Table of Contents
By Paul DeGroot [bio]
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The following an excerpt of a Research Report published by Directions on Microsoft, an independent research firm focused exclusively on Microsoft strategy & technology. More samples of our content, as well as a list of upcoming articles and reports are also available.
- Free! Executive Summary
- Report describes major elements of Microsoft's partner strategy and provides a detailed look at major features of the Microsoft Partner Program
- Free! Introduction
- The different roles that partners play and changes that have occurred in Microsoft's partner program since the 2005 Guide to Microsoft Programs for Partners was published
- Free! Microsoft Partner Benefits and Risks
- Microsoft partners gain technical and marketing assistance from the company but face some risks as well. In turn, Microsoft itself benefits from the roles its partners perform
- Managing Partner Relationships
- How Microsoft manages different types of partners, including direct management of larger partners and 'programmatic' management of smaller partners
- The Microsoft Partner Program
- Microsoft wants to offer a single program that nevertheless responds to the unique needs of partners and market segments. Clear metrics provide a path for gaining greater benefits
- Summary of Microsoft Initiatives for Partners
- In addition to providing prescribed benefits that come with membership, the Microsoft Partner Program offers many optional programs and Web sites that help partners build their businesses
- The Future of Microsoft Partners
- Microsoft appears to be strongly committed to partners, but the company's strategy for important future offerings, such as its 'Live' services, is vague
- Resources
- Additional Directions on Microsoft and Web resources related to Microsoft's partner programs for 2006
- Appendix: Microsoft Partner Management Teams
- Organization charts show Microsoft's Partner Leadership Team, OEM group, the Developer and Platform Evangelism group, the Enterprise and Partner group, and Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners group
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