Microsoft introduces SBS partner program

Microsoft Corporation India announced the Small Business Specialist (SBS)
program, an initiative to create greater business opportunities for partners
that specialize in providing solutions and services to the small-business
segment.

Partners who enroll in the program will have access to training and resources
specifically designed for them-including marketing material and special
promotional offers. Microsoft plans to recruit, enable and activate 100 SBS
partners, across top 13 cities in the next 10 to 12 months, a Microsoft
statement said.

Rajeev Mittal, Group Director-Small and Medium Solutions and Partners (SMS&P) Group, Microsoft

To reach out to system integrators, VARs, system builders and the retail
channel Microsoft is organizing a three-city event, called 'Small business is
big business' in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. This is a worldwide initiative,
which Microsoft is now rolling out in India.

The company said that the partners would also gain increased visibility via
preferred placement in the Microsoft resource directory and the small business
partner finder (located on the Microsoft small business center website).
Additionally the partner will also get access to the exclusive small and medium
business specialist private managed newsgroups. Depending on the partnership
level, small and medium business specialists will also be entitled to registered
member benefits, certified partner benefits or gold certified partner benefits.

Commenting on the occasion of the launch, Rajeev Mittal, Group Director-Small
and Medium Solutions and Partners (SMS&P) Group, Microsoft said, “The
program will not only help partners differentiate themselves as small business
solution experts, but will also enable small business customers to quickly
identify technology partners best suited to support them.”