MINNEAPOLIS — July 9, 2005 Microsoft announces enhancements to its Partner Program to help 
partners extend market reach, increase operational efficiency and realize maximum business 
potential. 

At the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2005, Microsoft Corp. unveiled the next evolution
of the Microsoft® Partner Program, the cornerstone of engagement for Microsoft’s worldwide 
network of business partners, to enhance the vital link between the company’s industry-leading 
platform and its partners and to create a strategic advantage by which partners can better serve
customers worldwide. Building on the momentum of the program’s launch in 2003, Microsoft will 
introduce four new Microsoft Solution Competencies later this year and has announced a new 
competency-like designation that is immediately available for partners specializing in small 
business.

The program will provide simplified membership management for partners, expansion of support 
and training resources, and enhancements to online tools and infrastructure to help reduce 
partners’ cost of doing business and increase their market reach and profitability. 

“Microsoft takes a truly collaborative approach to working with partners,” said Allison Watson, 
vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft. “The strategic 
evolution of the Microsoft Partner Program is a reflection of our commitment to working closely 
with our industry partners to build and refine a world-class program for the sole purpose of 
helping them meet and exceed their business objectives. Microsoft’s success and the success of 
its partners are one and the same.” 

About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Source: http://www.i-newswire.com1