Microsoft launched the program today at its Inspire partner event. The Mixed Reality Partner Program is a broad effort to increase the adoption of mixed reality devices. It will incorporate several of Microsoft’s existing smaller schemes, including its work with 30 digital agencies under the HoloLens Agency Readiness Partner Program.
Microsoft said the change has been necessitated as a consequence of the growing global reach of HoloLens. The innovative device is now available for developers to purchase in regions across the world.
Mixed reality itself is only just getting established though. Companies, content producers and developers trying out HoloLens for the first time don’t have many examples to turn to. Microsoft wants to use the new program to give companies a starting point when they’re looking at mixed reality. It will work directly with the agencies producing mixed reality content to help newcomers get established.
“We’ve learned that successful mixed reality solutions are built on great experiences – and those experiences require both a creative design component and a strong competency in application and infrastructure integration and deployment,” said Microsoft. “Today, we are excited to announce that due to growing demand from partners and customers, we have created the Mixed Reality Partner Program, which expands the agency readiness program to welcome systems integrators (SIs) and digital agencies around the world.”
Microsoft said that companies and organisations including Boeing, Cirque du Soleil, Lowe’s and Real Madrid have already designed mixed reality experiences under the HoloLens Agency Readiness scheme. The expanded program is intended to offer similar digital transformations to more interested companies. Experienced agencies will be able to provide their insights into producing 3D and mixed reality content to customers worldwide.
Members of the Mixed Reality Partner Program will receive training on how to extend their “design competencies” to include mixed reality experiences. Microsoft said that industries ranging from construction to healthcare are assessing how HoloLens can benefit them. The company’s partners will be responsible for answering these questions and delivering some of the first commercial mixed reality solutions.
The program is available for entry now. Interested agencies will have to complete a “multi-week readiness program” before they’re accepted. They’ll then be eligible to access benefits including direct mentorship from Microsoft and assistance in sales and marketing. Current members of previous HoloLens partner schemes will be given a fast-track option so they can “immediately” engage with the program.
