Microsoft and CompUSA Launch Program to Expand Growth Opportunities for Small-Business Specialists

March 12, 2007; 06:43 AM

As part of an ongoing commitment to local small-business communities and the technology partners that serve them, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and CompUSA are working together to offer additional benefits for the Microsoft(R) Small Business Specialist Community through a unique referral program. Today the companies announced the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program, which directs small- business sales referrals from the retail space to the Small Business Specialist Community, helping to increase visibility in the market, strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue. People interested in participating can visit the Microsoft Partner Portal for Small Business Specialists at https://partner.microsoft.com/us/techpro to learn more.

The CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program connects small-business customers who visit CompUSA stores with qualified Small Business Specialists, technology partners that have demonstrated expertise in marketing, selling, planning and building technology solutions for small businesses. Through this program, Microsoft and CompUSA provide Small Business Specialists with additional resources and skills to further address the needs of small businesses and provide an extra level of customer service that differentiates them from competitors.

Cindy Bates, general manager for U.S. Small Business at Microsoft, said that the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program should be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. "Small businesses can be confident in the know-how and level of attention they'll receive from the local partner they're working with, while participating specialists will benefit from the strengthened customer relationships and business growth that comes from working with Microsoft and CompUSA," Bates said.

In addition to the competencies offered by Microsoft through involvement in the Small Business Specialist Community, participants in the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program will receive a variety of training resources designed to help them improve their business skills. Microsoft and CompUSA will work closely with participants to keep them informed of the latest promotions, help them meet business development goals, and provide prescreened business engagements based on the partner's size, skill level and area of expertise. Arguably the most important aspect will be an increased ability for the Small Business Specialist Community to continue to build valuable relationships with existing customers and to grow its pipeline through new, substantial business referrals provided by
CompUSA.

"With a 97 percent technology services satisfaction rating, CompUSA has a strong record of providing top-notch customer service," said Carin Falconer, vice president of technology services at CompUSA. "By collaborating with Microsoft, this program enables CompUSA to expand our small-business offerings and provide our customers with the most innovative solutions at competitive prices."

About CompUSA

CompUSA, Inc., a Dallas-based company, is one of the nation's leading retailers and business resellers of technology products and services. CompUSA currently operates 103 locations in 39 states across the nation and in Puerto Rico. In addition, CompUSA's Web site, http://www.compusa.com, offers an assortment of more than 80,000 items.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.