BMS Blog: SBS Consulting in the UK

Whilst at WPC09 I attended the first meeting of the new Partner Area Leads. As this was the initial meeting it was really all about introductions and setting expectations etc. during the next 12 months rather than an in depth exploration of any particular topic.

We were joined part way through the meeting by Birger Steen, Vice President of SMB&D & Judy Kolde, Senior Director, Broad Partner Strategy, WW Partner Group for a Q&A session around SMB partners, the community and the changes to the partner program, or as it is now known the Microsoft Partner Network. Obviously there was a lot of discussion around what will be happening to the SBSC designation, the reasons behind the changes and how it will effect SBSC partners.

The impression I got was that Microsoft are looking to simplify the partner program and have therefore decided to create various new competencies and that includes bringing the SBSC designation into that framework. The concern over the disappearance of the “blue badge” was raised and it seemed to come as a surprise to Birger that it would cause concern for partners. I do get the impression that in some countries the SBSC designation has not taken off in the community sense like it has in the UK. Birger talked about the possibility of incorporating some kind of SBSC logo in to the new Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and would take that information back to Redmond.

I also got to meet up with “Mr. Licensing” Eric Ligman Global Partner Experience Lead, Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group. His understanding of MS licensing is truly amazing and it was a pleasure to talk to him. His knowledge and passion about the SMB arena is without reproach and I learnt more in an hour talking to Eric than I’ve learnt about SMB licensing in the last 12 months!

I have to say I left the meeting with more questions than answers, particularly around the impact of the partner program changes but I’m sure it will all start to become clear with time.

My next PAL task is to meet with Emily Lambert for the first of our regional PAL meetings and discuss the first quarters actions. You can be sure I’ll be putting all of your questions and concerns to Emily and the team so please email me anything you want on the agenda as soon as possible.