14 DAY TRIAL // On November 1, 2011, Microsoft Partner Network celebrates its first year anniversary. But while the Microsoft Partner Network might have just turned 1, the fact is that the Redmond company’s partner program is much, much older.
I don’t doubt the fact that there are many still recalling a time the good old Microsoft Partner Program.
If my memory serves me right, and it does, the software giant introduced the Microsoft Partner Network, the evolution of the Microsoft Partner Program, back in mid-2009.
Still, Microsoft considers November 1, 2010 the official birth date of its Partner Network, and as such, it’s celebrating its first anniversary today.
Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft, shared some very interesting data designed to reveal the true size and impact of the Partner Network.
“Happy Anniversary, Partners! We’ve reached our first year together on the new Microsoft Partner Network! We continue to be the largest, most robust partner program in the industry, with 640,000 partners in 170 countries accounting for a staggering $580 billion in revenue,” Roskill said.
“We should all take real pride in this industry-leading position. Our collective success results from great partnering -- which has held true over the past 35 years will continue to for the next 35.”
At the same time, Roskill stressed that Microsoft will continue to invest heavily in its partner ecosystem.
In Fiscal Year 2012 alone, the Redmond company plans to pour in no less than $5.8 billion into the Microsoft Partner Network. The money will be used to finance incentives and training for member of the Microsoft Partner Network, Roskill noted.
“Together, Microsoft and partners share in unparalleled growth opportunities in the marketplace, and deliver unparalleled value to customers. The Microsoft Partner Network strives every day to empower you to best serve customers and create connections with both customers and other partners. It’s our commitment to you,” he concluded.