Microsoft gives Metrologie six months to sharpen up its act

Microsoft has placed Metrologie on probation for six months while the distributor builds up a team to improve sales of the software giant?s products.

As revealed in PC Dealer (2 July), the distributor has retained its relationship with the software vendor, despite Microsoft?s reservations that the distributor was not performing well. Metrologie Europe is understood to have put pressure on Microsoft UK not to dump it.

A source close to Microsoft said: ?It is back on, but Metrologie is on a six-month trial.?

Geoff Wright, UK distribution sales manager at Microsoft, said: ?It?s true to say that Metrologie will be under review throughout the period.?

Metrologie is in the process of replacing two key staff for the Microsoft account since the departure of Ian Waring, Microsoft business manager and Tracy Crawley, Microsoft product manager. A Metrologie representative was unable to confirm the names of their replacements, as contracts have not yet been signed.

Metrologie chairman Robert Mountain said: ?We continue to have a close relationship with Microsoft. We are working to understand the strategy within the markets in which we operate, both nationally and internationally.?

He said Metrologie would continue to supply Microsoft software to Dixons Stores Group.