Microsoft Launches Channel Builder Online Tool

Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) today announced the general availability of the Microsoft® Partner Channel Builder online tool, a key addition to the sales enablement benefits provided to industry partners through the Microsoft Partner Program.

Partner Channel Builder enables Microsoft's Gold Certified and Certified Partners to collaborate with one another by calling out opportunities to form new alliances and deliver complete end-to-end solutions for customers and by identifying potential revenue opportunities that enable them to grow their business in new markets and geographies.

"Partner Channel Builder will allow Configuresoft's continued development of our Services Channel and help grow our business in new regions and market segments," said Jim Whitney, director of Business Alliances for Configuresoft Inc., a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner that participated in a prototype of the online tool.

Gold Certified and Certified Partners can use the online tool to provide detailed descriptions of the solutions and expertise they deliver, as well as the specific markets and customer segments their solutions target.

Gold Certified and Certified Partners that may require additional skills to meet an existing customer proposal can also post the required complementary expertise so partners can join forces to deliver the end-to-end solution. Partners will be able to list their company's Microsoft Partner Program competencies as a way to define their expertise.

"Partner Channel Builder allows partners to draw upon the demonstrated skills and expertise of the vast Microsoft partner community to complement their solutions offerings and win more business," said Kevin Wueste, general manager of the Microsoft Partner Program.