The time has come, it's finally here
our Great Partner Conference where you lend an ear
To address our concerns, our thoughts of all kinds
and then you ramble on, on what crosses your mind

I have to admit this year has been great
I've talked with some partners and they can relate
while the market before was stuck in a rut
this past fiscal year we're all kickin' butt

But while Microsoft continues to do some things right
A few minor issues remain in plain sight
There's always room for improvement, they say
If I put it to rhyme in your mind it will stay

Our support incidents first took their great dive
When we went from 200 way down to five
While we used to call Fargo and get help right away
Now I call Redmond for a 4-hour delay

"And what product" they ask, "do I need support on?"
"Dexterity" I say -- and then I hear a dead calm.
"It's a Microsoft product!" I try to explain
and you hear their mouths curl with a little disdain

"I give up!" I just say -- "Just give me Great Plains"
"I'm tired of playing this repetitive game"
If you'd let me call Fargo direct for support
I'd get so much more done in a time that's more short
Then four hours later when I've almost lost hope,
When the message finally makes it to Fargo, by boat
The helpful technician who's a Wiz at Great Plains
Just cannot help me and then tries to explain
their skills are limited - and I should listen with clarity
"Next time you need help you should specify Dexterity"

Then next issue I raise - As ISV's it hacks us
You seem to think there's only a vertical axis
Your systems are designed with pigeon holes
where ISVs can serve in only one role
There's a huge number of us who are horizontal
But you want us to specialize it things like "periodontal"
My point is just this - Microsoft must resort
To give horizontals their complete support

And this year at the Expo -- I just want to share
That you should take note of the vendors NOT there
If we had a conference that was more like Stampede
You'd have more sponsors like Rockton, indeed
But mixing in Microsoft Classic I tell you
with MBS - it's a mess -- and lacks business value

But when all my concerns are put in perspective
MBS has driven a most clear objective
I am blessed to take part in the MBS realm,
And still thrilled to see, you, Doug, at the helm.