Microsoft boosts partner power
Firm pledges to ramp up reseller support in 2005
Microsoft has called resellers "mission-critical" to its business, claiming it will significantly ramp up reseller support in 2005 and push the value of working with the channel to end-users.
The vendor has also further simplified its channel programme in response to partner feedback.
According to Natalie Johnston, group manager partner development and marketing at Microsoft, it is now easier for partners to sign up to the vendor's 2005 Microsoft Partner Programme (MSPP), with Gold and Certified partners automatically joining without having to jump through further certification hoops.
Launched last year, the MSPP, which incorporated Microsoft Business Solution partners, allows VARs to amass points through different competencies. There are nine competencies, and the vendor is due to add a licensing competency and two others this year.
"The great thing about partners selecting competencies is that they can develop deliverables around them, and really stand out," Johnston said.
She added that the vendor will launch a campaign next month to encourage end-users to engage with certified partners, and will announce further partner support packages later in the year.
"We don't sell directly, so partners are mission-critical to our business," she said.
Ross Miller, group managing director of Microsoft partner Trustmarque Solutions, said: "Microsoft is keen to improve the interface with customers. It is trying hard to make sure partners are well trained and motivated.
"Microsoft is a huge machine and this is not a five-minute fix. It still has a way to go, but this is a good start."