Partner Library – a new addition to the existing partner portal website - is designed to provide relevant and topical information on how our partners can use the resources of the Microsoft Partner Programme to support their business.

These articles are not designed to be fluffy exercises in marketing rhetoric, but an honest and analytical approach to the challenges and opportunities faced by Microsoft partners, the positive impact that partnership has on thousands of UK business, the new technologies coming from Microsoft and also a look at areas where Microsoft is focusing its efforts to improve the partner experience.

A few articles looked up in the Partner Library today include....

• Commentary on 2007 Study* by IT analyst firm IDC shows that the IT industry - and, specifically, Microsoft's vast partner community - plays a key role in driving local economies in 82 countries around the world. This study analyses the economic impact of the partner community - including job creation and employment, taxes generated and technological investments in the country.
• Article by-lined by Gordon Fraser (Managing Director UK Microsoft) discusses how Microsoft can support our partners in these current difficult market situations.
• YouGov research, supported by Microsoft, shows the biggest issue faced by growing companies in UK is a lack of access to finance - money that is essential to increase office space or headcount, develop new products and services or invest in new technologies to drive competitive advantage. A customer case study featured demonstrates some recommendations.

Browse through the Partner Library and let us know your thoughts.

*IDC Global Economic Impact, 2007, "The Economic Impact of IT, Software and the Microsoft Ecosystem on the Global Economy" ( 2007 IDC)