Microsoft Expands Small-Business Alliance With Best Buy

Relationship makes it easy for small-business customers to get the technology that is right for their business.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — March 14, 2006 — With its first Small Business Summit under way, Microsoft Corp. today announced an expanded alliance with leading retailer Best Buy that will make it easier for small-business customers to connect with Best Buy For Business specialists who understand their unique technology and business needs. The relationship will help customers quickly and easily find solutions and one-on-one advice about which Microsoft® technology is right for their business. In addition, Microsoft announced that Best Buy has achieved Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, making the company the only national retailer to do so.
“The expanded relationship with Best Buy is the latest in our continued efforts to forge and expand partnerships that are critical to the success of small businesses,” said Cindy Bates, general manager for U.S. Small Business at Microsoft. “We’re deeply passionate about listening and acting on the feedback we receive from our partners and customers. In this vein, our focus remains on designing technology that works the way small businesses do while fostering a great experience for customers who work with expert partners suited to their needs. Our collaboration with Best Buy helps make this real for our customers today.”
Best Buy For Business combines bricks-and-mortar Best Buy stores with direct reseller channels to bring great selection and knowledgeable staff to help small-business owners easily incorporate technology into their businesses and their lives.
“We are pleased to bring our leadership in technology solutions to small-business owners,” said Tom Healy, executive vice president of Best Buy For Business. “This expanded relationship with Microsoft will give small-business owners greater access to technology solutions designed to enhance their productivity and make their lives easier. The attainment of Gold Certified status is a testament to the expertise of the business technology consultants at Best Buy stores across the country. The Gold Certified Partner program provides tools and training to help us better support customers locally across our store network.”
Microsoft Point of Sale on Shelves at Best Buy
In a related move, Microsoft also announced today that Microsoft Point of Sale, an application for small retailers, is now available on store shelves at 115 Best Buy For Business outlets nationwide. These stores carry both the standalone software and a Casio touch-optimized hardware package pre-loaded with Microsoft Point of Sale ready for installation. Best Buy is also offering multiple levels of Geek Squad service to support customers during and after installation.
Designed to replace a cash register, Microsoft Point of Sale is an easy-to-use, affordable application that enables small retailers to track and manage sales, inventory and customer information. More information on the availability of Microsoft Point of Sale through Best Buy can be found at http://www.bestbuybusiness.com/pos.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Best Buy and Geek Squad are trademarks of Best Buy Enterprise Services Inc.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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