How to Become a Solution Provider

Microsoft Solution Providers play an important role by supplying businesses with objective advice, technical skills, and high-quality service. In turn, Microsoft equips Solution Providers with services and tools that help create additional value with Microsoft-based software technology. Now take a look at the benefits realized by Solution Providers and steps to follow to join the program.

• Solution Provider Program Description
• Benefits Realized by Solution Provider's
• Program Requirements
• Enrolling in the Solution Provider Program

Solution Provider Program Description

Microsoft is committed to helping Solution Providers develop and expand their businesses by promoting the Solution Provider name and by creating business opportunities. Each year, we refer thousands of customers to Microsoft Solution Providers through this program. By gathering the information to gain a better understanding of SP businesses, we can provide more targeted leads and referrals and design programs that better meet specific needs of each SP.

Benefits Realized by Solution Provider's

Exclusive Programs

Microsoft Solution Providers have exclusive access to a number of new and improved Microsoft programs designed to recognize their commitment to Microsoft by creating well-qualified leads and increasing sales. Current examples include the existing Windows 95 Preview Program, Microsoft Windows 95 and Office for Windows 95 Migration Specialist Programs, Business Source and the Solutions Server Program.

Partnership in a Powerful Community

The Microsoft Solution Provider program directly connects SPs with Microsoft and a worldwide community of industry colleagues. Working as partners can also help increase overall awareness of a brand name and clearly identify those SPs as organizations that offer a full range of services through this special relationship with Microsoft.

Access to Technology and Information

Special services and tools, such as the Solution Provider Information Network on MSN, The Microsoft Network*, make it easier for SPs to access Microsoft products, technology, and information. SPs can go on-line with Microsoft at any time to get answers to questions and to access sales and training tools.

Program Specific Benefits

• Solution Provider Member Benefits
• Solution Provider Partner Benefits

Program Requirements

As a Microsoft Solution Provider, you are required to meet specific certification requirements. The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program provides the best method to show your company’s command of current Microsoft products and technologies to potential customers. Leads and referrals are prioritized and distributed based on your certifications and expertise. For example, if you have a Microsoft Certified Product Specialist who passed an elective exam (i.e. Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows, Microsoft Excel 5.0 for Windows or Microsoft Project 4.0 for Windows), your firm will have priority in receiving leads from customers requesting those services and solutions.

Listed below are your certification options:

Solution Provider Member Requirements:

• 1 (one) Microsoft Certified Product Specialists on staff

Solution Provider Partner Requirements (either option):

• 2 (two) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers or Microsoft Certified Solution Developers
• 8 (eight) Areas of Specialization **

** Excel, Word and PowerPoint exams do not count toward Partner requirements.

Enrolling in the Solution Provider Program

To obtain an application to become a Microsoft Solution Provider -- in the U.S. and Canada, call Microsoft toll-free at: 1-800-SOLPROV (1-800-765-7768).

Outside the U.S. or Canada, please contact your local subsidiary. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can reach Microsoft text telephone (TT/TDD) services by calling 1-800-892-5234 in the United States or 1-905-568-9641 in Canada.