One of the biggest issues partners have had is that Microsoft offers a lot of information that has historically been in multiple locations. We needed a place to bring all of the information in one location that could serve as a jumping off point for partners to get anywhere in the Microsoft eco-system, the new portal Partner Sales Resources (www.partnersalesresources.com) allows you to do just that.
This new portal walks you through the sales process (using the Enhance Your Process tab) at a high level and during each step in the process provides you suggested resources to align with that step. For example, during the Solution Phase you will find an area talking about various value tools you can use when meeting with a client.
You can also search for specific tools by customer segment, sales stage, Infrastructure Optimization model, product, or industry on the Get The Tools tab. If you find a specific search particularly helpful you are able to save it for later use as well as "shelve" it during your current session and perform other relevant searches.
For those of you either unfamiliar or new to the Infrastructure Optimization models; Application Platform Optimization, Business Process Infrastructure Optimization and Core Infrastructure Optimization (APO, BPIO, and Core IO) there is an Infrastructure Optimization tab that provides you guidance on what the model is, how to obtain readiness training as well as key resources for you to use when talking to clients about these models.
On the home page of the site you are shown several featured tools created by Microsoft to help you when working with your clients as well as videos from other partners talking about how they have been successful using many of the tools on the site. Of particular interest is the Gear Up Sales Tool Kit. This tool is a reference guide created by Microsoft in which you can find quick snippets of information about various product from Microsoft from customer promotions and software to the Zune. This tool is refreshed three times a year and can help you when prepping for a meeting.
The innovative user interface on the site is built using Microsoft's Silverlight as well as Microsoft Office SharePoint Server. It is intuitive and easy to navigate. Both the design and information on the site should keep you coming back time and time again.
Check it out when you have an opportunity. www.partnersalesresources.com