WPC 2012 day three

A day of whooping and aggression. Where channel men are men and rivals are scared.Or something.

Like all good things that start off with a bang, the Microsoft WPC express train is slowly running out of steam as all the major announcements have now been made.

But that didn't stop global channel chief Jon Roskill and COO Kevin Turner from motivating the channel ranks in their keynotes this morning.

The vendor is definitely listening to partner feedback was the number one message that came through loud and clear. And it is actually taking action based on that feedback.

Secondly it is investing heavily in the future - whether this is in product R&D or partner incentives - the money is being spent to ensure Microsoft stays ahead of the competition. And we are not talking a few thousand here and there - we are talking hundreds of millions.

And thirdly, the confidence that is oozing from every pore of the senior management team is coming through loud and clear - this is a company that is confident in its future and knows where it is going.

It feels it has finally got the right set of products as it gears up to launch Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and its new Windows Server iteration. Not forgetting the Surface - which surprisingly didn't surface again today. (pun intended).

Issuing bold statements left, right and centre about rivals such as Google, VMware and Apple - Turner urged partners to get aggressive when it comes to sales - don't be shy - go for it.

Roskill pleaded with partners not to hold back.

I've been to many a partner conference in my 12 -yes 12 years at CRN - but I really can say this is the most confident I've seen a vendor act in a very long time.

In Roskill's own words - the proof is in the pudding - but something certainly is tasting very sweet for team Microsoft at the moment, judging by the mood at this event.

Exciting times ahead. Particularly when some of the rival vendors mentioned during this event begin to hit back.

Handbags will definitely be at the ready.