Microsoft is adding a Small Business Competency as one of the specializations in which members of the Microsoft Partner Network can qualify for silver or gold levels in a knowledge area. The definition of small business is quite liberal as Microsoft described the opportunity as including the “worldwide addressable software market for small and midsize businesses.”

ConnectWise has created a website at www.growmyitbusiness.com for IT service providers, VARs, ISVs and managed service providers. The site provides what the company has trademarked as “Stuff You Need to Succeed in IT” which includes best practices, tools and expert advice for effective business strategy.

The change of pricing and brand by Sage North America has taken attention away from another major element of this week’s announcement. And that is the rules of engagement in dealing with customers. This includes how leads are handled.

This was started with one of those “whatever happened to” questions. The "whatever" was the plan by Jeff Lynn, former COO of Tectura, who wanted aggregate some companies in the Dynamics space. However, after three years as CEO and managing partner of Dynamics Ventures, a vehicle for accomplishing that, Lynn moved on in December when he joined Tribridge as director of business integration.