Issue: Microsoft is Creating a "Buddy System"

Microsoft has been reaching out to partners with a new initiative that matches up employees with ISV's. The program has been quietly going for a while, but now it's getting publicity. Mary Jo Foley has written about it on Microsoft Watch.

I've seen it in action myself in various Microsoft groups. You can see the "He Ain't Kooky. He's My Buddy." posters around campus, and everyone is being drafted into the campaign. It's part of a bigger effort to reach out to customers and partners that's been going on for some time, like the internal blogging by Robert Scoble and more than 1000 current Microsoft bloggers.

Is it a good idea? It's a great idea! Is it for real? Yes, senior management is serious about it, and the program is being implemented. What results will it bear? Only time will tell, but any company that wants to be competitive needs to be exploring creative solutions like this to strengthen their channels.

Posted by Bill Weir, Channel Ventures

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