Microsoft has introduced stricter penalties for partners and suppliers who breach their contracts or the Partner Code of Conduct.
Violators could lose incentives, be forced to repay incentives or be required to undergo remedial training.
Repeat offenders might have to participate in the Partner Accountability and Remediation programme or face possible expulsion from Microsoft's partner programmes.
“We're committed to winning in the market ethically and in compliance with the laws and regulations of the countries/regions in which we operate," Microsoft explained.