OEM sales are vital to Microsoft, representing a third of corporate revenue. Microsoft has licensing agreements with virtually all major PC Original Equipment Manufacturers, including Compaq, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sony, and Toshiba.

OEM sales professionals play a unique role within the technology industry by managing these proprietary partnership arrangements. This calls for skilled negotiations with senior executives, setting standards, getting results, and managing complex projects. It also involves working closely with the Microsoft product group in developing customized technology.

OEM sales professionals are competitive industry veterans; positions here can be a dynamic career move for industry players. Ideal candidates have extensive OEM experience at the business-decision-making level.