Leading Market Intelligence Firm Ranks Microsoft Partner Program at Top of Industry
Microsoft recognized for opportunities and benefits for partners
Mississauga, Ontario. - January 9th, 2006 -- IDC, the premier global provider of market intelligence for the information technology industry, has released a report that names the Microsoft® Partner Program as the industry leader in strategy and opportunities for partners.
The report, titled "Worldwide Software Channel Program 2005 Vendor Profiles,"* reviews and analyzes the partner programs of the top 25 vendors in the software market and places Microsoft Corp. in the lead in relation to its competitors. The Microsoft Partner Program is seen as being structurally strong and providing a competency framework that aligns with customer business issues. The report notes that Microsoft is continuing to deliver on the phased rollout of the Partner Program and making additional investments to improve its partner infrastructure.
The Microsoft Partner Program is the cornerstone of engagement for Microsoft's worldwide network of business partners and the vital link between the company's industry-leading platform and its partners. First launched in 2003, the program was enhanced in 2005 to strengthen the strategic advantage Microsoft's partners have in serving customers.
"It is exciting to receive this IDC validation of the great value that partners enjoy through their participation in the Microsoft Partner Program," said David Willis, Vice President, Small and Mid-Market Solutions & Partners, Microsoft Canada Co. "Our goal is that any one partner of any type can, through a business alliance with Microsoft, extend their market reach, reduce costs, increase profitability and deliver innovative solutions to help customers reach their full business potential. This report is evidence of progressive movement toward realization of that vision."
Partner Program Also Benefits Customers
The Microsoft Partner Program is designed for all partners that develop and market solutions based on Microsoft platforms, provide consulting or technical services for Microsoft systems, or recommend Microsoft technology purchases. The support, training and resources in the Microsoft Partner Program help enable industry partners to extend their market reach, reduce operating costs and help their customers achieve their full business potential.
"Partners have been quite positive about the introduction and development of Microsoft's partner competency and designation framework." said David Martin, Senior Analyst, Customer Segments, IDC Canada. ."Microsoft has raised the bar for its partners with the second version of the partner program and in turn, customers will benefit through more qualified and solution focused partners."
Partners agree that the resources available through the Microsoft Partner Program provide them with strong benefits and enhance their business opportunities. "The broad support we receive from Microsoft gives my business the tools we need to offer total solutions that meet our customers' unique business needs," said John F. Payes, Director Microsoft Global Alliance, Nakisa Inc. & President IAMCP "The Microsoft Partner Program delivers on opportunity."
The full report is available online at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst
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. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca
* Source: IDC, "Worldwide Software Channel Program 2005 Vendor Profiles," #34472, December 2005.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Canada's Web page at www.microsoft.ca
©2005 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, FrontPage and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
|
