Microsoft Appoints Robert Cioffi for US & International Advisory Boards

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 17, 2009 -
Robert Cioffi, co-founder and Director of Technology of Progressive Computing Inc was recently selected by Microsoft as a member of its exclusive U.S. Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) Advisory Board. One partner from each of the ten Microsoft US geographic regions were tapped for this unique opportunity. Robert Cioffi is representing the NY/NJ Metropolitan sales region – the largest in terms of revenue. The period of this appointment is for Microsoft’s Fiscal Year 2010 which begins July 1, 2009.

The Microsoft U.S. SBSC Advisory Board members will provide Microsoft with real-life experiences and ground-level intelligence about issues faced by their fellow Small Business Specialist partners. They will also provide critical feedback to help shape upcoming sales and marketing programs currently being developed by Microsoft.

Eileen DeVito, Microsoft’s Local Engagement Business Development Manager for NY Metro Area, stated that the US SBSC program managers were looking for "passionate Microsoft partners that have successfully demonstrated experience and participation in the Microsoft partner ecosystem, and who are actively engaged in local Microsoft partner communities". Eileen continued to say, "When I heard the profile, I immediately thought of Progressive Computing and their Director of Technology, Robert Cioffi".

On the same day, Robert was tapped once more by Microsoft as a member for its exclusive Worldwide Small and Mid-sized Business (SMB) Partner Area Lead (PAL) Committee. Three Microsoft partners from the United States were selected to join this international committee of approximately 18 partners from around the world. This second pretigious honor is also for Microsoft’s Fiscal Year 2010.

The mission for each PAL is to foster “community” in his or her geographic area among fellow Microsoft Small Business Specialists. PALs are to engage other partners through community events, blogs, discussion groups and individual contact. PALs will have unprecedented exposure to Microsoft program managers and will communicate special offers or opportunities available to members of the “value-added” Small Business Specialist designation. Finally, PALs will solicit Partner feedback on how Microsoft can better support this community.