Microsoft and Vanstar Corp. Announce Nationwide Distribution, Installation, and Support for Windows NT Server and BackOffice Products

Microsoft and Vanstar Corp., a leading multivendor technology services company, have announced a significant milestone agreement to provide corporate customers with distribution, installation, and support for the Microsoft Windows NT Server network operating system and other Microsoft BackOffice products on a nationwide basis. This agreement represents the broadest commitment to date from a national technology service provider or reseller to support Microsoft BackOffice. Under the agreement, Vanstar will hire and train a nationwide force of over 400 systems engineers to implement networks and applications based on Microsoft BackOffice, an integrated set of software products designed to help customers improve productivity and streamline business processes.

Key Takeaways:

• The agreement between Microsoft and Vanstar Corp. represents the broadest commitment to date from a national technology service provider or reseller to support Microsoft BackOffice.
• Vanstar will hire and train over 400 systems engineers to implement networks and applications based on Microsoft BackOffice.
• The new relationship entails a significant investment of resources by both companies, with Vanstar estimating at least $18 million in developing its new service and support capability.
• Microsoft will dedicate resources to facilitate knowledge transfer between the two companies and to speed the training process needed to develop Vanstar's technical field force.
• Vanstar will support all Microsoft BackOffice products, including Windows NT Server version 3.5, Microsoft SQL Server version 6.1a, and Microsoft SNA Server version 2.1.
• The agreement will significantly strengthen the ability of both Vanstar and Microsoft to meet customer demand for the widespread, cost-effective deployment of advanced computing solutions.
• Vanstar will also support expected customer migrations to the Microsoft Windows 95 operating system.

Statistics:

• Vanstar estimates investing at least $18 million in developing its new service and support capability.
• Vanstar will hire and train more than 400 systems engineers to implement networks and applications based on Microsoft BackOffice.
• The first 120 Microsoft Certified System Engineers are expected to be trained and in the field by July 30, 1995.
• Network-related revenues at Vanstar increased more than 85 percent in calendar year 1994 alone.

Sources:

• Vanstar Corp.
• Microsoft Corp.
• Press release dated March 20, 1995
• Quote from Steve Ballmer, Executive Vice President of Sales and Support at Microsoft
• Quote from Jay Amato, President of Vanstar North America