Microsoft support for the ISV community

Rob and I broke out to cover a couple of different sessions. Rob went to a developer session, I went to a session involving how Microsoft is working with software vendors to help them build products for the platform. there wasa lot of good discussion on how customers can get connected to vendors to create a strong environment for growth. Here are some high points:

• Over 350 TPC applications currently deployed
• Over 850 registered ISV’s with either released or in process applications
• Microsoft is supporting ISV’s through:
• ISV Alliance Program
• Premier Partners
• TabletPCPartners.com
• Marketing materials:
• Code Focus Magazine - Issue specific to Tablet PC dev, lots of great articles
• Ads running in a number of magazines to drive traffic to ISV’s and get more info on Tablet dev
• Case Studies - Success stories and promoting good innovative efforts in Tablet PC space
• Tablet PC ISV sales portal - Handango now supports a Tablet PC specific area for ISV’s to sell product
• Professional marketing materials - New sales tools that celebrate tablet successes. Includes print DVD, and video materials to be used to promote products
• Events - Industry trade shows
• Match funds - $15,000 in match funds available for approved marketing plans