Software giant bolsters Web 2.0

Microsoft is urging its channel partners to embrace a software-plus-services model as it ploughs more investment into its Web 2.0 technology portfolio.

The vendor, which unveiled its Silverlight development platform earlier this year, used its Web 2.0 event in London last week to debut its Startup Accelerator Programme as it looks to encourage more firms to launch an e-commerce model.

The Accelerator Programme offers advice to new businesses about the use of technology such as Silverlight and Live Services. Microsoft is encouraging its resellers, ISVs and development partners to offer this as a consultation service.

Speaking at the event, Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, said: “The transition we’re all going through is to a world of software-plus-services and there is a wealth of opportunity for our partners.”

Ballmer said these opportunities would include reselling hosted services or hosting managed communication and collaboration services.

Steve Clayton, chief technology officer at Microsoft partner group UK, said: “The maturity of the web and the adoption of broadband means it is easier to deliver software over the internet. For the channel, this means resellers can supply specific requirements around collaboration and deliver these as a service.”

Cary Marsh, chief executive of community-based web site Mydeo, said Microsoft support helped get her business started. “Microsoft’s partnership has been invaluable. Startups are about having a competitive advantage and doing that well.”