Microsoft woos global partners

Microsoft is to allocate more funds to its worldwide sales channel

Microsoft has unveiled a raft of plans which will see more funds allocated to its worldwide sales channel, including increased spending on marketing, licensing and lead generation.

The software giant will reallocate 50 per cent of the funding currently allotted for direct marketing into joint marketing with partners, which it has rebranded 'Through-Partner Marketing'.

The initiatives represent an enhancement of the Microsoft Partner Programme created in 2003 which aims to help partners develop core competencies in relation to sales niches.

Microsoft promised to help partners focus on selling systems to small and medium-sized businesses, simplified membership management for partners, expansion of support and training resources, and enhancement to online tools and infrastructure.

The company has also launched its online Partner Learning Center, a single point of contact for e-learning for partners.