Microsoft COO Not Worried About Google's Channel

Some 12,000 partners are in Denver to hear what's new from Microsoft, and so are ChannelWeb reporters. Our ace software team of Stacy Cowley, Rick Whiting and Kevin McLaughlin are all in Denver tuning in to the keynotes and walking the floors. Look for posts from all three of them right here in TalkTalk.

From Kevin McLaughlin:

In a keynote speech marking the close of the general session at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference, COO Kevin Turner acknowledged a question that's been lurking below the surface of this year's event -- and in the minds of many partners.

"What does Microsoft think about the Google partner ecosystem? The fact of the matter is, I don't know what to think about it -- that's something you should explore and look at," Turner told partners.

Turner urged partners to examine Google's partner ecosystem and determine whether they'll be able to make money in Google's channel. "If you take a look and decide for yourself that there's no model for you, ask the hard questions, and when you don't get right answers, make the right decision for your business," Turner said.

Turner noted that Microsoft's $7 billion annual R&D investment and a partner ecosystem "like no other in the world" should soothe any worries partners may have about Google's channel.

"One of our most sacred assets is our partner ecosystem and what you all do to bring value," said Turner.