Microsoft U-turn over broadliner decision

Bell Micro, Computer 2000 and Ingram Micro all spared software giant's axe

In a major u-turn Microsoft has decided not to axe one of its three broadline distributors following a six-month review process of Bell Micro, Computer 2000 (C2000) and Ingram Micro.

In October, Microsoft announced it would cull one of its broadliners by June (CRN, 6 November) but speculation has been mounting as to whether the software giant would actually let one of the three go.

Talking to CRN this morning, Steve Haddock, Microsoft's partner group manager, said: "Four months ago I was certain that we only needed two broadliners but they have all upped their game and proven that they've all got different things to bring to the table. If I got rid of one now it would be like cutting my nose off to spite my face."

The review process involved a monthly scorecard with Microsoft ranking the three distributors first, second and third every month.

"The whole process has helped both us and the distributors realise their strengths and the bottom line is they all have the potential to help us meet our targets going forward. We now need to leverage their strengths and work with the distributors to execute them," said Haddock.