Microsoft plans to launch SAM partner program by August 2003

Microsoft Corporation India will unveil Software Asset

Management (SAM) program for business partners by August this year. The new

program aims at raising awareness of the benefits of sound asset management to

businesses and how to avoid the legal and financial risks of pirated software.

Through this initiative, the company plans to empower

its channel partners to grow their business beyond the packaged services of

annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) and facilities management.

"We plan to appoint VARs and business partners to

play the role of software asset managers in the country," said Microsoft

Corporation India Manager - Business Development Punit Vanvaria. Currently,

Microsoft has around 30 partners registered under this program.

Microsoft is looking at SAM as the next growth

opportunity for partners. Starting July 2003, it also plans to organize a series

of licensing seminars to educate the channel on SAM. It has built tools that

help partners to audit and monitor the software applications in any

organization.

"Through this, partners can help companies build a

software code of conduct for themselves," said Vanvaria. Microsoft has also

launched a SAM partner guide, which helps partners identify business

opportunities and provides essential information about licensing agreements that

partners may need. "Microsoft is committed towards creating a responsible

PC community of distributors and resellers who supply genuine products and who

invest in providing good support and value to the users," added Vanvaria.

Channel partners agree that Microsoft's SAM initiative

to help curb software piracy and to educate channel on the use of genuine

software is a good move.

Sunila Paul


(CNS)