The MSDA Web site is designed to be best viewed in a resolution of 800x600 or greater, but is still functional at 640x480. We minimized the size of the pages so that download times over a 28.8kbs modem would be tolerable. Also, we test the site using Internet Explorer versions 3.1 and higher as well as Netscape Navigator versions 3.0 and higher.

As with virtually every Web site ever created, this one is in a continual state of improvement. We'd love to hear from you on how we can make it more useful to you. You can send us feedback & let us know how we're doing by clicking on the "Send Us Feedback" button at the bottom of every page.

Getting Around This Web Site
We strive to make the most important and popular resources the easiest to access. You'll notice what we call a table of contents (TOC) at the left side of every page. The items in this area remain the same, no matter which section you are viewing. You'll notice a second box on the right-hand side of most pages that contains links to resources that are relevant to the particular product or resource being discussed.

There are several areas where you may be asked to provide profile information. This is to ensure that we are delivering the right information to the right type of users. You should only have to provide this information once, since it gets stored in a "cookie" file on your computer. We understand the importance of keeping your information confidential. If you would like more information on our confidentiality policy, click here.

If you ever get lost, you can either "Go Home" by using the button in the top left corner of every page. This will take you back to the home page. From there, you can use the graphical site map.

If you find something that you think would be useful to someone else (or you just want to impress someone), there is a "Send to a Friend" button at the bottom of every page. Clicking on it will bring up a box that enables you to include the recipient's e-mail address, your comments, and a link to the page.

Got something on your mind? There are two ways to sound off. You can visit the Microsoft Direct Access discussion newsgroups and participate in lively discussions in a variety of forums, including one we call IMHO (in my humble opinion). Another way to send us feedback is to use the "Send Us Feedback" button that appears on every page. Clicking on it will launch your default e-mail program, with msdatalk@microsoft.com automatically inserted in the "To:" line.

You'll notice some special symbols from time to time. The most common one is the button, which tells you that you are leaving the Microsoft Direct Access Web site, and going to a different site on microsoft.com. You should be able to use the "Back" button (or arrow) on your browser to return to the MSDA site.

About the Microsoft Direct Access Program: What's in it for YOU?

How do I get product information? How do I stay in touch with Microsoft? What Microsoft events can I attend? Where do I go for technical support? How do I gain access to Microsoft resources? What is the meaning of life?

These are among the questions that we at Microsoft have received from independent technology providers over the last several years (OK, maybe not the meaning of life one). So, we established programs to support organizations like yours, that we refer to collectively as "the channel." Today, there are lots of channel programs at Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP), Microsoft SiteBuilder Network (SBN), Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN), among others. Microsoft Direct Access (MSDA) is the technology provider's gateway to support, tools, and business opportunities from Microsoft. If your organization is interested in scaling technical expertise and business capacity, MCSP and other membership programs may be for you as well.

Microsoft Direct Access is free, it's huge and it's all here for you. It's a comprehensive, non-membership program that gives independent technology providers of any size the opportunity to take advantage of the latest technologies and make the most of your market. It gives you a direct way to engage with Microsoft actively and easily.

Microsoft Direct Access offers free online technical support, local Quarterly Briefing events, a weekly newsletter, a six-pack of training options, technical training, Action Packs and Technical Toolkits with Not For Resale versions of the software you need. With such a broad range of products, services, and support, you can mix and match the elements that work best for you-when you need them. We're here to show you that working with Microsoft will pay off with new opportunities for you to grow your business, your revenue, and your knowledge.

Here's how we do it: