THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE SBS "DIVA"

I've been involved in helping a CPA based IT credential to get off the ground and have seen it struggle with it's focus. 

So hearing that Microsoft is planning to realign it's Partner Network around competencies was not a surprise.  I heard from various blog posts that there would be a Mid market compentency.  Makes sense.  That there would be a Small Business compentency.  Makes sense. 

But ..... then I read these posts....

http://blogs.technet.com/uksbsc/archive/2009/07/14/wpc09-announces-that-the-microsoft-partner-programme-is-evolving.aspx

So, how is the Small Business Specialist Community designation affected by the new Microsoft Partner Network?

The Small Business Specialist Community designation will be reassigned to a new competency called Small Business Solutions.  Key enhancements include providing additional entry points to target other types of partner communities such as Web VARs.  With that, the new competency will retain many of the same requirements and benefits that partners are familiar with today - and partners should continue to enrol in the Small Business Specialist Community designation to maintain program status and benefits.

the Small Business Solutions competency is for partners who focus on supplying a range of base technology solutions to small business customers. Partners should be experienced in working with customers who value a local service that can meet their specific IT needs.

When will the changes take effect?

These changes are not scheduled to take effect until May 2010 and Microsoft will aim to advise and support you through the transition process.

Will the Small Business Specialist Community Logo change?

Yes, Microsoft Corporate have taken the decision to change both the name and logo when all Microsoft Partner Network competencies are rolled out (May 2010).

You should continue to use the logos you have today. You’ll be able to use Microsoft Partner Network logos after October 2010, after you have met the requirements. Existing logos will be retired six months after the new logo system is available.

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And some interesting thoughts from here:

http://www.bmsnet.co.uk/blog/?p=227

http://www.bmsnet.co.uk/blog/?p=228

"The concern over the disappearance of the “blue badge” was raised and it seemed to come as a surprise to Birger that it would cause concern for partners. I do get the impression that in some countries the SBSC designation has not taken off in the community sense like it has in the UK. Birger talked about the possibility of incorporating some kind of SBSC logo in to the new Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and would take that information back to Redmond."

You have got to be kidding.  You guys taking a page out of "shoot ourselves in the foot" AICPA again?  You have a brand.  One that people are proud of, and you are going to throw it away?  Before you rolled this out did you even talk to anyone?  Run it by anyone in the SBSC?  You have a Partner Lead group, did you get their feedback? 

It's a brand and a logo that people have stuck on shirts and cars.  Don't throw it away without listening to your partner network.