Microsoft Technology Partners from Around the World Gather in Toronto
Microsoft Canada Co. Hosts 5,500 Technology Partners at the Worldwide Partner Conference
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TORONTO - July 8, 2004 — On Sunday, July 11, Microsoft Canada Co. will welcome 5,500 technology partners from across the globe to Toronto for its annual Worldwide Partner Conference. The conference focuses on creating strategies and business opportunities so technology partners can grow their business and broaden their customer base. Microsoft has 30,000 technology partners in Canada alone.
The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference takes place at the Toronto Convention Centre and Air Canada Centre from Sunday, July 11 to Tuesday, July 13.
Microsoft's technology partners have a significant economic impact in Canada. A 2002 IDC study found that technology partners who build and deliver new software solutions on the Microsoft-based platform or install, service and maintain Microsoft® software, account for more than $14 billion in economic activity. Canada's 30,000 technology partners and the business IT departments that use Microsoft products employ more than 240,000 Canadians.
"Unlike some other technology companies, Microsoft delivers its products and services to customers almost exclusively through technology partners. They are essential to our business, and we are fully committed to delivering the best for them," said Frank Clegg, President, Microsoft Canada Co. "It is a real testament to the outstanding work and tremendous contribution of our Canadian technology partners that the Worldwide Partner Conference is taking place in Toronto."
"Toronto is thrilled to be welcoming 5,500 partners from around the world," said Tourism Toronto president and CEO Bruce MacMillan. "We're ready to wow them from our hotel rooms to our meeting facilities to our cuisine and culture - all the things that make Toronto remarkable."
The Worldwide Partner Conference is the only place Microsoft technology partners can get all of the critical solutions they need for their businesses, from marketing and selling to current and future technology innovations. It's here where Microsoft delivers real business opportunities to all technology partners with innovative technology and valuable programs centered around known customer pain points.
"As a proud Gold Sponsor of the 2004 Worldwide Partner Conference, CGI is honoured to welcome all of the Microsoft technology partners to Canada and to Toronto," said Gerry Rivers, Senior Vice President, Integrated Technology Management, CGI. "CGI's success is a result of the key partnerships we have developed and the alliances we have formed to support our clients' business needs."
About Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference
Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference combines the best elements of two previous events -- Fusion, for Microsoft technology partners, and Stampede, for Microsoft Business Solutions partners -- to provide even more valuable and informative learning opportunities in leadership, sales, marketing, services and technology. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/partner/events/wwpartnerconference/
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Visit Microsoft Canada's web site at www.microsoft.ca
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
