WPC news from Identity & Security

Today at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference 2008, the Server Tools and Business group is unveiling increased investments in security and identity partner channels.

To support channel partners of Microsoft’s recently merged Identity & Security Division, the company is making a $75 million investment in marketing, training, support for and expansion of its Security Software Advisory (SSA) program to include identity products. The SSA program has grown 500%, from 4,000 partners a year ago to over 23,000 today. Microsoft is also offering a new rewards program for resellers and a new “SSA Jumpstart” program that gives new partners an extra 50 percent bonus on top of their first SSA claim.

More information about Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference event, including the full text of the press release, can be found at the Virtual Press Room site (https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/wwpc/default.mspx).