4/1/2011

Can the Dynamics Channel Be Franchised?

Microsoft executives are sharing a plan to have some large vertical partners act as franchisors to smaller partners, but that could get complicated.


In-Depth

2011 Microsoft Partner Survey: Your Take on the MPN, Selling the Cloud and More

By Scott Bekker

With the launch of the Microsoft Partner Network in November, Microsoft forced 400,000 partners to decide how they'll fit their businesses into the new structure. In our annual survey, readers reported how they're planning to adapt.


iPad Apps for Microsoft Partners, Editor's Cut: Here Are 24 More

By Scott Bekker

Once again, RCP slogged through the App Store to spotlight the most interesting iPad apps. Last time, we brought you 23. This time, we more than doubled that number, bringing the total to 47. Some are free, others are expensive, but all have potential for integration into Microsoft partner-provided solutions.


Dynamics Franchising: Microsoft Pushes the McDonald's Model (UPDATED)

By Jeffrey Schwartz

Many small partners won't qualify for a gold competency under the new MPN. Merging with larger partners is one option, but many partners are reluctant to give up their independence. Now Microsoft is considering franchising as an alternative.


Q&A: Why Should Dynamics Partners Franchise? (UPDATED)

By Jeffrey Schwartz

Microsoft's Kristi Hofer, who has crisscrossed the country talking up Microsoft's proposed plan to create a franchise model for Dynamics partners, recently sat down with RCP to explain what such a model would mean for the MPN.


News

Windows Phone 7: Will Microsoft's Mobile Plans Pan Out?

By Scott Bekker

Windows Phone 7 manages to lose share for the Windows Mobile platform in the three months that span the launch. Can Microsoft show enough momentum for partners to commit to the platform?


Windows Intune Rounds Out Microsoft Cloud Services

By Scott Bekker

With Windows Intune's availability, Redmond's cloud lineup for partners spans the back office, CRM, systems management and Infrastructure as a Service.


Windows Tablet Outlook: Next-Gen Arriving Fall 2012?

By Kurt Mackie

Unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg push back the potential release Redmond's mass-market-focused tablet offerings.