Microsoft Channel Partners Embrace Pinpoint Service
Talk about a quiet revolution. More than 24,000 of Microsoft' U.S. channel partners have embraced Pinpoint -- a new locator service (still in beta) that helps customers find Microsoft solutions providers. Now, the Pinpoint partner search and rating service is spreading across Europe. Here's the scoop from The VAR Guy.
June 23, 2009
Talk about a quiet revolution. More than 24,000 of Microsoft’ U.S. channel partners have embraced Pinpoint — a new locator service (still in beta) that helps customers find Microsoft solutions providers. Now, the Pinpoint partner search and rating service is spreading across Europe. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.
According to Microsoft’s official Pinpoint pitch:
“Pinpoint is a technology marketplace that helps customers easily find the experts, products, and services they need. In the process, the site also supports the ongoing business success of Microsoft vendor companies.”
As of May 27, Pinpoint’s US database contained more than 24,000 solutions providers. Microsoft has extended Pinpoint to cover multiple countries — including a June 14 launch in the United Kingdom that has attracted 1,400 partners and several hundred IT solutions, according to a Tweet from Microsoft.
Looking Back … And Forward
Of course, Microsoft already has a solution finder and partner finder tool. But over time, it sounds like Pinpoint will become Microsoft’s de facto partner locator service. The software giant says:
“Pinpoint and Partner Solution Finder/Partner Marketplace will likely co-exist for a period of time to ensure that customers have a clear and consistent customer experience.”
The VAR Guy spent about 20 minutes testing Pinpoint, and he found dozens of Microsoft solutions providers within 25 miles of our resident blogger’s New York empire, er, home office.
The VAR Guy will seek more info about Pinpoint during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 this July in New Orleans.
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