Microsoft is banking on its local partners to capitalise on the 2010 Soccer World Cup and other new business opportunities in the South African market.
"We can`t reach every part of the market on our own," conceded Pfungwa Serima, the newly-appointed MD of Microsoft SA, at the opening of the company`s Partner Summit 2006 at Sun City last week.
Serima said with partners accounting for 96% of revenue, Microsoft SA was committed to helping any partner company of any kind to extend its market reach.
"What`s good for our partners, is good for us," he said, confirming Microsoft`s increased pragmatism in adopting a more partner-centric approach to marketing and a more user-centric, browser agnostic approach to software development.
Downplaying delays in the release of the Windows Vista operating system, Serima encouraged partners to start preparing for the next generation of software.
"The delays are for the right reason: to ensure Vista will be an awesome product when it is finally released," he said.
Serima also encouraged partners to engage with each other to make the most of the market opportunities presented by a growing middle class and demand for IT-based services in the run up to 2010.
Soccer World Cup
The Soccer World Cup is expected to be the biggest-ever business opportunity to hit the country, SA-born soccer star Gary Bailey told the summit`s over 600 attendees from Africa, the US, Europe and Australia.
Citing examples from the past two soccer world cups, Bailey said the 2010 event could have a lasting impact on every company in the country.
IT companies in particular stood to benefit, but Bailey said time was running out for business planning with the world cup only 36 months away.
Members of Microsoft SA`s executive team highlighted opportunities presented by new product releases and business models such as software as a service, particularly in the small and medium business sector as well as the consumer market.
Innovation takes time
Closing the summit, enterprise and partner group director Hennie Loubser reiterated the importance of planning ahead for 2010. He cautioned that innovation could not be taken for granted.
"Innovation takes time; many of the products and services being introduced to the market now, have been under development since the mid-1990s," he said.
Showcasing Microsoft`s coming Photosynth 3D imaging technology and participation in the pay-as-you go PC joint initiative by several technology companies, Loubser assured partners of Microsoft`s continued investment in innovation, particularly in emerging economies.
"Microsoft SA is committed to supporting a local knowledge economy and local skills development as part of its vision for 2010 and beyond," he said.
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