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Microsoft Expands and Enhances Microsoft Certified Partner Programs To Deliver Greater Value to Members and Customers Worldwide

Time: 07:32 EST/12:32 GMT | News Source: Microsoft Press Release | Posted By: Julien Jay

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:

New products for internal use. Members will receive internal-use licenses for several new products, including the SharePoint� Portal Server, the Windows� XP operating system, Microsoft Project 2002, Visio� 2002 Professional drawing and diagramming software and MapPoint� 2002 business mapping software. These licenses complement the licenses already received by members for Office XP, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Exchange 2000 Server, SQL Server� 2000 and Small Business Server 2000.
Discounts on additional internal-use desktop licenses. Members wishing to acquire additional internal-use desktop licenses for the products supported can do so at a discount.
New business platform evaluation kits. Microsoft will offer new evaluation kits designed to enable partners to quickly deploy structured pilots for customers and expedite the sales cycle. Initially, these kits will focus on Microsoft�s desktop, server and advanced server technologies for the enterprise. Subsequent kits will focus on solutions for empowering employees, connecting customers and integrating business partners. Free sampler kits will be delivered through the official welcome kit, and members can order additional kits online at cost.
Expanded Certified Partner Web site. The private Microsoft Certified Partner Web site provides exclusive, comprehensive, up-to-date information on the company, products and programs. The site is integrated with Microsoft�s premier partner portal. The Certified Partner Web site also has been migrated to Passport so that members have consistent authentication for accessing all Web sites.