Bangkok--14 Aug--Hill & Knowlton Thailand Microsoft (Thailand) Limited continues efforts for its Microsoft Partner Program, which aims to strengthen the capabilities of all partners through comprehensive Microsoft support and activities, as well as to encourage more partners to enjoy the benefits of becoming a fully certified Microsoft partner. In line with this goal, Microsoft has also announced plans for a ‘Partner Executive Kick Off Event’, where the hard work of partners who have achieved outstanding results will be officially recognized during a ‘Microsoft Partner Award 2008’ ceremony on the 26th August, 2008. Speaking on the decision, Patama Chantaruck, Managing Director, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited said, “Microsoft has always chosen to work extremely closely with its partners since we know that they make up a key element of our business. However, we are now determined to build more partner success stories by going beyond simply providing support. We want to actively help Microsoft partners grow their businesses by best matching the needs of their customers with the right Microsoft solutions. In fact, we strongly believe that it is by transferring technology and skills to our partners like this that we will be able to achieve real successes for the overall software ecosystem in Thailand.” “Microsoft (Thailand) is already working with more than 2,000 partners throughout the country and each partner offers its own expertise for presenting diversified solutions. On top of this, Microsoft’s own solutions can be adjusted to fit every size of business so the opportunities are endless. The Microsoft Partner Program has been organized to recognize this unique relationship and maintain long-term relations with all partners by better assisting them to develop their potential. In particular, we want to highlight the benefits of working with Microsoft as a Certified Partner, which brings fabulous opportunities including access to the latest innovations, greater profits, reduced costs and more opportunities to really bring out the best of their business for the benefit of their customers.” “Microsoft today is striving to position itself not simply as a company that provides OS platforms and software, but instead as a friendly partner that offers flexible IT solutions that can make a real difference when it comes to reducing cost, enhancing performance and efficiency due to innovative technology and successful worldwide partner cooperation,” added Patama Chantaruck. During the ‘Partner Executive Kick Off’ event on the 26th August 2008, awards will be presented to partners in the following nine categories: Microsoft Infrastructure Solutions Partner of the Year, Microsoft Security Solutions Partner of the Year, Microsoft Custom Development & Software Package Solution Partner of the Year, Microsoft office System Solution Partner of the Year, Microsoft Training Center of the Year, Microsoft Licensing Advisor of the Year, Microsoft Dynamics (ERP & CRM) Partner of the Year, Microsoft OEM Partner of the Year, Microsoft Distribution Partner of the Year. By searching for and announcing the best partners of the year, it is hoped that the event will ultimately raise awareness amongst the public about the real potential of IT solutions today and how, with Microsoft as their official supporter, these partners are positioning themselves as market leaders in their own right. Sittichai Tuntisangaroon, Partner Strategy & Program Manager, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited added, “Microsoft has a long history of arranging activities for its partners. For example, last year we organized ‘Microsoft Solution Summit 2007’ as a platform for partners to exchange ideas and strengthen their relationships. With more than 700 key decision-makers and IT executives from various organizations invited to attend, it was also an important stage to present their expert solutions to customers. Our marketing activities for the Microsoft Partner Program and 2008 Microsoft Partner Awards will emulate this by broadening business channels for our partners and helping them to find new solutions for improving their businesses. As such, we are confident that these activities will bring about a win-win situation for both Microsoft and its partners.” Those interested in joining the Microsoft Partner Program can contact the Microsoft Partner Program Call Center on 02 685 1322 (free) and pressing 3 for Thai language. For further information, please contact: Suphada Chaiwong Hill & Knowlton Thailand Tel: 0-2627 3501 ext 209 Fax: 0-2627-3510 Email: [email protected]