Microsoft Corp. is expanding a program that draws on volunteer enthusiasts around the world to provide advice and technical support to people who use its products. Now in its tenth year, the Most Valuable Professional program includes around 1,300 people from all walks of life who run newsgroups and other communities that provide support for Microsoft users and developers. They also provide the software maker with valuable feedback about how to improve its products. Around 700 of them have converged at its Redmond, Washington, headquarters this week for pep talks from top executives including Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect, and Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer. They'll also meet with product managers and hear about new programs that give them earlier access to Microsoft's software code and product plans.
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