Microsoft Partner Program


Dynamics CRM Facelift Brings Confidence to the Channel

Partners like Jeffrey Goldstein are eager for features in Microsoft's forthcoming release that will give them better traction against Salesforce.com.

Researcher: More Contracts Signed in Q2

As the economy continues to bump along, throwing off signals both that it might be headed up or down, a major component of the channel is reflecting the same confusing lack of clear trends.

Google and Verizon Push Tiered Broadband Services

Proposal excludes wireless bandwidth and calls for weak FCC regulation. Critics allege the approach would create "private fast lanes" for "big players" and a "winding dirt road" for "the little guy."

Microsoft's Cloud in a Box

The Windows Azure Platform Appliance is coming this fall. While you can't buy one of these limited-production releases, it could portend the future of private clouds.

Flat Pitch

Some MSPs are intrigued by the new Microsoft cloud-based Windows Intune, but the product's early positioning and the company's commitment to the managed services model are questioned.

Windows Small Business Server 'Aurora' Preview Released

Microsoft announced on Monday that a "preview" of Windows Small Business Server codenamed "Aurora" is now available for download.

Microsoft Readying Releases of IE 9, MED-V, Opalis and CRM 2011

Microsoft this week provided notice of some upcoming product updates and betas to expect in the coming months.

Microsoft Releasing Windows Phone 7 to Developers

Microsoft's Windows Phone engineering team announced yesterday that Windows Phone 7 Series has reached the technical preview stage.

GFI Acquires Sunbelt Software, Expands Channel

GFI Software on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Clearwater, Fla.-based Sunbelt Software, a maker of Windows security products.

Microsoft Unveils Windows Small Business Server Previews

Microsoft on Monday announced two new "previews" to come for its Windows Small Business Server product suite.

Windows Intune Beta 2 Service Now Available

Microsoft rolled out a second beta of its Windows Intune service on Monday, but availability is limited.

'Gold' Gets New Life in the Microsoft Partner Network

Microsoft this week will announce it's bringing back 'gold' and 'silver' to the naming conventions used for partner levels.

New Assignments for Microsoft U.S. Channel Chiefs

Two weeks after announcing that global channel chief Allison Watson would switch jobs with Jon Roskill, Microsoft disclosed major changes within the U.S. partner organization.

Taking Another Look at the LAR-VAR Balance

An experiment with deal registration for Microsoft partners suggests that the company is looking for alternatives to its current reseller structure. As with many changes, this is fraught with both opportunity and risk.

Microsoft Starts Windows Embedded Update Service

Microsoft initiated a free Windows Embedded update service for device developers, which started on Monday.