If you like the Microsoft ecosystem, an MSDN subscription can be a really idea because it gives you a lot of software licenses for the money.
As a marketing channel I'd be skeptical of a partner program. If you've got a contract that has some kind of exclusivity or otherwise gives you a special edge, that's worth something, but being in a program that thousands of other organizations are in just makes you a face in the crowd.
A partner program might be helpful if you've already got something to distinguish yourselves from competitors, but until then I'd avoid it.
As a marketing channel I'd be skeptical of a partner program. If you've got a contract that has some kind of exclusivity or otherwise gives you a special edge, that's worth something, but being in a program that thousands of other organizations are in just makes you a face in the crowd.
A partner program might be helpful if you've already got something to distinguish yourselves from competitors, but until then I'd avoid it.