Microsoft this week invited its industry partners to suggest topics they’d like to hear CEO Steve Ballmer cover during his speech next month at the company’s WorldWide Partner Conference. At least, the request was directed to the company’s partners.
But it was made in a public post with open comments, and a post by the Seattle Times this morning linking to the request has brought in a different audience that has led to, well, a decidedly different direction in the comment thread.
Before: “Will Windows Phone 7 be available in such a way that VAR/LAR partners can easily re-sell it as part of our traditional model such as Open Value, Select, EA etc? Especially after Mango, it will tie into Sharepoint, Lync etc so well that it would be great for MS, partners & customers.”
After: “I’m concerned about you screwing up Skype.”
Before: “How Microsoft are going to enable their Partners to sell the Microsoft Cloud packages in a Resale model rather than an Introducer model. This will enable them to bundle them with other Cloud offerings (whether Microsoft or Third party) so they can offer a true end-to-end solution to their clients.”
After: “When will you be stepping down? We need a new CEO.”
Before: “Many partners are frustrated with operational changes that have a material impact to our business… from reduction of agency fees for LARs, to the new SIP program which has landed half-baked to unclear value of our investments for numious competency programs. Please explain how senior management are working to communicate and fully vet out programs before they land and better understand the needs of ALL partners. Keep in mind, you are NOT the only game in town.”
After: “I’m interested in Microsoft and your personal philanthropic activities pertaining to the Greater Seattle area. Can you please transform Key Arena into the Windows Media Center where Microsoft products can be showcased as well as being home for champion NBA and NHL teams?”
Hey, at least we Seattleites care about the important stuff!
Ballmer speaks at the event July 11, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Despite the venue, it’s probably safe to assume that the NBA won’t be on the agenda.
