Microsoft kits out channel for Windows 10 assault

Vendor hands partners tools so they can cash in on early Windows 10 enquiries

Microsoft is preparing its partners for a Windows 10 gold rush, claiming they can cash in on lucrative hardware refreshes which typically accompany OS upgrades.

In a blog, the vendor outlined how it has given its channel access to materials detailing the product's value proposition as well as webinars which it claims will help partners lead conversations with customers about the new operating system. Windows 10 is due for release in the autumn.

Resources for helping partners to sell Windows 10 to both SMB and enterprise customers are available on the vendor's Partner Marketing Centre, where more resources will be added closer to the launch, the vendor said.

Microsoft told partners that getting clued up early will help them cash in later on.

"Windows 10 will open a lot of doors for your customers, and in turn, for you," the vendor said on its UK partner blog. "The more informed you are and can share with them the advantages that are coming, the better positioned you'll be to capitalise on the early adopters."

Windows 10 will be available as a service when it launches, marking the first time the vendor has done this with an OS. Microsoft's UK partner director Linda Rendleman told CRN this year that this will not cut partners out of the loop but will instead give them the chance to sell lucrative services on top.

In the blog post today, Microsoft added that partners can also make money on hardware upgrades while selling Windows 10.

"We know that operating system upgrades often prompt upgrades to hardware, so the launch of Windows 10 is a great time to drive hardware and device sales opportunities, especially since we're focusing on making Windows 10 easier to adopt and deploy across multiple devices," it said.

"With Windows 10 there will also be new opportunities to increase your ROI on infrastructure services. For example, customers will have the agility they need to adopt new features without sacrificing control they want over their infrastructure, which will be important as we update the servicing model. Look for more opportunities to manage customers' devices as well, which will increase as we enhance mobile device support."