Cindy Bates and Robert Deshaies – Microsoft US Partner Group on VARvid.com

Cindy is the VP of US Partner Strategy, Marketing & Programs and
Robert is the VP of the US Partner Group. The two of them drive the
decisions that lead to opportunities for US Partners. They gave us an
exclusive interview speaking to the US Partner Program and how
Microsoft is really investing in the program this year. Specifically in
talking about the Small Business Specialist Program, they spoke about
how they are pleased with the numbers that the program has grown to,
but this upcoming year (remember – to Microsoft the "Year" is July 1st
to June 30th) the focus is on growing Partner’s business with Microsoft
rather than increasing the numbers of participants. This was really
clear to me when they proudly told us about the 52% of SBSers that are
Certified or Gold. If you work with Microsoft and want to be part of
this investment – you can learn more about the Small Business
Specialist program at: partner.microsoft.com/40021525