Micro-book
Microsoft has 36,000 ‘partners’ in the UK, i.e. ISVs, resellers, etc. Apparently there has been a clamour from them for more networking opportunities and so the software giant has created the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) to enable them to do so online.
The practical application of the MPN seems to be at those times when an ISV or reseller can’t fulfil all of the needs of an existing or prospective client. It can then look for another partner that can give the client what they need and together they can offer a complete solution.
Simon Gautrey, group manager of audience marketing and strategy at Microsoft UK said: “Research has indicated that partners who network are 5% more successful that those that don’t – it is commonplace now for our partners to network with one another and, as a result, pitch for bigger contracts where often a multitude of skills are needed to respond to a customer’s needs.”
This is an interesting concept and credit must go to Microsoft for being proactive with its channel initiatives. What remains to be seen is how effective it is in improving the bottom line of those businesses that use it.
Microsoft quoted one partner – F1 Group – that had won a major deal as a result of the MPN, but HEXUS.channel would like to hear from other Microsoft partners that have explored the MPN to learn how useful they found it. We would also like to know how you feel about networking on a vendor-hosted site rather than a pure, unaffiliated networking destination.
Press release: Microsoft
launches social networking community for partners
