MUMBAI
SEPTEMBER 28, 2006

Microsoft Corporation India announced that it is running a host of programs to prepare, enable and take feedback from the partner community for the 2007 Microsoft Office System launch.

It has already touched over 1000 partners across India under these programs. The programs include initiatives like, ISV Touch Down and Ascend Program, Breadth Partner Readiness Program, System Integrator Solutions Series, Partner Readiness Program, Partner Capacity Planning and Building for Office 2007. 2007 Microsoft Office System represents Microsoft's next generation platform for business computing needs and is designed to help businesses manage the huge influx of information and accelerate the effectiveness and impact of their people.

Microsoft has made significant investments in developing the local software ecosystem, the company works closely with the developer, ISV (Independent Software Vendor) and SI (System Integrator) communities, providing them with the skills and know-how required to truly compete in the global market and enable them to deliver on the Microsoft platform. The multiple partner eco system programs include integrated solutions vendor touchdown and ascend program, system integrator partner solutions series, partner readiness program, and partner capacity planning and building.

Commenting on these programs, Sundar N Balasubramanian, Director - Information Worker Business Group, Microsoft India, said, “Microsoft is committed to build, support and enable it's rich partner eco system to deliver on its forthcoming innovative platform 2007 Microsoft Office System. This platform will give an opportunity to system integrator partners to develop vertical specific solutions. So far we have received an overwhelming response form the partner community for these programs. The Beta 2 version of Microsoft Office System has been the most popular beta version of Office to date with over 3 million downloads worldwide. In India over 300,000 Beta 2 CDs have been accessed so far. We believe that these initiatives will go a long way in helping our customers adopt the next generation of Microsoft Office products and our partners will play a critical role in this adoption.”

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