Microsoft's decision to move into the hosted business application space was understandably disquieting to some solution providers who, over the years, have grown healthy services revenue from deploying Exchange and SharePoint. That's a big reason why Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division, has often emphasized that partners will continue to have revenue opportunities as Microsoft's Software Plus Services vision rolls forward, in areas like migration and customization.
It's a story Elop will continue to make -- and have to continue making -- to keep Microsoft's enormous channel partner base moving forward in unison.
