This IDC Insight reviews key findings from an focus group conducted on July 9, 2007, on the topic of partner-to-partner networks. This independent focus group (hosted and directed by IDC) was held at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference with 13 members of the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners. The specific objective of this focus group was to explore issues surrounding the business impact of P2P relationships. In particular, we wanted to better understand:

• The business conditions that are appropriate for a P2P relationship (i.e., what conditions tend to trigger a successful relationship)
• The costs and benefits (both tangible and intangible) associated with developing and maintaining a P2P relationship
• The industry resources and investments that are of greatest value to support this activity