Microsoft - Business Development
Virtual Sales Ltd was invited by Microsoft Corporation to run a project devised by the US product teams responsible for FrontPage, AutoRoute, MapPoint and Publisher.
VSL was retained to represent the product teams and their products in the UK, France and Germany. The role was to act as a conduit to feed information into the local Microsoft subsidiaries and take information on the competitive landscape, serving this back to help devise future product strategy.
Action - VSL's Activities
VSL are responsible for block and tackle marketing activities and PR to drive incremental revenue in the UK, France and Germany through Mail Order, Retail and
e-tailers in each of the respective geographies.
We are looking beyond the traditional channel partners and are encouraged to continuously think outside the box and look for different ways to highlight our product set.
The role encompasses sales, marketing and product marketing and complements Microsoft's existing channel strategy.
We employ Business Development Managers with language skills and local market knowledge to enable us to interface at local level in France and Germany. This has resulted in achieving quicker results for the client.
Results - VSL Delivers
VSL have achieved significant coverage in the press and reseller marketing vehicles for these products. AutoRoute, Publisher and FrontPage are also now being promoted online through MSN.
Acting as the US product team's eyes and ears on the ground, VSL give valuable feedback through regular conference calls and email communications; thus enabling easier key decision making even though we are in different time zones.
