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WPC: SMB-Focused Microsoft Communication Services Launched Globally for Hosters, Resellers

Microsoft announced global availability of Microsoft Communication Services on Tuesday at its Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC).

The program consists of marketing collateral, such as a Ready to Go campaign, aimed at SMB customers who are most interested in having their communications infrastructure hosted by a hosting provider.

The materials emphasize capabilities, such as e-mail, phone, fax and document sharing, versus emphasizing Microsoft products that those smaller customers don't tend to be familiar with. Components of the campaigns are also designed for smaller reseller partners who would act as sales agents for the larger hosters.

Microsoft Communication Services grew out of a pilot program with cable giant Comcast that started in November 2007. Comcast, which won the Microsoft Communications Sector Partner of the Year Award this year, has more than 100,000 e-mail users on Microsoft Hosted Exchange.

At WPC, Microsoft announced that Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Outsourcery Ltd., formerly Genesis Communications Ltd., will use Microsoft Communication Services in the United Kingdom.

If you're looking for more detail on Microsoft Communication Services, we ran a feature previewing the program in our May issue.

Posted by Scott Bekker on July 14, 2009


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