Microsoft today opened the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2006 by showcasing how innovative software and services scheduled for delivery to customers over the next 18 months will facilitate unprecedented business opportunity and profitability for industry partners. The conference, Microsoft�s annual event for its industry partners from around the world, includes three days of keynote presentations delivered by Microsoft executives and industry experts, product- and service-specific sessions, and opportunities for structured and unstructured networking with other Microsoft partners and Microsoft team members. There are approximately 7,000 partners attending.

To learn more about Microsoft�s vision and strategy for partnerships, the shift to solutions and services that are role-based and people-ready, and the wave of innovation Microsoft and its worldwide network of partners are introducing, PressPass spoke with Allison Watson, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group, who recently celebrated her four-year anniversary leading the Microsoft Partner Program.