Ballmer reassert Microsoft's commitment to Partners, ISVs
crn.com | at | by Mike
Microsoft, which has weathered some stormy channel waters this past year, remains committed to investing $1.5 billion annually to bolster its partner programs and processes, company executives said Tuesday.
"We are committed to being the best in class [in partnering]. Our $1.5 billion investment in the channel is the largest in the industry, and we are committed to continuing it," said Allison Watson, vice president of worldwide partner sales and marketing.
That figure includes support, training, account management, reward programs, relationship programs and salaries for 2,500 Microsoft channel-related employees, 800 of which were added in the last year, Watson said.