Microsoft Adds Benefits for Windows Phone Partners, New Mobility Competency Announced
Andy Lees, president of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Division, unveiled a range of new benefits and opportunities for members of the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). The unveiling came at the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC).
Lees announced an exclusive discount program that makes it easier for MPN members worldwide to obtain and experience Windows Phone. The new discount program, which begins immediately, is available to all MPN members with at least one Microsoft competency.
Lees also unveiled a new MPN app for all Mobility Competency partners that enables them to easily access exclusive technical and sales content for Windows Phone while on the go.
As a specific benefit to Mobility Competency partners, Lees announced a special MPN logo, available today, that partners may use to distinguish their apps from others in the Windows Phone Marketplace and App Hub.
Lees also announced that the next round of MPN updates in the fall will include a new way for partners that build mobile apps to attain the Mobility Competency certification by developing an app that meets specific business criteria.
For another view of the partner news shared about Windows Phone during WPC 2011, view the Windows Phone Mobility Partners video of Microsoft Partners discussing the opportunities for building Windows Phone applications and solutions.
Windows Phone ‘Mango’
Lees highlighted a number of new features coming to the next version of Windows Phone, code-named “Mango,” that build upon the unique design of Windows Phone and deliver integrated experiences with the company’s massive business user base of more than 750 million Microsoft Office users, 150 million Exchange users and 100 million licensed SharePoint users.
As the only phone to offer Microsoft Office Mobile and Outlook Mobile built-in, the next version of Windows Phone, available later this year, will enable greater productivity by allowing businesses to extend their IT infrastructure and utilize Microsoft cloud-based services such as Office 365 while increasing opportunities for partners around the globe, Lees said.
Getting Started with Windows Phone
Download the new beta Windows Phone SDK here.
Free assistance with your Phone application is available through Microsoft Platform Ready.
Bruce D. KyleISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation
