To help its Microsoft® Certified Partner Program and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program members provide superior value to their customers and increase their market share, Microsoft Corp. today announced a range of program enhancements, including improved technical, marketing and sales resources. In addition, the programs will now be available for independent hardware vendors (IHVs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). "Microsoft strives to provide unparalleled certification programs that help participants differentiate themselves in the industry, accelerate time to market, deepen credibility with customers and achieve their strategic business goals," said Rosa Garcia, worldwide general manager of partner marketing and sales for Microsoft. "We are very proud of the success of the Microsoft Certified Partner Program, but wanted to take the program to the next level. We expect the improvements we are announcing for 2002 to increase the business value that members and customers gain from the Certified Partner Program." In 2002, Microsoft Certified Partners will receive improved benefits, including the following: