With its first Small Business Summit under way, Microsoft Corp. today announced an expanded alliance with leading retailer Best Buy that will make it easier for small-business customers to connect with Best Buy For Business specialists who understand their unique technology and business needs. The relationship will help customers quickly and easily find solutions and one-on-one advice about which Microsoft� technology is right for their business. In addition, Microsoft announced that Best Buy has achieved Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, making the company the only national retailer to do so.

�The expanded relationship with Best Buy is the latest in our continued efforts to forge and expand partnerships that are critical to the success of small businesses,� said Cindy Bates, general manager for U.S. Small Business at Microsoft. �We�re deeply passionate about listening and acting on the feedback we receive from our partners and customers. In this vein, our focus remains on designing technology that works the way small businesses do while fostering a great experience for customers who work with expert partners suited to their needs. Our collaboration with Best Buy helps make this real for our customers today.�