Lagos — In a bid to partner and support local IT companies, Microsoft Nigeria has launched a System Builders Club (SBC) in the country. The club would afford members the advantage of being exposed to online and hands-on technical and sales training facilities and receive latest information on product development.

Microsoft System Builders Partner Account Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, who addressed the audience at the launch in Lagos last week, said members would also become part of a worldwide network of Microsoft partner organisations. By joining also, members gain access to key resources.

Uduoise disclosed that Microsoft conceived the club as a way to help strengthen local brands in the market and give them a competitive base with other global brands.

System Builders are primarily small, local businesses with local customers. The club is a relationship management scheme that aims at establishing a firm bond with the breadth channel, driven by a continuous, rolling reward mechanic. It enables members receive training and resources that help them differentiate their businesses, create new sales and growth opportunities, and strengthen their customer relationships.

The club is designed to function as a framework to assist system builders grow their business, and grow in their commitment to selling genuine Microsoft software and training that help strengthen customer relationships, extend market reach and reduce operational cost.

Uduoise further explained that the club would ensure that system builders maximise their potentials, adding that the club has been functioning in places like Kenya, South Africa and other African countries. ìThe club helps members strengthen their relationship with Microsoft which will affect their bottom-line and expand their influence beyond Nigeria,î he said

Microsoft License Compliance Manager, Mr John Okereke, who spoke on Microsoftís efforts in ensuring strict software compliance in Nigeria, disclosed that the initiative forms part of Microsoft genuine software drive, and that partnerships have already been struck with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Computer and Allied Products Distribution Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) .

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Balogtek Computers and President of Computer and Allied Products Distributors Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), Mr Tunji Balogun, who chaired the occasion, said the club is a way to celebrate the ICT industry, which given its size and influence, plays a key role in building the Nigerian economy

The event was graced by many dignitaries, including Mr Ganiyu Alimi, Managing Director of Gafunk Nigeria Limited, Nwafor-Ezelue Patrick, Managing Director of Dostronics Computers Limited, Will Anyaegbunam, Managing Director of Beta Computers Limited, David Aigbokhai and Amolegbe Ibrahim, the CEOs of Dabmoz Nigeria Limited and Ibro Systems Limited respectively.