The 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.
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-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.”
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.