Microsoft finds Solution to VARs' sale problems
Software giant praises new reseller service as it pushes its partners to move into specific verticals
Microsoft has hailed its Solution Finder service a success after the number of products and services provided by VARs on the list grew to 5,000. This comes five months after the service’s inception.
Solution Finder has been described by the vendor as a free online directory which allows end-users to search for Microsoft Certified channel partners worldwide, based on criteria such as a reseller’s specific vertical focus or location.
Jon Hughes, director of Microsoft’s business solutions partner group, told CRN that over the past 12 to 18 months it had been pushing its partners to develop more Microsoft-compatible vertical solutions. He believes this is reflected in the high number now available through the directory.
“Hopefully, Solution Finder will lead to lots of new sales leads for our partners. This will enable them to get into specific verticals because end-users really need to be able to resonate with a solution for it to sell,” he said.
The directory can be accessed in eight countries, including the UK, the US and Austria. Microsoft expects a total of 17 countries to have access to it by the middle of the year.
Hughes added that the directory, although still in its early days, will eventually enable Microsoft’s UK VARs – of which there are currently 455 listed on the directory – to also partner with non-UK partners to deliver global solutions.
Ian Jenner, software business manager at Microsoft distributor Enta Group, said Solution Finder had received a warm welcome from the channel.
“Microsoft wants to give back to its resellers, and promote partner presence in the market. It [Solution Finder] is likely to bring more sales to VARs because it gives them a global presence, and the end-user gets the reassurance of a Microsoft quality guarantee,” he said.