The Microsoft Partner Network has evolved.

We are proud to announce the Microsoft Partner Network, a community borne from our continued commitment to serve the needs of our partners and help them reach their full potential. We believe the Microsoft advantage shines through the success of our partners Our vision for the Partner Network is simple — we want to:

• Provide opportunities for partners to develop and expand their businesses.
• Provide expertise and resources that help partners better serve their customers.
• Create passionate communities that spark innovation by connecting partners with one another.

Partners are central to Microsoft’s mission to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. The Microsoft Partner Network is committed to helping our more than 160 million customers worldwide grow their businesses. Working together, we continue to focus on creating innovative solutions that drive profitability and sustain competitive advantage.

From the start, partners have been in our DNA Partners have been in our DNA since the beginning when we first had the dream of putting a computer on every desk. Essential to this dream is the idea that no one goes it alone, that realizing potential requires passion and commitment.

Today 640,000 partners strengthen our business and form one of the most active, diverse networks in the world. For every US$1 of Microsoft revenue, partners generate US$7 in their communities worldwide. The relationship between partners and Microsoft became the secret to our mutual success. As we grew our business, our partner ecosystem grew. Together, we serve customers better. Focusing on Customers To realize the Microsoft Partner Network vision, we listened to our customers and partners. Customers tell us they value relationships with trusted experts who are committed “from problem definition to solution rollout.” They want to be sure they’re working with a partner who helps them make the most of their technology investments.

Partners with the capabilities and expertise to deliver the innovative solutions their customers demand. We heard a similar message from many of our partners: “Show us you care about what we care about—our customers. Help customers see the value in choosing a Microsoft partner.” Another partner said, “The program? Well, that’s Microsoft. The network? That’s us.” And that’s why we’re evolving from program to network. We’re moving. We’re evolving. We’re becoming the next-generation Microsoft Partner Program. From a program focused on requirements and benefits to the network designed for relationships, connections, and opportunities.

Driving Business Value As one partner told us, “We want opportunities to partner with other partners whose capabilities complement ours, so we can deliver the total solutions our customers need to serve their customers better.” Microsoft partners have the resources to help customers make the most of their business and technology investments. Save customers money. Increase efficiencies through business processes. Deliver business value through software–plus-services. Giving customers the flexibility of choice.

Through the Microsoft Partner Network, customers can find Microsoft partners in their neighborhood—or on the other side of the world. From systems integrators delivering core infrastructure solutions to interactive agencies, Web hosters, and designer—the network is where people and businesses discover opportunities to drive business value. Serving customers better Customers have more choices than ever, and they look to Microsoft for transparency about partner expertise. Beyond “tell me,” it’s “show me” why I should choose one solution provider over another.

Through the Microsoft Partner Network, we want our customers to know that wherever they are in the world, they can find a Microsoft partner. Strengthening capabilities We want to deliver the best resources so partners can strengthen their capabilities. Create and enter new markets with early access to the latest technologies. Expand sales and marketing skills. Deepen business and technical expertise through clear learning paths. Creating connections We want to create passionate communities where partners share best practices, spark innovation, and discover opportunities to serve customers better. Through communities, people, and businesses can connect, collaborate, and influence the conversation. They can share ideas and content from our network across social media, or apply technology to drive industry-relevant innovation. Partners have a home in Microsoft Partner Network We simply want our partners and customers worldwide to see that “the network is about you.” Through new opportunities in Microsoft Partner Network, our partners can thrive. The question for our partners and customers is simple: What adds value to your business? And that’s where the story begins.