Microsoft NZ announces new Partner Network

Media Release

3 November 2010

Microsoft New Zealand announces new Partner Network

New gold and silver competencies differentiate Microsoft Partners from the competition

This week, Microsoft New Zealand announces a revamped Partner Network (MPN) benefitting both partners and customers, while encouraging excellence within the IT industry.

“Feedback from partners and customers drove this change and helped us shape and design the Microsoft Partner Network for future needs, changes in the marketplace and increased value to our stakeholders,” says Misti Landtroop, Director, Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners. 

The Microsoft Partner Network employs a partner certification programme for IT companies with specific criteria to ensure the quality and reliability of Microsoft Partners and their products and services. Companies meeting the criteria earn competencies, which define their areas of specialisation.

Gold competencies and silver competencies enable partners to differentiate their business, demonstrate recognisable expertise, and capitalise on benefits tailored to specific business needs.  There are 27 Microsoft competencies in the new programme and each maps to specific customer IT needs.

Auckland based IT solutions integrator Softsource has been a member of the MPN since 2004 and says the Partner Network has helped chart the company’s success.

“The Microsoft Partner Network is the premiere partner program in the industry. Its design empowers us to succeed in today’s business environment,” says Pablo Garcia-Curtis, general manager of Softsource.

Emedo, a global ISV Microsoft Partner with 40 employees based in Christchurch provides hospital capacity management software to hospitals throughout New Zealand. Chris Clarke, software development manager says the MPN has supported the company’s desire for growth and market leadership.

“Our business landscape is constantly changing, and the Microsoft Partner Network evolution not only supports this, but also shows us that they understand our needs. The MPN gives us access to paramount support, enables us to differentiate ourselves as leaders in the field, and assists us to extend our market reach, reduce costs and increase profitability.”

Partners with Gold competencies have demonstrated the highest, most consistent capability and commitment within a Microsoft business solution area and are entitled to the highest value benefits from the network.

Partners with Silver competencies have demonstrated strong competence and capability within a Microsoft business solution area and are also entitled to high value benefits and a competitive advantage with this designation.

“By working with a Microsoft partner you can focus on the business and make IT a strategic asset. Partners who have achieved a Microsoft gold or silver competency specialisation, which promotes and highlights their core skills, can also help you address specific business needs,” says Landtroop.

“Through a winning combination of industry-leading technologies, mutually-driven innovation, and Microsoft’s global support network, the Microsoft Partner Network gives customers the peace of mind and guidance to reach their fullest business potential.”

Partners have until their Microsoft Partner renewal date to transition to the new Microsoft Partner Network branding but are required to take the necessary actions to qualify for the new competency requirements.

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