WPC09 Announces that the Microsoft Partner Programme is evolving…

Corporate Vice President Allison Watson kicked off the Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 on Monday, July 13, by launching the new Microsoft Partner Network!

The Microsoft Partner Network is a community borne from our continued commitment to serve the needs of our partners and help them reach their full potential. We’re evolving from the Microsoft Partner Programme to the Microsoft Partner Network to strengthen the relationships we have with our partners—and the relationships you have with other partners and your customers. All partners have a home within the Microsoft Partner Network. You can thrive by taking advantage of the new opportunities available to you through the Microsoft Partner Network.

Announced at WPC, the Microsoft Partner Network provides:

• Opportunities to strengthen partner capabilities to:
  • Create and enter new markets with early access to the latest technologies.
  • Expand your sales and marketing skills.
  • Deepen your business and technical expertise through clear learning paths.
• Expertise to help partners serve customers better and:
  • Attain competencies aligned to how your customers buy.
  • Use digital marketing and social media to extend conversations and expertise.
  • Create customer demand through product innovation.
  • Connect customers and partners through an online marketplace.
• Communities that spark innovation and connection to:
  • Choose the relationship that best serves your business and your customers’ needs.
  • Connect with other partners to drive opportunities.
  • Share and exchange ideas in real time.   

Working together, we continue to focus on creating innovative solutions that drive profitability and sustain competitive advantage.

When Is It Happening?

Here is what to expect in the upcoming months, but for more information on what’s new, how to prepare, and what you can expect, click here.

So, how is the Small Business Specialist Community designation affected by the new Microsoft Partner Network?

The Small Business Specialist Community designation will be reassigned to a new competency called Small Business Solutions.  Key enhancements include providing additional entry points to target other types of partner communities such as Web VARs.  With that, the new competency will retain many of the same requirements and benefits that partners are familiar with today - and partners should continue to enrol in the Small Business Specialist Community designation to maintain program status and benefits.

the Small Business Solutions competency is for partners who focus on supplying a range of base technology solutions to small business customers. Partners should be experienced in working with customers who value a local service that can meet their specific IT needs.

When will the changes take effect?

These changes are not scheduled to take effect until May 2010 and Microsoft will aim to advise and support you through the transition process.

Will the Small Business Specialist Community Logo change?

Yes, Microsoft Corporate have taken the decision to change both the name and logo when all Microsoft Partner Network competencies are rolled out (May 2010).

You should continue to use the logos you have today. You’ll be able to use Microsoft Partner Network logos after October 2010, after you have met the requirements. Existing logos will be retired six months after the new logo system is available.

Click here for more Q&A information.