Microsoft quizzes partners

Microsoft recently launched a contest for channel partners that puts an entertaining spin on the complex task of dealing with Microsoft's software licensing agreements, says Channel Web.

The Microsoft Licensing Quiz includes background training materials and guides partners through a series of multiple choice questions related to common misconceptions about Microsoft's volume licensing agreements and what they cover.

For example, one question states that all of Microsoft's volume licensing agreements cover Windows desktop upgrades only, and that an "underlying qualified full" Windows desktop licence must be in place before the customer can exercise the volume licensing agreement to upgrade the Windows licence.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) plans to cement its place as the mouthpiece for the UK channel in 2008, says vnunet.com.

The organisation, which recently claimed one in three resellers could fall victim to a potential skills shortage, has started an aggressive reseller recruitment drive.

Matthew Poyiadgi, EMEA VP at CompTIA, said VARs will be charged a flat fee of £99 per year to join CompTIA and stressed that the organisation needed reseller input to form its UK strategy.

Marathon Technologies Corporation has named 4D Security Solutions, Ageris and Providence Solutions its 2007 Global Partners of the Year, according to Marketwire.

The partners were recognised for their sales performance, commitment to developing availability expertise, and quality and support throughout Marathon's global reseller and customer base.

These resellers were selected from more than 190 Marathon partners worldwide.