systems.

 

What is the process for introducing a client to Cloud9?

It’s simple. You can either:

  • Loop us in via email to talk through the opportunity
  • Or make a direct introduction and we’ll take it from there
    We’ll support you however you prefer. There’s no heavy lifting required. You don’t need to pre-qualify or pitch anything. Just flag the interest, and we’ll handle the rest.

Can Cloud9 assist with Dynamics 365 audits or rescue projects?

Yes, this is an area where we’re often called in. It’s increasingly common for clients to face issues after their delivery partner has been offshored, usually as a result of mergers or acquisitions. This often leads to reduced service quality and a lack of the specialist support they need.

 

Does Cloud9 work with other CRM/ERP platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Sage?

No, we’re Microsoft-only by design. We believe Dynamics 365 is the most secure and scalable CRM/ERP platform for growing businesses, and that’s where we focus 100% of our energy. While we’ve built integrations between Dynamics and other systems in the past, we don’t support or sell other platforms.

 

How does Cloud9 stay up to date with Microsoft’s evolving Dynamics 365 roadmap?

We stay closely aligned with Microsoft’s regular updates, especially as new features are released across the Dynamics 365 platform, often with a strong focus on AI and automation. Our technical team actively reviews each wave of changes and makes sure we understand how they impact our clients and partners.

 

What are the next steps to becoming a Cloud9 referral or channel partner?

It’s easy to get started:

  • Book a call, fill in our contact form, or drop us an email
  • We’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions
  • You’ll receive a partner NDA, and then we can dive into the details
    There’s no pressure, we treat it like an invitation. If it’s a good fit, you’ll get access to our partner resources and can start referring or reselling CRM and ERP software straight away.