February 2006 - Posts
Learn how Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 can bring value to your customers as part of a robust financial management system. Discover how integration with familiar programs in the Microsoft Office System makes it easy to use and can save you valuable training time.
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Now your small business customers have access to robust financial management software that is easy to use because of its outstanding integration with familiar programs in the Microsoft Office System. The resources below will introduce you to Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 and can help you set the stage for future services such as installation, end-user training, network configuration for multi-user access, and custom solutions in Microsoft Excel, Access, and Windows SharePoint Services. |
This new software can also be a great addition to your own business. Gain valuable first-hand experience you can pass on to your customers while staying on top of your finances. Let Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 bring value to your business and help you provide greater value to your customers. |
Special Offers and Promotions:
Sales and Marketing Resources:
Training Resources:
Additional Resources:
http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003859
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Event Date:
3/2/2006
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Presenter:
Michael Moore of the Microsoft Partner Events Team
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Event Time:
11:00 AM Pacific, USA & Canada (DST) = GMT - 08:00
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Duration:
60 minutes
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Description:
MicrosoftPartnerEvents.com, a self-service, event planning and management portal, is a valuable resource available at no cost to members of the Microsoft Partner Program. The site is used by more than 4,600 partner organizations across the United States to facilitate events from classroom training sessions to traditional technology briefings. Primarily created as a tool to provide Web-based event registration, e-mail reminders and participant tracking, microsoftpartnerevents.com also provides a content library of more than 60 topics, and helpful articles with advice for partners on marketing their events, presenting event content and driving demand. We’ll show you how to get started on the site, tour you through the packaged seminar content, the web-based registration services, and the resource & readiness areas. After this webcast, you will walk away with the tools and knowledge necessary to jumpstart your next event. Don’t miss this jam-packed one hour session presented by Michael Moore, program manager for Microsoft Partner Events. Bring your questions and have them answered live!
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Organizations that own Lotus Domino or Novell NetWare have reached a fork in the road in the future of their collaboration platform. Attend a TS2 event to learn about competitive tools and resources that can help you help your customers migrate to Windows Server 2003.
TS2 – Competitive Tools and Resources Event Series
Does your organization have Lotus Domino and/or Novell migration expertise?
Today's organizations that own Lotus Domino or Novell Netware have reached a "fork in the road" in the future of their collaboration platform. According to the Radicati Group, "Only 21% of the Lotus Domino customers surveyed are planning to deploy IBM Workplace." For Novell Netware users their operating system is coming under intense pressure from Linux with Novell’s acquisition of SuSe! According to the Yankee Group based upon a survey of 100 Novell customers, "8 out of the 10 businesses are planning to migrate from Netware to Windows by 2006." The opportunity is here! Come join Microsoft as we present to you the competitive tools and resources that are available to assist your organization to take advantage of this current market opportunity!
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers expect from a mission-critical Windows Server operating system, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server product family to enable organizations to experience the benefits of Microsoft .NET—a set of software for connecting information, people, systems, and devices. Explore the features that make up each of the Windows Server 2003 family of products.
Attend the TS2 – Competitive Tools and Resources Event Series and have the chance to win one of five copies of Windows Server 2003
Featured Products
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Are you approaching your Microsoft Partner Program anniversary date? If so, this site has the essential information and resources you need to quickly and easily re-enroll in the program. You may re-enroll up to 90 days before your program anniversary date. |
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There are no requirements to re-enroll at the Registered Member level. Just complete the steps below.
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Step One: Log in to the Partner Membership Center to begin your re-enrollment. Step Two:Agree to the Microsoft Partner Program terms and conditions. Step Three:Complete, update, or verify your profile information. Re-enroll now |
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Industry trends and market opportunities.
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Business models: fees, costs, efforts, and profits.
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Consulting lifecycles.
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Guidance on getting started.
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Partner case studies and best practices.
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Pointers to valuable resources and tools.
To access the IDC white papers on this page, you must enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. Not a partner yet? Become a Registered Member for free in 15 minutes. |
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For a limited time, register a Peer for Free!
Sign up NOW for Small Business Specialist- Certification Prep Workshop and register a peer for FREE!
Simply register yourself and your guest, and then enter RSVP code: USPRSBSP2F1 and only pay for one registration fee. If you have already registered for the class, but wish to bring someone, log back in and add another registrant using the applicable RSVP code above.
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Find out how to take your business to the next level, and get FREE Microsoft software, by registering today for the Microsoft Small Business Summit. This online event features webcasts from industry experts on topics ranging from sales and marketing to financial management, productivity and mobility to computer security.
Log on to keynote presentations by Kevin Turner, Microsoft COO; Maxine Clark, founder of "Build a Bear" workshop, entrepreneurs and founders of StartupNation.com, Keith Ferrazzi, CEO of Ferazzi Greenlight and many more - and find out new ways to improve your bottom line and increase sales with Microsoft solutions.
Register today to get your FREE Microsoft software!
Rescue data with System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM), Microsoft's server software application that provides disk-based backup and recovery for IT professionals. Experience how DPM can provide rapid and reliable recovery as well as efficient and near-continuous protection, by downloading the 120-day trial software today.
Data Protection Manager Trial Software
Published: September 27, 2005
Order the Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2006 120-day trial software to preview the comprehensive data-protection solution that provides rapid and reliable data recovery for the file servers on your network.
Note: The DPM trial version expires 120 days after installation. After this period, you will need to upgrade to the retail product and purchase the required number of DPM licenses to continue using the product.
Download the Trial Software
Thank you for your interest in evaluating DPM. The 120-day trial version is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and Korean. Register to download the trial software or order a CD.
Evaluation Download
The download file is large—approximately 580 megabytes—so the download may take considerable time to complete. Microsoft recommends only those with broadband, ADSL, or other high-speed Internet connections attempt this download.
Order the Trial Software CD Kit
Complete the registration process and you will automatically receive the files on CD needed to install the product. The 120-day trial version is now available in English, French, and German. The CD Kit includes one Microsoft DPM 2006 CD.
There is no fee for the DPM trial software CDs; however, all orders are subject to shipping and handling charges. International orders may also be subject to import duties and taxes. If you want the CD Kit to be shipped to a location outside of the United States, you are considered the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the country/region in which you are receiving the shipment. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for the delivery of CD orders.
Important: DPM requires Windows Server 2003 (Standard or Enterprise Edition) or Windows Storage Server 2003 (Standard or Enterprise Edition) with both Service Pack 1 (SP1) and hotfix 891957 installed on the DPM server. These prerequisites are included in the trial software CD. The file servers can be running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Windows Storage Server 2003, or Microsoft Windows 2000 Server with SP4 and Windows 2000 Update Rollup Pack 1 installed. If you do not already have one of these operating systems, visit the Windows Server 2003 Trial Software page.
Get Help
Microsoft has established a public DPM newsgroup where you can discuss feedback and technical issues with other evaluators. Visit the Community page for instructions on how to access the DPM newsgroup.
Streamline your business operations with collaboration portals. The "Run Your Business on Microsoft Office System" partner solution can help you gain valuable expertise in SharePoint products and technologies. Learn more about configuration, customization, application development, and selling-related solutions.
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As a small- to medium-sized, growing Microsoft partner, you need business tools that can help your business run more efficiently—tools that can automate the way you keep track of billable hours, help you invoice more effectively, and even improve your operational infrastructure.
Microsoft understands the business challenges you face everyday. That's why we've created a simple way for you to run your business on the Microsoft® Office System. And when you do, you'll be equipped to better manage employees, clients, engagements, and projects. You'll also gain expertise in building valuable, collaborative solutions for your customers—helping to boost your bottom line. |
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You'll benefit from three levels of deployment of the solution:
- Level one: Learn to use out-of-the box features and functionalities provided by SharePoint Portal Server and Windows SharePoint Services.
- Level two: Enhance your portal through customization and integration of existing company web applications while developing your expertise.
- Level three: Realize the power of adding partner-centric applications by learning how to develop portal applications for your customers with SharePoint Products and Technologies.
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| *To receive these materials, you must be a Microsoft Gold, Certified, or Small Business Specialists Community Partner. | |
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In addition to providing the "Run Your Business on Microsoft Office System" solution, we're offering the documentation and implementation guides you'll need to implement this complete Microsoft Office System solution. And as a valued Microsoft partner, we're making it easy to get everything you need.
Designed for Microsoft Partners, this solution provides collaboration portals to streamline your business operations. Gain valuable expertise in SharePoint Products and Technologies, including configuration, customization, and application development.
Increase your expertise in the Microsoft Office System with Information Worker Solutions competency. |
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To help you sell similar solutions to your customers, we've created opportunity overviews designed to make the case for Microsoft Office System solutions. Documents are available for the following scenarios:
Engagement/Client Management
Information Aggregation and Access
Integration and Unification
Time and Expenses Management
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"Extreme Makeover" Customer Videos
See the positive impact of Microsoft's platform of integrated solutions on midsize companies in these technology makeover stories. These videos are hosted by actor Rob Corddry of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," a nightly television show on the U.S.-based cable channel Comedy Central.
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Schuck and Sons: Systems connected and ready for more growth
Schuck and Sons, a home construction and manufacturing company based in Glendale, Ariz., U.S.A., was experiencing a growth spurt. But it struggled to maintain that growth due to the need to manage ever-increasing amounts of critical data across unconnected systems. Working with Microsoft and an information-technology (IT) partner, Iteration 2, Schuck and Sons received a technology makeover based on a complete Microsoft platform of integrated applications. Now it's ready to grow even more.
  56k | 100k | 300k
Get Windows Media Player
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IT makeover makes Jack Wolfskin more customer-friendly
With a severe recession looming, this German outdoor equipment and apparel manufacturer needed to make significant improvements to the way it managed its key customer-centric processes. Led by its own in-house IT team, Jack Wolfskin implemented a powerful enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Microsoft Business Solutions–Navision, on a Microsoft platform. The company also implemented Windows SharePoint Services for its internal Web site and network. This addition allowed them to deliver customer, sales, and more key data directly to the desktops of individuals who need fast and easy access to specific information—all based on each person’s role. See how these IT improvements helped build customer satisfaction and keep the company growing, recession or not.
56k | 100k | 300k
Get Windows Media Player |
Post a Quality Solution, Qualify for Free Promotion
Solution Profiler is the starting point for partners who promote their solutions to Microsoft customers worldwide. We are extending the Solution Profiler contest, which provides where your company organization the chance could to be highlighted on the Microsoft Partner Program home page. Submit your profile between now and by February 28 to qualify.
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Solution Profiler Contest Extended Through February
Submit a solution description in Partner Solution Profiler and get a chance to spotlight your business in a partner success story.
Every month a solution will be chosen and highlighted on the Microsoft Partner Program home page and newsletter. This is your chance to be featured as a high-quality partner who delivers a high-quality solution for customers and partners worldwide. |
Winners will be chosen by a panel of three judges who are independently appointed by Microsoft. A Microsoft representative will contact you for the story. |
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Create a new solution in Partner Solution Profiler by February 28, 2006. It’s free, easy, and open to all Microsoft partner levels:
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Use the check boxes to accurately describe your solution.
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Enter as many solutions as you like.
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Include customer references to improve your chances of being featured.
Make sure your solution meets the following quality guidelines:
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Clear, concise, and meets a customer need.
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Clearly explains your area of expertise and the business problem your solution solves.
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Has a highly descriptive title and solution description.
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Has a clear call to action for the customer.
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You completed at least one successful implementation of that solution with a customer in the last six months.
Using the criteria above, winners will be chosen every month by a panel of three judges who are independently appointed by Microsoft. Microsoft reserves the right to remove any solution profiles that do not meet our standards for quality. Any profile that is found to include profanity, anti-Microsoft sentiment, or competitive product endorsement will be removed from the system. Microsoft performs regular audits of the submitted profiles, and in the event that your profile has been identified for removal, you will be contacted. |
Great Webcast on understanding the security Challenges of mobile devices. Definitely worth checking out.
As the use of mobile devices increases in the corporate environment, so does concern about the security of these devices and their impact on the network. In this month's Security360 webcast, host Mike Nash and industry experts examine the security concerns associated with mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smartphones. Learn about strategies and technologies that can help protect your company's infrastructure, both today and tomorrow. As with every Security360 webcast, we provide a checklist of recommendations and resources, and also a live question-and-answer session with Mike and his guests.
The next version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, Windows Vista, enables a new level of confidence in the PCs so you can lower IT costs and help your users get more of their PCs. Windows Vista introduces clear ways to organize and use information to help people focus on what's most important. It seamlessly connects your users and applications to the information, people, and devices they need to maximize results. It also reduces the complexity, time, and cost of desktop deployment. See all available training here…
http://www.msreadiness.com/windowsvista.asp
Windows Vista: Doing Deployment Right!
Get Hands-On with Windows Vista deployment tools, and learn all about the new opportunities to deliver high margin deployment, management and maintenance services to your customers. This one-day session is a combination of presentations that focus on growing services opportunities for partners, and a series of new hands-on technical exercises that highlight some of the compelling new design enhancements in Windows Vista. This course will concentrate on two of the key services opportunity areas for Windows Vista within your organization; planning and integration.
"Browser hijacking" is a common type of online attack in which hackers take control of your computer's Internet browser and change how and what it displays when you're surfing the Web. If you keep your computer updated with the latest security software and updates, and practice safe Internet browsing, you're already doing a lot to keep the hijackers away. But if your browser has already been "hijacked," there are several ways you can free it from the hackers and restore its settings
Helpful Related links:
How do I know if my browser has been hijacked?
Indicators include the following unusual behaviors:
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Home page or other settings have been changed on your computer, including the addition of links that point to Web sites that you'd normally avoid. |
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Inability to navigate to certain Web pages such as antispyware and other security software sites. |
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Appearance of cascading pop-up windows. A seemingly endless barrage of ads pop up on your screen. |
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New toolbars or Favorites have been installed, providing icons and links to Web pages that you don't want. |
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Sluggish computer operation. Malicious software can slow down your computer. |
Preventing browser hijacks
You can help keep your browser running normally with a few basic precautions:
Be very careful what you download and install onto your computer
A warning like the one in the following graphic will appear whenever you are about to download new software onto your computer. Consider this warning seriously. Disreputable online games and media services can attach spyware and other malicious software to the "free" software they require to use their services. Unless you are certain that a program or piece of software is completely trustworthy, do not download or install it on your computer. Further, if you see a pop-up window that asks for your permission to install software, click No unless you are absolutely sure you want this new software on your computer.
Download and install defensive software
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Install automatic updates. If you use Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you can have security updates installed automatically on your computer. If you want to do this manually, visit Microsoft Update and install any service packs and updates for Windows, including Windows SP2. |
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Be sure you're using the latest version of your Internet browser. If you use Internet Explorer, be sure you have the latest version of the software, and download and install any additional security updates. |
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Use up-to-date antivirus and antispyware software. Set them to run automatically. Many browser hijacking attempts come attached to viruses or spyware. |
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Keep an anti-hijack toolkit handy. An anti-hijack toolkit should consist of programs such as Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) (English only) and Spybot, that can help you recover control of your browser and system if your browser is hijacked. Additionally, reputable antivirus programs can detect and help remove some hijacking programs, which can be considered Trojan horse viruses. |
Adjust your browser security settings
Adjust your browser security settings
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On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Security. |
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Click the Internet icon, click the Custom Level button, and then, in the Reset to box, select Medium. |
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Click the Reset button. |
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Click OK. |
Restoring a hijacked browser
The following six tips can help restore your browser's settings:
1 - Stop cascading pop-up windows
If a seemingly endless number of pop-up windows appear on your screen, you'll probably want to stop the deluge first. To do this in Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 while using Internet Explorer:
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Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, click Task Manager, and then click the Processes tab. |
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Click IEXPLORE.EXE, and then click the End Process button. |
This closes all instances of Internet Explorer. Then you can re-open the program to continue browsing as usual. To help prevent future attacks, you should also have a pop-up blocker turned on. To turn on the pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer:
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On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Privacy tab. |
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In the Pop-up Blocker box, select the Block pop-ups check box. Click OK. |
If you still experience the other effects of a hijacked Web browser, try the following:
2 - Install preventive software such as the kinds mentioned in the preceding Preventing browser hijacks section. Many browser hijacking programs can be identified and removed by downloading, installing, and running these programs.
3 - Run the malicious software removal tool. This can catch some, but not all, kinds of hijacking software.
4 - Manually restore your settings. If you're using Internet Explorer and your home page has been changed, you can often reset it yourself.
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On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the General tab. |
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In the Home Page box, type the desired Web address into the Address bar, or click the Use Default button to restore the manufacturer's original setting. |
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Click OK. |
5 - Removing unwanted programs with the Add/Remove feature
If you're ready to try some advanced removal methods, the Microsoft Help and Support article Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software provides additional steps you can take, including how to use the Add/Remove feature, the built-in program remover, and the program finder in Windows Explorer.
6 - Empty the Recycle Bin when you've finished these steps, especially if you've removed an unwanted program. Then restart your computer.
As a valued member of the Microsoft® Partner Program, you are entitled to receive a wealth of partner-focused communications that can help you optimize your technology, expand your customer base, and reach your full business potential.
We respect your time, so this isn't one-size-fits-all information. Rather, we give you the power to choose the areas of interest that impact your business the most. In just a few minutes, you can easily update your preferences for partner-focused communications and choose to receive:
- Sales and marketing opportunities for increased business and revenue
- Invitations to Microsoft Partner events and briefings
- Support updates and non-critical security alerts
- Customer referrals, technical information, and more
To review and select the categories of business-relevant resources in which you are interested, follow these steps:
1) Go to https://partners.microsoft.com/partnerprogram/default.aspx and sign in to
the Microsoft Partner Program website with the .NET Passport used to enroll in the
Partner Program
2) Click on "Administration" and "Manage Your Individual Profile" on the right-hand side
of the gray bar on the page, or, if you are in "Your Individual Account Page,"
choose "Edit Profile" from the middle of the page
3) Scroll down to "Your Communication Options"
4) Select your contact preferences for the five areas:
- Technical Information
- Sales & Marketing Resources
- Non Critical Security Information
- Events/Promotional Offers
- Information from other Microsoft Partners about their products, services, and events
5) At the bottom of the page, click the checkbox and then select the "Update" button
to save your changes
We encourage you to take advantage of the free resources available to you. Remember, these resources are available exclusively to Microsoft Partners. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your success.
Sincerely,
The U.S. Partner Program Team