subject: Microsoft rolls out New Partner Network in India [print this page] Microsoft rolls out New Partner Network in India
Microsoft has rolled out its new Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) to align its seven-year- old Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP) closely with the changing requirements of businesses. Microsoft's route to market is through its extensive partner network and the newly announced Microsoft Partner Network, is an evolution of Microsoft's partner model that combines the best aspects of the award-winningMicrosoft Partner Program with an even deeper focus on and increased investment in resources that help partners strengthen capabilities, serve customers better and drive real-time connections through communities. The MPN with partner competencies and customer satisfaction at its core is a result of the feedback gathered by Microsoft from partners and customers on an even more effective engagement.
Rajeev Mittal, General Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises, Microsoft India, stated, "For today's CIOs, the key factor to adopt a particular technology or solution is the quality of handholding they will receive from the vendor/partner community. With increasing complexity of technology requirements and more vertical-specific requirements, customers are demanding that the consultants be industry savvy. Specialized competencies from partners is also something that customers have been seeking. The new Microsoft Partner Network hopes to address this - and more."
MPN is based on the feedback from partners and customers, who increasingly value trusted business and technology experts with whom they can build long-term relationships. Some of the key highlights of the MPN include an overall program name change from "Microsoft Partner Program" to "Microsoft Partner Network", the elimination of Gold Certified and Certified levels in October 2010 and a change in the structure of Competencies to include both "Basic" (Silver) and "Advanced" (Gold) levels.
The Microsoft Partner Network provides partners with four relationship options, each designed to meet their varying business needs.
