Globalising Microsoft NZ

It has been an interesting few weeks. And this could be a long post. My longest yet.

I have been engaged in a review of our various business activities. This includes the relationships we have with our major technology partner, Microsoft.

One of the benefits of working in the global village is that we have different relationships with Microsoft. This includes accreditation with Microsoft NZ, Microsoft UK and Microsoft India. These relationships enables us to compare Partner performance and Partner return.

At the outset, let me state the following. We enjoy what I believe is a very strong and ongoing relationship with Microsoft Inc. We value this relationship and have an enormous respect for the Microsoft people we work with. As a Partner, Microsoft has progressed leaps and bounds in recent years. Their increased focus on, and support for, their third party developer platform has been a win-win for both sides of the relationship.

So why do I feel that Microsoft developers based in New Zealand are disadvantaged to their peers in say, the UK?

It has nothing to do with the passion of Microsoft NZ's own people. I know several and admire their commitment. No. This has everything to do with Microsoft NZ's own structure, orientation and resources.

I believe Microsoft NZ operates as a closed-border silo. The focus is on internal countrywide product sales and support for developers in the local market. When questioned, Microsoft NZ will say it is keen for its developer partners to engage globally. It simply does not have the programs or the matching resources however, to support this focus.

By comparison, Microsoft UK has a number of excellent programs available to assist its Development Partners grow their business globally. These include 'Partners for the Future', 'Cross Border' and the new Startup Accelerator Scheme. Why are such programs not made available to NZ-based Microsoft Developer Partners?

They are extremely valuable. I should know. Through our association with Microsoft UK, we are actively engaged in pursuing the benefits that these programs offer. They will provide us with long term access to the global Microsoft developer market and enable us to build up our own Knowledge Resource as we share and experience cross-border engagement. It is a win-win proposition.

Given New Zealand's geographic location, the need for this level of support is perhaps even greater that most other Microsoft centric-regions. There is an amazing cluster of Microsoft partners in New Zealand who are creating ground-breaking, innovative applications and platforms. They not only deserve improved access to the Microsoft global family. I believe they deserve it.

Microsoft NZ is currently recruiting a new Managing Director. One of the first tasks the successful candidate should address is the support provided to its Developer Platform to engage in this global market. That is not an option. It is a must.