Between exam costs, training costs and the cost of lost billable hours, the price of a gold Microsoft competency can far exceed Microsoft's base fee. Using the Gold Server Platform competency as a baseline, we look at how two partners have invested in the competency program, and what that investment has gotten them in return. 
                    
			            - By Gladys  Rama
- June 16, 2014
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    WEB EXCLUSIVE: The short answer? It depends. For most U.S. solution providers, the MPN costs between $0 and $5,260. We break down the perks of six cost levels so you can determine where your firm will get the most bang for its buck.
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- April 09, 2014
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Bob Marsh, an original architect of the Microsoft Action Pack, talks about the origins of the channel's most popular subscription program and the best and worst parts of the controversial recent revamp. 
                    
		            
                
                    
                    
                    
                 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    The next few months could prove to be the most trying for all but the largest of Microsoft's partners.
                    
			            - By Howard M. Cohen
- March 26, 2014
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    What will 2014 bring? RCP's stable of experts know, and they share their insights on everything from cloud and hybrid to new business models to the coming frenzy of Windows XP replacement.
                    
			            - By Redmond Channel Partner magazine  staff
- December 16, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    WEB EXCLUSIVE: Microsoft is readying a wave of modifications to the Microsoft Partner Network. Between the launch of new competencies and the retirement of several cloud programs, partners will be busy over the coming months as they prepare for the changes. Here's a timeline detailing what changes to expect, and what each will entail for partners.
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- November 22, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Meet David Willis, who in the wake of the recent partner executive reshuffling now runs Microsoft's U.S. Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partners organization.
                    
			            - By Howard M. Cohen
- October 23, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Exec will manage National Systems Integrators, Licensing Solution Providers and Microsoft Surface sales.
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- October 09, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Phil Sorgen, a veteran of many senior roles in the Microsoft field, was named corporate vice president for the Worldwide Partner Group, replacing Jon Roskill. 
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- October 09, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    At the Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft laid out a major overhaul of the 3-year-old Microsoft Partner Network. The changes send several important messages about how the software giant is thinking about its partners and their role. 
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- September 16, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    In January 2014, Microsoft will boil 25 competencies and one quasi-competency down to 22. Here are the key changes (and a list of the competncies that remain unchanged).
                    
			            - By Redmond Channel Partner magazine  staff
- September 16, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    David Willis, Microsoft's top U.S. sales executive for Dynamics business applications, will step up to run the entire U.S. Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partners organization on Sept. 1.
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- August 30, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Phil Sorgen will replace Jon Roskill as the corporate vice president of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group on Sept. 1, Microsoft announced Thursday.
                    
			            - By Scott  Bekker
- August 29, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    RCP identifies the "biggest" Microsoft partners in terms of their number of competencies in this second-annual list. 
                    
			            - By Gladys  Rama
- July 22, 2013
 
            
                
	                
                    
                                        
		            
                    Are PAMs going away? Is a major partner executive leaving? As usual, there were plenty of rumors floating around this year's Worldwide Partner Conference floor -- some more well-founded than others. Howard separates fact from fiction.
                    
			            - By Howard M. Cohen
- July 18, 2013