Microsoft Partners


Talkin’ ’Bout the Next Generation ... of Microsoft’s Partner Ecosystem

Redmond recently unveiled plans to revise key aspects of the 5-year-old Microsoft Partner Program. Experts and partners weigh in on the likely impact of the coming changes.

Playing the Deployment Card

Microsoft aims to have partners making more strategic software deployments a priority in the next year.

S+S: From Possibilities to Specifics

In narrowing its Software plus Services talk into a real program, Microsoft had to go from dozens of promising options to one controversial reality. Many partners see opportunities in the program, but concerns abound.

How Do You Measure Sales Success?

Some easy dashboard metrics for partners who want to squeeze as much as they can from their strategic sales-management plans.

Partnering with Peer Groups: P2P Power, Version 2.0

Arlin Sorensen's network of partner peer groups prepares to kick off a new game plan.

Report Outlines SMB SaaS Strategies for Vendors

Software as a service (SaaS) for the small to medium-size business (SMB) market has opened potential opportunities for vendors, and a report released last week by Forrester Research offers some advice for gaining entry.

What's Your KPI?

What's working and what's not working at your company? A good way to find out is trending your business through Key Performance Indicators.

Unlocking the Secrets of Microsoft's Calendar

To many outside Redmond, the inner workings of the company's fiscal year are baffling at best. Our quarter-by-quarter guide removes some of the mystery -- and helps partners profit by doing the right thing at the right time.

Recognizing Net Reality

Hosting partners live on the edge as Microsoft plays in their cloud.

Sailing into Software Plus Services

Mitchell Cannady, president and CEO of Spinnaker Network Solutions, knew that selling Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online would change his company's course. He just had no idea how fast that would happen.

Microsoft in Transition

These are turbulent times for the software giant. The company is grappling with upheaval in the industry, in its leadership and in the way it deals with its partners. But one thing hasn't changed: Redmond and the channel still need each other to succeed.

IT Cost Cuts in 2008 May Be a Trend, Study Says

A first-quarter 2008 survey conducted by Computer Economics suggests a possible slowdown in IT spending and staffing lies ahead.

Top 5 Channel Falsehoods

Of the many warning signs that a reseller-vendor relationship might not work, here's a list of the ones I find to be all too common.

Microsoft Offers Vista Support to Small Businesses

Microsoft is offering a helping hand to small businesses that buy new Windows Vista-based PCs over the summer by providing limited free technical support.

Microsoft's Hosted Services: A Turning Point for Partners?

Microsoft's partner community got new marching orders today as Microsoft unveiled its hosted service offerings and pricing -- something that has been deferred, to partner unease, for about two years or so.