Microsoft Evolves Partner Program
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Microsoft has launched the next evolution of its Microsoft Partner Prgram.

Despite continual legal problems with products and accusations of mistreatment by this IT giant, Microsoft’s Partner Program is one area, the company doesn’t have to worry about. If anyone has ever had any doubts about Microsoft, hearing partner stories about the programming makes Microsoft look like a caring company. For it to enhance the program can only mean good things for partners –and those looking to get in on the action.

The Partner Program is Microsoft’s offering of a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes their expertise, with rewards for the total impact they have in the technology marketplace, and helps regardless of business size or focus.

The Microsoft Partner Program is designed for all partners who develop and market solutions based on Microsoft platforms, provide consulting or technical services on Microsoft systems, or recommend Microsoft technology purchases.

Microsoft partners include: consulting services providers, independent software vendors (ISVs), independent hardware vendors, large account resellers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), support providers, system integrators, system builders, training providers, value-added resellers, and value-added providers.

There are three levels of membership in the Microsoft Partner Program: Gold Certified Partner, Certified Partner, and Registered Member. The level at which a partners joins is determined by their organization’s level of expertise and the desired level of engagement you would like to have with Microsoft. Organizations achieve advanced levels of membership by earning Partner Points and qualifying for one or more Microsoft Competencies.

According to Kerstin Baxter, Microsoft Director of Partner Program, the new improvements evolve the program it launched in April last year.

“Based on partner feedback we have enhanced our program by streamlining partner points–whereby partners get points for the quality of their work. We will also give more opportunities for partners to meet Microsoft Program requirements with new certifications and we will be delivering many other all-round enhancements to the tools and infrastructure,” she said.

Baxter believes Microsoft’s Partnering Program goes beyond technical support.

“It won’t matter the size and scope of the business our partnering program has something for everyone. If a business is only very small, we can help them with Pre-sales information and help them truly understand our products. We will help them reduce costs if they are only starting from scratch,” said Baxter.

This won’t be the only changes Microsoft makes to its Partner Program, according to Baxter the company will continually bring out new offerings.