Microsoft puts LARs through their paces
Large Account Resellers undergo compulsory audit process
All 18 of Microsoft's Large Account Resellers (LARs) have undergone a compulsory audit process to ensure they are up to scratch.
The audit took two months to compile and involved LARs answering 102 questions about business processes and systems.
Edward Hyde, channel and licensing sales manager at Microsoft, said: "We really wanted to spend time working with each LAR and making sure the processes with which they transact Select and Enterprise agreements with customers were of the highest standards.
"I am pleased to say that all our LARs met the basic standards, and we know the areas on which both Microsoft and our LARs have to improve."
Hyde said he was going to make the audit a yearly process, adding that this demonstrated Microsoft's commitment to its LAR channel.
The move was welcomed by Microsoft partners. Ross Miller, managing director of Trustmarque Solutions, said: "I think it is a great idea and agree that LARs should be audited on a regular basis.
"Although it was an arduous test, it pointed out a few things that both we and Microsoft need to improve on. Ultimately, it is good for Microsoft, good for customers and definitely good for the channel."