Software giant announces services range for partners as its operating system launch draws near

Microsoft has unveiled a range of services designed to help partners maximise sales opportunities, particularly in preparation for the impending release of its Vista operating system.

Microsoft added that it will visit six UK cities in October, November and January to educate its VARs on the benefits of selling Vista, Office and Exchange.

The tour will start in Birmingham and mainly consists of 90-minute presentations in cinemas. The aim is to teach partners how to use the three products to solve real business problems.

Next month, the software giant will also unveil a redesigned version of its partner portal. Microsoft claimed that the portal will feature a more modern design and simpler navigation, which will allow partners to locate its support tools more easily.

Karl Noakes, director of partner development and marketing at Microsoft, told CRN that the vendor can provide partners with massive opportunities.

“There are many hidden gems in our partner portal that weren’t so visible before,” he said.

“On the whole, we are investing time and money in campaigns to help our partners grow.”

A YouTube-style video service, dubbed PTS TV, will soon be made available to partners, with the aim of providing training videos on all aspects of Microsoft’s products.

In addition, the vendor has created sales tools to help partners create pitches quickly and has refreshed its MS Gear Up reference book, which provides access to information about its products and licences.

Ross Miller, managing director of Microsoft VAR Trustmarque Solutions, told CRN: “This is a good move, because Microsoft needs to shout about all of its new products. It will benefit the channel in some way, I’m sure.”