Ex Microsofties say Coo-ee to the channel

Former Microsoft employees seek partners to broaden reach for its SQL Server based upgrades

A pair of Microsoft SQL server boffins want resellers to plug a massive skills gap
in the SME sector. Their company, Coeo is seeking reseller partners who want
to create value out of their talents.

Coeo was set up 18 months ago, but co-founder Christian Bolton admitted to CRN that the company has only been trading in earnest since he and Justin Langford quit Microsoft’s service group last September.

Now the company is seeking ISV and channel partners to help it reach more customers for its SQL Server based upgrades. To aid any new channel partners, a marketing campaign is planed to attract end users left in the lurch as Microsoft ends support for SQL Server 2000.

“There is a huge customer base ready for an important upgrade and the channel has a major selling opportunity,” Bolton told CRN. “When I worked at Microsoft, I
found there were loads of customers and partners who desperately needed an SQL
server specialist. There are lots of consultants, but the feedback I got was
that people want to engage with a Microsoft partner, not an individual.”

All resellers need the right partner, he argued. “Someone who knows SQL Server
inside out, someone who can deal with the complexity so you can focus on your
own core skills. Coeo is the perfect choice of partner for the channel. We have
the enterprise experience needed to ensure a professional, needs-based service
and we’ll make sure you capitalise on your clients’ upgrade choices,” said Bolton.

A Microsoft spokesman familiar with Bolton, and Coeo, was not available for
comment at the time of going to press.

However, one analyst was not impressed. “Anyone who has such a high opinion of
themselves will be a problem for anyone else to work with. They will want full
control and too much of a slice of the pie,” warned Clive Longbottom
service director at business process analyst Quocirca.

“If what he's selling is his database skills, there's plenty around - and at reasonable rates. If he can get such high prices for his skills, then he obviously doesn't need the channel.”