It has been a pleasure working with all the partners across the USA for the past couple of years. Today is my last post as a TS2 Partner Solutions Advisor as I have accepted a position as the Group Manager in charge of the Connections Small Business Team. Great working with all of you!!!
Don
Microsoft, CompUSA To Pass Opportunities To Small-Biz Partners
By Scott Campbell, CRN
5:29 PM EDT Mon. Mar. 12, 2007
Microsoft has struck a deal with CompUSA to offer the services of Microsoft's Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) to CompUSA's small-business customers.
CompUSA will now refer clients that need additional services or support outside its expertise to the 3,750 Microsoft SBSC partners in the United States. The SBSC partners must first register as a CompUSA TechPro Business Provider.
Microsoft SBSC partners will complement CompUSA's current TechPro Business Providers program, according to a CompUSA spokeswoman. Specific arrangements will depend on the local market and the specific opportunity but could include installing NAS, VPN or other IT solutions, she said.
CompUSA and MIcrosoft could not estimate the potential revenue opportunity for SBSC partners but said the services leads would be generated through CompUSA's remaining 103 stores in 39 states, as well as online and telemarketing sales from CompUSA, according to a Microsoft spokeswoman.
The computer product retailer recently announced it was closing 126 stores in the next 45 to 60 days. Those stores will not be part of the program, the CompUSA spokeswoman said.
Gregory Geodakyan, managing partner at SoftNet Technology, an Iselin, N.J.-based solution provider, has partnered with CompUSA on services for about six years. He said the formalization of a partner program will benefit all involved.
"It's about time. This is a good market. Until this point, it's been up to us to shake the business out of their business services guys for the leads. Now with the formalization of the program and with Microsoft throwing some might behind it, it will raise the profile of the program," Geodakyan said.
In the past, a typical opportunity with CompUSA might have involved resolving a server or an application issue for a current customer or helping a new customer set up an office, he said.
Some of the CompUSA locations that SoftNet counts as partners are closing, but Geodakyan said he expects the relationship to continue unabated.
"They're still leaving the business groups pretty much intact. We may even do some joint office situations with them," he said.
The retail deal is the first of its kind for Microsoft's SBSC partners, but the Redmond, Wash., software giant is looking at other partnerships, too, the Microsoft spokeswoman said.
"Microsoft has been actively seeking out opportunities in the retail channel to further enhance our SMB customers. More than 60 percent of technology purchases from small business is through the retail channel. It's a good area to work with to get more attention and more effective use from our Small Business Specialist community," she said.
CompUSA tested the program with a number of Microsoft Small Business Specialists, according to the CompUSA spokeswoman. The SBSC partners will be identified as such to the end user, she said.
CompUSA plans to market the program in the store and through external advertising, the spokeswoman added.
It isn't the first time that CompUSA has teamed with a developer. Last June, the retailer announced a deal to push NetSuite's hosted ERP service into small businesses.
Well, if you were at one of our Partner TS@ launch events, you saw this in the Vista demonstration. You can find the demo gadget here... http://wpf.netfx3.com/files/folders/applications/entry6608.aspx
Beginning in 2007, daylight saving time (DST) will be extended in the United States. DST will start on March 11, 2007, which is three weeks earlier than usual, and it will end on November 4, 2007, which is one week later than usual. This results in a new DST period that is four weeks longer than in previous years. Unless certain updates are applied to your computer, the time zone settings for your computer's system clock may be incorrect during this four-week period. In particular, you must make sure that both your Windows operating system and your calendar programs are updated.
Do I have to update my computer?
Home users: If you use Windows Vista or have Automatic Updates turned on, you may not be affected by the change in daylight saving time. If you want to confirm, follow the steps in the Daylight Saving Time Update Guide below.
IT professionals and IT managers:The Daylight Saving Time Update Guide below will quickly lead you to KB articles and downloads for the products you specify in the guide.
Find more information here.
The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment solution accelerator is an inventory, assessment, and reporting tool that will find and determine if computers on a network are ready to run the Windows Vista operating system.
The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment is a tool that will find computers on a network and perform a detailed inventory of the computers using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). Through use of the detailed inventory data, the tool will assess and report whether the computers can run Windows Vista, where to find drivers for devices on the computers, and provide recommendations for hardware upgrades, where appropriate.
The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool does not require the deployment of agent software on the computers being inventoried and assessed. It provides a secure, quick, and easy way to determine which computers, in a networked environment, are Windows Vista ready.
You can find it here.
Make the DRT work for you.
Now you can create your own Demo Readiness Toolkit (DRT) on the latest release of Windows Vista. Using the Windows Vista Demo Setup Guide, downloadable content, and demo scripts, you can customize a demo that uniquely features your product with the Windows Vista™ operating system. You can also set up and exhibit demos right on your own machine, eliminating the need for a dedicated demo PC.
Take the DRT into your own hands. Simply follow these four steps to set up a demo account and gain access to all the available DRT tools. Also, be sure to check this page for future updates.
Step 1.
Before getting started, learn what it takes to create your own DRT. Download and review the Windows Vista Demo Setup Guide.
Step 2.
Gain access to the latest tools for DRT development. Download the zip file, which contains
-
Sample documents
-
Demo files
-
Sample applications
-
Management shortcuts
Step 3.
Need a little direction on how to set up your demo? Download a demo script.
(Consumer and Business demo scripts are available.)
Step 4.
Showcase your solutions with Windows Vista through your new demo account.
Links to check out:
Attend this partner exclusive webcast designed to help you prepare both you and your customers for the US Government-mandated change to Daylight Saving Time (DST). This webcast will provide an overview of the Microsoft products affected, updates to apply prior to the DST change, and resources available to assist with your questions.
Language(s):
English
Audience(s):
Partner
Duration:
90 Minutes
Start Date:
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Register today!
The TS2 Insider
Published exclusively for the attendee’s of Microsoft TS2 events
Issue FY07Q3 Updated January 15th, 2007
The Launch of 2007 Office, Windows Vista, Exchange 2007, plus much, much more is upon us! I find it very exciting and just a bit intimidating. As a former partner, I understand how confusing working with Microsoft can be. My goal is to clear a path and offer you quality content regarding our current products, where those products are going in the future, and help direct you toward key resources that I feel will benefit your business the most. This newsletter offers you a summary of those resources and gives you some suggested plans to get you started. Any feedback you can offer to improve these events in the future is greatly appreciated.
Your potential, our passion
General Resources
Get TS2 slides and register for future events:
www.ts2seminars.com
Partner membership, benefits, and re‑enrollment questions:
1-800-765-7768 or
mspp-na@microsoft.com
Presales & Partner Support:
1-800-426-9400
Pre-Sales Technical Support:
1-800-Microsoft (642-7676)
Enter Advertisement Code: 2211
Talk to a TPTS Engineer
Use TS2 Promo code: 4774
Business Critical Phone Support:
https://partner.microsoft.com/
global/40010469
Competitive Sales Assistance:
1-800-426-9400 x88827
partner.microsoft.com/us/win
Free Virus Removal Support:
1-866-PC-SAFETY
Have your customers verify their Windows software is genuine and gain access to free software:
www.microsoft.com/genuine
Licensing Configurator, Sales Toolkit, & Sales Support Center
www.ms-gearup.com
I Need Education
Become a registered partner:
www.microsoft.com/partners
Keep abreast of security issues:
www.microsoft.com/security
Subscribe to the Partner and Security Newsletters:
https://profile.microsoft.com
Subscribe to the Action Pack:
https://partners.microsoft.com/
actionpack
Attend two free partner webinars every month:
www.msreadiness.com
Find out about other Microsoft events in your area:
www.microsoft.com/events
Attend one free Technet webinar every month:
www.microsoft.com/technet/
community/webcasts/
default.mspx
Engage the customer community via local user groups:
www.microsoft.com/mindshare
Talk to peers via SBS user groups:
http://usa.culminis.com/
Join ASCII or CompTIA to network with business peers:
www.ascii.com
www.comptia.org
I Want More Business
Host a seminar w/Microsoft’s help:
www.microsoftpartnerevents.com
Join the Small Business Specialist Community:
partner.microsoft.com/40021525
Stay on top of sales promotions:
www.microsoftincentives.com
Explore financing options:
www.microsoftfinancing.com
2007 Office system resources:
http://www.microsoft.com/office
Try the 2007 Office system:
http://us1.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx
Windows Vista Demo Ready Toolkit:
www.windowsvista.com/partner
Windows Vista Application Compatability Toolkit:
http://www.microsoft.com/
technet/prodtechnol/windows/
appcompatibility/default.mspx
Business Desktop Deployment:
http://www.microsoft.com/
desktopdeployment
Solution Accelerator for BDD:
http://www.microsoft.com/
technet/desktopdeployment/
bdd/2007/default.mspx
Partnering with CA or Citrix:
http://ca.com/channel/smb
Derek.Cheung@citrix.com
Check Out the Latest Microsoft Business and Technology Assessment Toolkit
The new and refreshed toolkit (previously the Small Business Assessment Toolkit) can help you uncover opportunities across the Microsoft stack. New features include:
- Easy installation and self-updating features.
- New assessments that allow deeper evaluation of customers’ server, mobile, and desktop needs and help identify solutions using technologies based not only on Windows Small Business Server, but also on, Windows Mobile, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Windows Vista.
- A customizable question bank that allows you to tailor assessments to your customers’ specific scenario or to the your own business model.
- A Windows-based platform that’s compatible with both Microsoft Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Assess and Win Free for Resale copy of SBS 2003 R2!
And while you’re using the toolkit, you can also get a free copy of Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition (a US$599 value). Just use the toolkit to conduct business assessments with your customers and submit five assessments and complete a survey to qualify. And if you’re a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, you can [aanalb] also enter to win a Windows Mobile 5.0 Handheld Device as part of this offer.
Learn more at: https://partner.microsoft.com/assesssmbneeds
Complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot Coverage when using Windows Vista
T-Mobile and Microsoft Windows Vista are pleased to offer you a complimentary trial of T-Mobile HotSpot wireless broadband Internet service.
As a special thank you for purchasing or upgrading to the new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, we are pleased to enhance your mobile life by providing a complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot trial. Your trial account will provide T-Mobile HotSpot wireless broadband Internet service at no charge when you access the network on your mobile PC powered by Windows Vista. Complimentary service ends April 30, 2007, so sign up now!
Stay connected. Even on the go. T-Mobile HotSpot lets you stay connected to what matters most in your life. With more than 7,000 convenient HotSpot locations across the country, you can share photos, watch streaming video, download music, IM, and access your e-mail at blazing fast broadband speeds.
Signup details at https://selfcare.hotspot.t-mobile.com/accountcreate/VistaSignUps.do?promoCode=MSWV17
Get More Action Out of Your Action Pack – Launch 2007
Event Date:
2/12/2007
Presenter:
Tram Nguyen
Event Time:
11:00 AM Pacific, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT - 08:00
Duration:
90 minutes
Course Level:
100
Description:
Kick off an exciting launch year with us by attending this special edition Launch 2007 webcast for Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers. Highlights for this quarter include overviews of the highly anticipated Windows Vista and Office 2007 System, with key tips on how to sell into small business. Plus, learn more about the new Small Business Technology Assessment Toolkit and special offers available to partners.
New to Action Pack? The Microsoft Action Pack Subscription features sales tools and internal-use software licenses designed to empower you to run your business more efficiently, train and educate your staff, and engage your customers with software demonstrations. More information at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/actionpack
Have specific questions? Please contact maps-na@microsoft.com
Work by Microsoft's R&D group played a part in revamping Windows, a researcher said Friday, but not all the toil made it into Vista.
Microsoft Research contributed to the SuperFetch effort, a feature within Vista that predicts which applications are used when, then pre-loads them so that they're instantly available. "As part of a long term set of projects, we want to teach the computer to learn from users to make the machine more proactive," says Eric Horvitz, a principal researcher with Microsoft's R&D as well as the president-elect of the American Association for Artificial Intelligence. "We want to use the system's idle time to make things punchier."
Horvitz and his colleagues developed the core algorithms that make up the predictive part of SuperFetch, the technology that plays Nostradamus for the operating system. Their work, says Horvitz, was able to predict which applications users would open by time of day and also by day of the week.
Convincing the Vista OS developers to take their word for it -- and their work -- was tougher. "They're cheapskates," says Horvitz. "They're cheap in giving up memory and processor cycles. And they were dubious. So we ran the predictions against real workloads from customers to show that we were [making] good predictions."
Microsoft Research obtained real-world desktop workloads from the company's "Customer Love" program, where hundreds of volunteers worldwide let Microsoft grab information from their systems on usability and usage patterns.
According to Horvitz, SuperFetch can accurately predict up to the next three applications that the user is likely to launch at any given time.
Pre-fetching applications to speed up access -- or at least boost the perceived speed of a PC -- is nothing new, acknowledged Horvitz, but SuperFetch is a first for Windows. "Most of those [earlier pre-fetch solutions] are focused on low-level decisions. What's happening here [with SuperFetch] is at the level of user modeling. It's learning about sequences of actions in a context-sensitive way."
Some work done by Horvitz and others in his group, however, didn't make it into Vista. Something he calls "presence forecasting," for instance, predicts when a user will step away from the computer and for how long, then uses that time for background chores, like disk clean-up chores or virus scanning, which would otherwise degrade the PC's performance.
"It knows when it's safe to clean up," says Horvitz, "and when you'll be back. It knows that there's a 90% probability that you'll be gone an hour, for example."
While the forecasting didn't get into Vista -- "It was a timing issue," says Horvitz -- R&D has released it as a separate component within Microsoft. In the future, it may show up in other applications, such as Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare, its consumer security suite.
Long-range, says Horvitz, he'd like to extend SuperFetch-like predicting to actions within individual applications. "In Outlook, when users read a message, they're likely to go forward [to the next] or back or open the message. The broader notion is that there are patterns within application usage we can take advantage of. We can predict what people are probably going to click on next."
Dubbed "continual computation," the concept dives into the application stack to speed up those clicks, or actions, by pre-fetching, say, that next message or loading it into memory so it's instantly available for opening.
"Most processors are idle at any one time," says Horvitz. "We want to take all this idle time and bend it to speed things up. Think of it as like balancing a portfolio over time. The goal is to make lesser-powered machines seem more powerful. To bend time and space."
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