14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft revealed that it had adapted the Dynamics partner channel program in direct response to growing demand for vertical ERP and CRM products. Doug Kennedy, vice president of Microsoft Dynamics Partners underlined that the Redmond company was focusing on catalyzing business growth and profitability for its partners, by enabling them to better respond to customer needs involving vertical solutions adapted to various industries including manufacturing, but also distribution, retail, financial services, the public sector and even professional services. The evolution of the Dynamics partner program is designed to cover both enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions from Microsoft.
“Specifically, we are making changes in the way we train, promote, brand, market and manage our partners. We’re delivering Microsoft Dynamics-specific training that’s focused on marketing, sales, project management and solution delivery. This is in addition to the technical training we already offer. We are also aligning with the new partner branding and promotional benefits delivered under the Microsoft Partner Network (formerly known as the Microsoft Partner Program), which Allison Watson announced from the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference,” Kennedy stated.
The new focus of the Dynamics partner program comes as the natural evolution of Microsoft responding to increased market demand for Dynamics-based vertical products. Kennedy pointed out that vertically oriented partners would be able to benefit from increased productivity with the new ERP and CRM solutions strategy enhancements. At the same time, the software giant indicated that horizontally oriented partners needed to get aboard the new trend and start building specialized solutions. In this respect the Dynamics partner program evolution is designed to help with the transition from a horizontal to a vertical business focus.
“Partners at the highest tiers of the Microsoft Dynamics partner program will also enjoy a deeper level of marketing engagement from Microsoft, including 1:1 joint marketing planning, exclusive access to industry and vertical campaign services and marketing opportunities and campaign co-funding,” Kennedy added. “We are also more than doubling the certifications and requirements needed to be considered a top-tier partner, and we’re giving partners the opportunity to qualify for special industry recognition.”