MS revamps solution provider programme

Microsoft is overhauling its accreditation programme for solution providers by making it more flexible to use.

Chris Lewis, manager of Microsoft's corporate customer unit, said the software giant was involved in renewing all 950 of its solution provider contracts, which are due to expire on 31 December.

As part of the changes to the contracts, Microsoft is allowing solution providers to choose which support tools they will require. Resellers will receive free and unlimited pre-sales support. Lewis conceded that the hit rate for its support services was 19 per cent.

Another major change is that solution providers can renew their contract with Microsoft online. The software supplier has previously been criticised for issuing paper-heavy contracts, which took too long to go through.

Lewis said: 'We are growing up and becoming mature about solution providers. This year we are no longer enforcing seminars or training commitments for all our players because different-sized companies have different requirements.'

Microsoft is aiming for a 90 per cent renewal rate among its solution partners and has set a target of 1,000 partners by March 1998.