Microsoft Canada Co. Launches Exchange Power Program; Offering Microsoft Certified Partners Subsidies and Tools to Migrate GroupWise Customers
New program offers up to $7,500 in Certified Partner subsidies per customer, new TCO and HealthCheck assessment tools and technical support to migrate customers to Microsoft-based communication and collaboration technology New program offers up to $7,500 in Certified Partner subsidies per customer, new TCO and HealthCheck assessment tools and technical support to migrate customers to Microsoft-based communication and collaboration technology
MISSISSAUGA, ON - March 30, 2005 - Microsoft Canada Co. today announced the launch of the Exchange Power Program. This initiative is designed to help Microsoft Certified Partners better compete by providing their customers with subsidies and tools to support the migration from Novell GroupWise and Microsoft Exchange 5.5 to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. Certified members of the Microsoft Partner Program can access free tools, training and technical support to help customers evaluate and move to Microsoft-based communication and collaboration solutions powered by the Windows Server System™ integrated server software with Exchange Server 2003, and the Office System. Microsoft Certified Partners interested in learning more about the Exchange Power Program can visit http://www.microsoft.ca/partner/exchangepower.
Microsoft Certified Partners with qualifying Canadian GroupWise customers who are deciding to migrate to Exchange Server 2003 can take advantage of $950 to $7,500 in Certified Partner services subsidies and training vouchers per customer through this offering. Eligible customers can receive up to $28,000 in services from qualified technology partners if they upgrade to Microsoft Office Professional 2003 before May 31, 2005. In addition, customers may be eligible to receive 10 per cent off Windows Server™ 2003 operating system and Exchange Server 2003.
In addition to subsidies and training, Microsoft Canada is providing Certified Partners with the Baseline Information System (BIS) Total Cost of Ownership and HealthCheck Assessment tools. The BIS tool helps administrators in mid-size organizations compare the cost of owning specific software, and gives Certified Partners the ability to provide their customers with the financial facts that can help them make the migration decision. The HealthCheck Assessment tool allows Certified Partners to analyze the health of their customer’s current messaging infrastructure and find new ways to help: increase efficiency, reduce risks and lower costs through server consolidation.
Microsoft Certified Partner Compugen, took advantage of the Exchange Power Program and helped Macleod Dixon LLP, a commercial law firm, migrate from GroupWise 6.5 to Exchange Server 2003.
“Our decision to migrate to Exchange Server 2003 was based on several concerns with our existing email infrastructure, including network reliability, security and integration with mission-critical applications,” says Mel McEvoy, Manager, Information Systems, Macleod Dixon LLP. “With Exchange Server 2003 we have a more stable platform that can easily integrate with our mobile devices, arming our lawyers with the information they need to do their jobs better. Investing in the Microsoft-based solution has helped cleared up our previous issues and our operations are back on track.”
“Microsoft Canada continues to show its support of the partner community through unique migration offerings like these,” says Jason Fris, National Software Licensing Manager, Compugen Inc. “With these new tools, training and funding resources we can quickly and cost-effectively help eligible customers migrate from GroupWise to Exchange Server 2003.
Along with these tools, Microsoft is offering free web seminars for Certified Partners to assist them in migrating customers to the Microsoft-based platform and Certified Professional Learning Services (CPLS) training vouchers for customers – helping ensure that IT staff can easily manage the new environment. Certified Partners can also leverage Microsoft programs which currently includes: Ready Set Share, an event program that provide Certified Partners with resources to help create effective seminars; Partner Direct, a direct mail program that assists Certified Partners in creating direct mail pieces; Telesales Co-Marketing Program, which provides Certified Partners with a telesales team to help generate sales; and the Competitive Sales Assistance program, which provides pre-sales technical support to Gold and Certified Partners.
“Microsoft Canada is committed to arming our Certified Partners with the information they need to help clearly evaluate different technologies and provide the training and subsidies that will assist them in the migration process,” says David Willis, Vice President, Small and Mid-Market Solutions & Partners, Microsoft Canada Co. “We have created a valuable migration offering that will help our customers and technology partners move from one platform to the other as painlessly as possible.”
Customers who are planning on migrating to Exchange 2003 from GroupWise or Exchange 5.5 can work with many of Microsoft Certified Partners. If customers are not already working with a Certified Partner, they can find a Microsoft Certified Partner by visiting http://directory.microsoft.com and selecting the “Find a Partner” tab.
This program is available until the end of May and is offered to all Microsoft Certified Partners in Canada with funding available to Canadian customers who qualify. Customers interested in this promotion should speak to their Microsoft Certified Partner about this opportunity.
For more information on the benefits of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/evaluation/compare/default.mspx.
For more information on the Windows Server Rebate please visit: http://www.microsoft.ca/serverrebate.
For more information on the Microsoft Office Rebate please visit: http://www.microsoftincentives.ca/officepro.
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 solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has 10 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
©2005 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, Windows Server and Windows Server System are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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