The new Google Cloud Partner Network changes how partners are financially rewarded for selling GCP, Workspace and other Google offerings. Here’s what every Google partner needs to know.
Google Cloud is launching a new partner program in 2026 that will shift how the $61 billion cloud company financially rewards and works with channel partners, including new tiering and competency framework.
The new Google Cloud Partner Network is for all Google partner types with financial incentives tied to partners providing successful customer outcomes across a client’s lifecycle.
“This marks a strategic shift from measuring program work to valuing genuine customer outcomes,” said Colleen Kapase, vice president of channels and partner programs at Google Cloud, in a blog post.
“This includes rewarding successful co-sell sales efforts, high-quality service delivery, and shared innovation with ISVs,” she said.
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The Mountain View, Calif.-based cloud giant will also integrate Google’s AI technology into the program’s core to make partner participation easier, allowing more focus on customers instead of routine program administration.
Kapase (pictured) said the new program is centered on three pillars: simplicity, outcomes, and automation.
New Google Cloud Partner Tiers
The new Google Cloud Partner Network will have a three-tier model: Select, Premier, and a new Diamond tier.
Google Cloud’s current partner program only has two tiers.
“Each tier will now reflect our joint customer successes and will be determined based on exceptional customer outcomes across Google Cloud and Google Workspace,” said Kapase.
New Competency Framework
Google Cloud will roll out a new competency framework that will replace Google’s current specializations.
The new framework will focus on a partner’s proven ability to help customers by measuring two areas: capacity and capability.
Capacity refers to knowledge and skills development via technical certifications and sales credentials.
Capability refers to real-world customer use cases, measured by pre-sales and post-sales contributions for customers.
“This framework operates independently from tiering to allow partners to earn a competency without any dependency on a program tier,” Kapase said.
There will also be a new advanced competencies that signal a higher partner skills designation.
AI To Reduce Administrative Responsibility For Partners
Google Cloud said the administrative responsibility for partners to participate in the new program will be dramatically reduced through the use of AI and other tools.
“For example, a key change is the introduction of automated tracking across tiering and competency achievements,” Kapase said. “We will automatically apply every successful customer engagement toward a partner’s progress in all eligible tiers and competencies.”
She said this simplification eliminates redundant reporting and ensures comprehensive recognition for the outcomes delivered.
New Simplicity Efforts
To drive greater program simplicity, Google is moving away from tracking the work of traditional program requirements like business plans and customer stories. It will move towards recognizing partner contributions around pre-sales influence, co-innovation, and post-sales support.
“Because the program is designed to put the customer first, we’ve narrowed requirements to focus on partner efforts that deliver real, measurable value,” Kapase said.
For example, the new program will recognize partner investments in skills, real-world experience, and successful customer outcomes.
New Partner Program And Portal Set For Q1 2026
The revamped program and partner portal will officially roll out during the first quarter of 2026.
Google said the new program will provide a six-month transition window for partners to adjust to the new framework.
Google plans to host a series of webinars and sessions throughout early 2026 to educate partners on the Google Cloud Partner Network.
“The new program and portal will officially launch in Q1 2026, enabling partners to immediately log in, explore benefits and differentiation paths, and begin achieving new tiers and competencies,” said Kapase.
