REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 23, 1999 — MSDN, the Microsoft Developer Network, and Microsoft® Direct Access (MSDA) support Web sites have been named among the top 10 best support sites for 1999 by a select panel of IT professionals from the Association of Support Professionals (ASP). Sites were evaluated on a variety of factors including performance and ease of use, appearance, appropriate content for customer segment, and feedback loop for customer input.
Both sites utilize Microsoft Product Support Services’ (PSS) online technical support program. Recently, Microsoft’s support sites were redesigned by PSS to reflect customer segments rather than traditional product lines. The restructured sites are now geared to home users, IT professionals, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers and consultants, developers, Microsoft Certified Solution Providers (MCSPs), value-added providers (VAPs) and enterprise customers, and thus are better able to address the specific technical needs of each type of customer.
Microsoft also began employing Extensible Markup Language (XML) to retag online articles for its support sites, enabling more effective and thorough searches. Additional servers were added to ensure flawless performance, while formal protocols were developed to identify and remedy pages with poor load times.
More information about the ASP’s 10 Best Web Support Sites of 1999 is available at http://www.asponline.com/ .
MSDN: A World of Developer Resources at the Doorstep or Desktop
The MSDN Online Web site is one of many essential resources offered by the Microsoft Developer Network. Reaching more than 2 million developers worldwide, MSDN brings together a wide array of information and resources, including tools, technologies, educational information, training, events, membership programs and support, to help enable developer success. The MSDN Online site provides a single, personalized point of entry for all developers, enabling easy access to customizable information filtered according to specified needs. The site also connects developers with industry experts and peers from around the world through the new Online Special-Interest Groups (OSIGs) and Members Helping Members peer-to-peer support sites. More information on MSDN resources for developers is available at http://msdn.microsoft.com/ .
MSDA: A Repository of Resources and Tools for Value-Added Providers
Microsoft Direct Access is an information and resource vehicle designed to help more than 300,000 technology provider organizations in North America and 750,000 worldwide more effectively build their business around Microsoft products and tools. The MSDA Web site enables technology providers to access the product information, sales and marketing resources, technical support and training they need to effectively meet the technology needs of small and midsize businesses. Key resources include registration for free business-critical phone support, free* online technical support newsgroups, peer-to-peer newsgroups, in-depth product information tips on how to distribute Microsoft products and on the Year 2000 Resource Center, plus information on quarterly local briefings, training, piracy and licensing. VAPs interested in more information about MSDA can visit http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/ . MCSPs can access enhanced technical support via the dedicated Web site at http://mcsp.one.microsoft.com/ .
Microsoft PSS: A Wealth of Information for All Microsoft Customers
Microsoft Product Support Services provides a wide array of resources, ranging from phone to online support, to enable the greatest customer success with Microsoft products. With an extensive and experienced professional staff ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Microsoft PSS is always prepared to provide Microsoft customers, ranging from the individual end user to the largest enterprise, with the support they need when, where and how they want it. More information on Microsoft service and support offerings can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/support/ .
About Microsoft
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.
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