Partner Program Adds New Support Services

A new technical support program aimed at Microsoft partners lets them supplement their existing support options with additional, fee-based services. Designed to help partners support their customers, the program will help partners resolve customer problems and differentiate themselves in competitive situations. In addition to packages aimed at partners generally, Microsoft has designed special packages for ISVs and system integrators. However, partners will need to look at the offerings closely to determine whether they are the best way to purchase the support they need.

Making Partnership Pay

The new support package is part of a year-long rebuilding of Microsoft’s partner program. Announced last year, the changes brought numerous partner programs under a single umbrella, known as the Microsoft Partner Program; established a three-tier partner structure that will appeal to many more small partners than the previous program; and created a set of “competencies” and other criteria that partners can use to gain additional partner benefits.