A Missed Opportunity For VistaSteven Burke says Microsoft missed a great opportunity to help itself and its partners at the same time: "Instead of looking to its partners as the first line of attack in the new Vista campaign, Microsoft... created partner angst by announcing a Windows Vista Small Business Assurance Program that left more than a few solution providers wondering just where they fit in." It turns out that Vista Small Business Assurance isn't very "assuring": "Do you really want to bet your small business on a Microsoft support rep at the end of a phone line? A Microsoft support rep, by the way, who is only available from '10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time.' And what happens when the free offer is up? Who do you call then?" Meanwhile, the other news out of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference--it's SaaS plans-- also left some solution providers with other headaches: "Channel partners are worried that by offering hosted services directly to customers, Microsoft could reduce the role of solution providers in working with customers—or cutting them out of the picture altogether." Microsoft's great strength (versus competitors like Google and Apple) is its army of channel partners. They'd be wise to keep them happy. Posted by Joe Caponi at 04:42 PM, July 15, 2008 This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers. Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service. Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business. |
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