Great article posted today by ARN re-enforcing the uncertainty Microsoft is creating in the channel for Partners.
Can you believe the following response from Microsoft?
In a statement to ARN, a Microsoft spokesperson admitted the program changes were due to the “wide-ranging impacts” of cloud computing, claiming the moves will help partners “capitalize on the opportunities possible with cloud”.
“When looking at the evolution of our program benefits, it was important to create more balance in what our partners have asked us to provide in order to help them accelerate and grow their business as well as enable our partners in a variety of business scenarios,” the spokesperson said. “Partners told us they wanted us to help them not just building and developing solutions, but to also help with enablement, going to market and connecting with the right customers.”
Couple of questions we need to ask ourselves:
1. Which MS Partners told Microsoft to scrap Internal Use Rights?
2. Which MS Partners told Microsoft to scrap Partner Support Incidents?
3. Which MS Partners told Microsoft to scrap the many core benefits afforded to MAP's, Silver and Gold Partners?
Answer: None!
The Microsoft Spokesperson used the word "help" four (4) times in their rebuttal. If this is Microsoft helping us what would it be like if they were against us?
The arrogance of the response provided by Microsoft is yet more evidence of the slow death Microsoft is dealing to it's most valued Partners.