Business Management


2012: The Year of Cloud Acceleration

All this cloud hype will finally come to a head next year. Here's what your business needs to do to get ready.

Judging the Impact of Microsoft's Master VAR Program

The Master VAR program evokes strong emotions in the Dynamics partner channel. There are plenty of critics of the program, but Microsoft is committed to pushing the model forward, which will bring a new dimension -- and perhaps new energy -- to the Dynamics partner ecosystem.

The Microsoft Partner Network's 1st Year: What Changed, What Worked and Where Does the Cloud Fit?

What's happened since Microsoft completely switched over to the Microsoft Partner Network with its dramatically different competency, specialization and incentive structures? A lot.

Microsoft Mulling Cloud Sales for Gold Competencies?

A recent interview with Jon Roskill, Microsoft's channel chief, hints at a possible cloud requirement for the Microsoft Partner Network's highest tier.

The 3 Stages of Cloud Sales Mastery

A quick progression from the moment you meet a prospect to the moment you close the opportunity is critical to a partner's cloud business. The "Velocity Sales Process" shows you how to get from Point A to Point B.

12 Secrets to M&A Success

Begin with the end in mind and know what you want and need before you buy, based on your overall long-term growth strategy.

Microsoft Partners Need a Strategic Plan for Moving to the Cloud

A report released in September based on a survey by CompTIA pointed out that transitioning to the cloud is not proving to be a cakewalk for all channel partners.

Top 8 Partner Opportunities in Windows 8

The latest Microsoft OS promises disruptive opportunities for every type of partner -- from developers to solutions providers to those who provide training -- assuming they move fast.

Microsoft Considers Making Cloud Sales Required for Gold Competencies

It's no secret that Microsoft is encouraging partners to offer its cloud computing services, but the company may ultimately step that up to a requirement.

Post-Master VAR, Microsoft Cracks Down on Alternative Approach

With its first two Master VARs named, Microsoft is cracking down on a so-called buying group that sprung up in response to the recent changes for Microsoft partners focused on the business application/Dynamics side of Microsoft's product portfolio.

Microsoft's Dynamics Partners Finding Strength in Numbers with Katalys (UPDATED)

Katalys Group formed to help small Dynamics partners find a creative way to meet the Microsoft Partner Network requirements by banding together.

The ABCs of a Productive Channel

This isn't rocket science. Lay out a plan by week, by month, by quarter and by year for all of your communications and then execute that plan.

Enterprise Ireland: Putting Microsoft ISVs on the Map

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is a government agency that helps Irish ISVs expand to global markets. The 13 ISVs who attended the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference and shared the EI-sponsored booth have a lot to teach other small firms about taking their products worldwide.

iOS 5, Ice Cream Sandwich and Mango: Top Features for Microsoft Partners

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Apple, Google and Microsoft are all sporting new operating systems for their smartphones. We look at the most promising business-related features in iOS 5, Ice Cream Sandwich and Mango.

A Microsoft Partner's Inside Tips for Selling Windows Intune

Lead with pain points, not the Windows Intune brand. Leverage Windows Intune to help SMBs upgrade to Windows 7. Pair Windows Intune sales with Office 365. Look for business incentive fund (BIF) opportunities.