Why become a Microsoft partner?

I was playing an interesting game with a friend called "who is the real Microsoft partner" among registered Microsoft partners. But what, oh what, could these guys find in the Microsoft Partner Program if their primary (or secondary or tertiary) business is not software or hardware solutions? I'm sure they are all just looking for industry analyst reports… yeah, thats gotta be it! I did my little localized search for Orlando and found roughly 300+ partners, several dozen of them not even real companies. But those that are will just shock you. Please tell me what are these businesses doing in the Partner program?: bank, NBA team, health & environmental consulting services, title company, used car salesman, A/C repair shop, hotel chain, sport promoter and even a kid toy marketing firm. But don't take my word for it, take a look at these local businesses and guess why they are partners?

ORLANDO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION http://www.orlandofcu.org Orlando Magic NBA Basketball franchise. Orlando Magic, Ltd. OHC Environmental Engineering, Inc. http://www.ohcnet.com OHC is a leading Florida-based corporation dedicated to providing comprehensive Occupational Health and environmental Consulting services. Teri Isner Orlando Real Estate and Real Estate Investments in Central Florida ATTORNEYS TITLE INSURANCE Real Estate Title Insurance for Attorneys www.thefund.com best used auto parts we sale parts and buy cars Efficient Air Systems, Inc. http://www.easiac.com air conditioner installations Superior Group LLC Our company is a hotel/resort community with major growth between now and 2007. The Ewings Group Sports sponsorships and Event marketing Conculting World's Fair for Kids World's Fair for Kids in an entertainment/marketing company designed to generate interest in youth-oriented products

Judge for yourself what Microsoft is doing to its legitimate partners by allowing these organizations in the partner program. Is it fair to criticise Microsoft for apparent lack of filtering? Absolutely. They are the gatekeeper and doing a lousy job. But they are not the only guilty party here. Rest assured that businesses did not just wake up one day and try to find a cheaper way – they were guided into it by their computer guy. If you recommend action pack to your clients you are no better than a pirate.