REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 22, 1997 — More than 75,000 independent computer resellers, consultants and value-added providers (VAPs) are equipping themselves to service small-business customers by taking advantage of products, training and resources through Microsoft Corp.’s newest channel program, Microsoft® Direct Access. In the six weeks the program has been available, value-added providers nationwide have tapped into the small-business opportunity provided by Microsoft Direct Access – more than 75,000 beta copies of Microsoft BackOffice® Small Business Server have been distributed, more than 267,000 unique users have visited the Direct Access Web site, and 176,000 have subscribed to the newsletter. In addition, Microsoft is conducting events in 120 cities and 1,200 training courses for Small Business Server over the next eight months.
“Microsoft Direct Access is a huge value to our company by providing us with the tools we need to quickly utilize new technologies such as BackOffice Small Business Server,” said Chuck Anderson, vice president, Anderson Computer Solutions. “The result is that we can better meet the needs of our small business customers by decreasing the amount of time needed to complete tasks for them. This increases my customers satisfaction which ultimately increases our profitability.”
Resources and Training to Tap the Small-Business Opportunity
Microsoft Direct Access resources and training enable value-added providers to take advantage of the small-business market opportunity to increase their revenue and better meet the unique needs of their small-business customers. Microsoft Direct Access includes the following:
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The Microsoft Direct Access Web site
supplies value-added providers with a continually updated connection to Microsoft and includes technical product information and resources, business development opportunity articles, sales materials, news, training options, technical reference materials, and special offers. -
Microsoft Direct Access events give value-added providers an opportunity to hear directly from Microsoft about new small-business products and business opportunities.
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Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack, a package of products, tools, training and support, helps VAPs get involved with the Microsoft BackOffice family and other Microsoft product technologies. The Microsoft Direct Access Action Pack is available for approximately $295 (U.S.) from distributors.
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Microsoft Direct Access training, one-day, hands-on training classes on Small Business Server, are available in Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers (ATECs) across the country. With the training coupon in the Direct Access Action Pack, the cost of this training class is $99 (U.S.) – a significant discount from the estimated retail price of $350 (U.S.). Microsoft plans to deliver over 3,000 training classes through Authorized Technical Education Centers this year.
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Microsoft Direct Access newsletter is an online service that delivers the latest news and information. It is available at http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/default.asp .
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The Microsoft Direct Access hot line provides sales information and assistance to value-added providers from Microsoft Telesales at (888) go2-MSDA [(888) 462-6732]
Microsoft offers a wide range of channel programs and resources. For further information about working with Microsoft, visit http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/partnering/microsoft/default.asp .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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