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Challenge
The Microsoft Partner Program Web site, serves as the primary support vehicle for thousands of Microsoft partners, responsible for millions of dollars in revenue worldwide. Partners access everything from sales and marketing tools, technical support information, training programs and security updates via the site and many rely on these resources to keep their businesses running. With over a million users a month, it is imperative the site feature timely, accurate and relevant information. With this in mind, Microsoft wanted to develop a partner portal, that would serve as a knowledge management platform, making program resources, tools, training and opportunities easy for partners to find, access and leverage.
Solution
Microsoft initially approached Allyis to provide a team to manage site publishing and eventually was asked to provide a managed team to oversee all content management and publishing for the site as well, freeing Microsoft employees on the team to focus on their core business. When Microsoft decided to launch a complete redesign of the site in 1996, they again looked to Allyis to manage the migration to the new site. After working with stakeholders to define business objectives and requirements, Allyis engaged a team of project managers, analysts, technical publishers and developers to develop the new site, while continuing day-to-day oversight of the existing site. For the past 12 years, Allyis has provided a dedicated team to oversee the daily and strategic content management needs of the site, which has become and indispensable part of Microsoft's channel infrastructure.
While originally developing the site, a respect and trust between Allyis and the Microsoft team was established, and a relationship between the organizations was born. Since this work, Allyis has partnered with the same team on many projects, including the development of a custom Content Management System, the integration of WebTrends, and the implementation of Windows Live Passport authentication.
Key Benefits
Improved Information Dissemination & Discovery: The site provides a platform for the Microsoft team to communicate with and distribute information to thousands of partners worldwide. It also offers a central, integrated location for partners to easily access the information they need to leverage their Microsoft relationship and grow their business.
Streamlined Operations & Increased Efficiencies: The development of a content management system which supports over 40 countries and 27 languages and allowed international subsidiaries to publish localized content significantly improved operational efficiencies and condensed publishing timelines.
Partnership vs. Vendor Relationship: The depth and breadth of Allyis' relationship with the Microsoft group has lead to an inherent understanding, within Allyis, of the business issues, concerns and challenges faced by the group. This understanding has allowed Allyis to operate as a true partner to the Microsoft group, serving as a valued arm of their team, providing business continuity and offering invaluable insight and support to the group.
Quotes
"Every day the Allyis team shows their passion for serving Microsoft partners. Many partners told me this was the best WPC ever, and with your help we took it far beyond its physical borders. Allyis really pulled through with dedication and quality in a short period of time."
- Marie Huwe, General Manager, Microsoft
Technologies Used
Visual Studio Team System 2008
ASP.net 2.0
SQL Server 2005
Windows Server 2003
IIS 6.0
Windows Live ID (Passport) | 
