Microsoft is hoping it’s a November to remember. The software giant today launched the Microsoft Partner Network — an overhaul to the company’s channel partner program — and a range of new cloud computing initiatives for channel partners. Here’s a closer look at the Microsoft Partner Network, plus new moves like Cloud Accelerate and Cloud Essentials. But the old question remains: Are Microsoft’s partners ready — and willing — to embrace the terms of Microsoft’s cloud strategy? Here’s the update.
First, a reality check: Microsoft has been planning today’s moves for several months. The company spent extensive time previewing the new Microsoft Partner Network offerings during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) in July 2010. But now, Microsoft is finally pulling the switch on a range of moves.
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