Microsoft Builds Alliances to Provide Special Offerings for MCSPs
, April 13, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the MCSP Alliance, aimed at helping Microsoft® Certified Solution Providers (MCSPs) gain a competitive edge through cost savings and unique offers that tap into new areas. The MCSP Alliance is a Microsoft-sponsored affiliation of product and service companies that extend specialized and discounted offers to MCSPs. Using the incentives currently available, Microsoft estimates an MCSP could save an average of $20,000 and up to $170,000 on its cost of doing business.
MCSP Alliance is segmented into three major categories – software and tools, business services, and computing and networking equipment – each aimed at assisting MCSPs with business development and/or the rapid deployment of new technologies and solutions. Product offers consist of incentives on sales and complimentary or discounted products. Service offers include discounts on a variety of business solutions that include network and Internet access and research and personnel recruitment.
“Our business model is based entirely on the success of our channel,” said Juan Vegarra, director, worldwide MCSP program at Microsoft. “MCSPs are typically local or regional companies that don’t get the benefits of national partnerships. This alliance provides MCSPs with early access to information, products and business opportunities with key industry players. We’re excited that the MCSPs and the MCSP Alliance participants have shown interest in working together.”
Thirty-five vendors, including @Home Network, Eastman Software, JetForm Corp., ObjectArts Inc., and Seagate Software, currently participate in the MCSP Alliance. Additional alliance participants will be announced at Fusion 98, Microsoft’s annual worldwide business symposium for its Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, scheduled for May 29 to June 1 in New Orleans.
“MCSPs are an important part of our channel and business strategy to deliver work-management solutions,” said Michael Loria, vice president, worldwide marketing at Eastman Software. “Our MCSP Alliance offer includes free software and rebates on purchases designed to further engage MCSPs and their customers with Eastman Software’s work-management products.”
For more information on the MCSP Alliance, visit the private MCSP Online Web site at https://mcsp.one.microsoft.com/ , or send correspondence to [email protected].
Microsoft Certified Solution Providers are independent organizations working with Microsoft that include a wide range of companies, such as system integrators, custom application developers, installation and deployment service providers, business consultants and training organizations. MCSPs add value by offering their customers a full range of services, including Internet, intranet and e-commerce solutions, line-of-business applications, and client/server implementations. For more information on the MCSP program, visit /certpartner/.
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