August 2007 - Posts
Take a look around and get inspired!
Today we face big global challenges. Education, healthcare and environmental issues top the list, yet also present opportunities to positively impact the lives of millions of people and our planet.
Microsoft is proud to showcase software leaders from around the world who have tackled many of today’s global problems with inspiring results. Read, see, and hear about ISVs creating world-changing solutions in healthcare, education, clean technology, and manufacturing. Watch this showcase, as we’ll be adding more ISV solutions regularly.
http://www.microsoft.com/isv/Showcase.aspx
PLAY TO WIN
Save up to $55,000 when you purchase between one and ten Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Open licenses with Software Assurance from a Microsoft Partner.
You and Microsoft: A Winning Combination for Data Management
You capture more business data than ever before. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 provides a winning solution for data management integrated with business intelligence. Now, you can save up to $55,000 when you purchase SQL Server 2005 Open licenses and Client Access licenses with Software Assurance* from the Microsoft Partner of your choice between August 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008.
Plan the Next Move
By taking advantage of this offer now, you will automatically receive an upgrade to SQL Server 2008 at no additional cost when it is released. Locking in the next release of SQL Server at today’s prices is a smart move!
Play Strategically; Reap the Rewards
SQL Server 2005 gives you a comprehensive business intelligence platform today that helps your employees turn insight into action and make better decisions faster. Plus, due to increased integration with Microsoft Office, SQL Server 2008 will add new, more powerful business intelligence capabilities that brings valuable data even closer to every user. With this offer’s Software Assurance component, you will not only receive the enhanced capabilities of the new version but also rest assured your investment is secure for the long term.
Starting now, you will have a chance to win up to $55,000 by giving customers up to $5,500 back for each SQL Server 2005 license with Software Assurance they purchase. This is a great opportunity for customers to secure SQL Server 2005 at today's prices with access to the new SQL Server 2008 release at no additional charge. An on-demand webcast is also available with more information on this and other compelling offers now in market.
Here is the link: https://www.microsoftincentives.com/sqlpromo/
More Easily Show Effective Unified Communications
Help customers visualize your Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 solutions at work, streamlining business communications. Lively, professional videos support your case for unified communications throughout the organization. Energize your discussions to help win sales.
When your customers buy Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007, Office Professional Plus 2007, or Office Small Business 2007, they’ll get up to $150 in partner subsidy dollars for each qualifying open license they purchase. With a maximum of 200 licenses per customer, this could mean up to $30,000 of additional revenue for your business. The offer is valid from August 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008.
Here is the link for more info! https://partner.microsoft.com/us/40045162
Check out the following resources:
A $10,000 Marketing Makeover Could Be Yours
A small investment of your time. A huge investment in your company. Tell us how you successfully used a Microsoft Ready-to-Go Campaign between November 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, and you could win strategic consulting and services from one of three prominent marketing consulting firms. Get the details today.
Would your organization benefit from a “Marketing Makeover”? Here’s your opportunity to win strategic consulting and services provided by your choice of one of three prominent marketing consulting firms: Airfoil, Blue Rain Marketing, or The TranSynergy Group. To enter, simply take a few minutes of your time to tell us how you successfully used a Microsoft Ready-to-Go Campaign between November 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007. Judges will select three winning Partner organizations. Win the Grand Prize valued at $10,000 (2nd place at $5,000 and 3rd place at $3,000) and you can get help generating trade show leads, launching a PR campaign, or increasing awareness with In-Theatre ads and sponsored search results! You decide what’s best for your organization.
Key Benefits
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Prize values up to$10,000 (USD). Win packages of strategic marketing consulting and services valued at: $10,000 Grand Prize, $5,000 First Prize, and $3,000 Second Prize.
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Strategic marketing services provided by leading marketing consultants. Choose from one of three technology marketing industry leaders: Airfoil Public Relations, Blue Rain Marketing, or The TranSynergy Group. Use your prize to refresh your brand, launch a PR campaign, generate trade show leads, increase awareness with in-theater ads, and more.
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Increase your company’s visibility. Winning organizations will be announced in the MSPP newsletter with a circulation of more than 420,000 in the U.S. This level of visibility alone makes using Ready-to-Go Campaigns well worth the modest investment of time.
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Excellent chance of winning. Entries will be judged on criteria such as measurable objectives and message clarity. This is why, as our most strategic partners, your submissions are most likely to take home a prize!
Tell Us Your Story Now
Start a Ready-to-Go Campaign
Official Contest Rules
Thinking about becoming a Small Business Specialist? Or are you an existing member who wants to add more branch locations to the Small Business Specialist Community? Use these resources to help you prepare for the exam requirement. For more information about the Small Business Specialist program, please call 888-298-6303 or email us.
Use the training resources below to help you successfully complete the sales and marketing assessment and one of the three technical exams required for membership in the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community.
Sales and Marketing Assessment
Technical Exam 70-282
Technical Exam 70-631
Technical Exam 74-134
Sales and Marketing Assessment
Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment
You will be tested on how well you understand the dynamics and dependencies of the small business market, as well as the value to small business of several software solutions, including Windows XP Professional, Office 2003, Windows Small Business Server. You will also be tested on the Microsoft Genuine Windows Advantage program and the appropriate software licensing programs for the small business market. Note: you must turn off your pop-up blocker in order to take this assessment.
Prepare for this assessment using the following courses:
Selling Microsoft Solutions to Small Businesses
This online tutorial introduces you to the keys for successfully selling to small business. Note: Microsoft Partner University logon is required.
Technical Exam 70-282
Exam 70-282 (Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for Small and Medium-Sized Business)
Exam 70-282 is designed for IT professionals that have at least one year of experience designing, deploying, and managing network solutions using Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows Server System. Visit the Microsoft Learning website to identify resources to help you prepare.
Prepare for this exam using the following courses:
Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for the Small and Medium-sized Business (Course 2395)
Attend this three-day course to learn how to select, deploy, and manage a Microsoft networking solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
Designing, Deploying and Managing a Network Solution for the Small and Medium-sized Business (Course 2395 Online Tutorial)
This tutorial is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and maintain a network solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
Small Business Specialist Technical Exam 70-282 with R2 content and Practice Questions
This 4-week, 12-part series covers the 70-282 Exam, Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business. This exam is a key component in acquiring the Small Business Specialist Certification. Special attention will be paid to the new features and functionality of Small Business Server 2003 R2. This is an opportunity for technicians at the partner level to grow their skills and includes all of the basics required to install, maintain, and troubleshoot networks built on SBS 2003 R2.
Small Business Specialist Technical Exam Preparation for Exam 70-282
This 5 part web series exam prep will feature Beatrice Mulzer, co-author of the SMB Nation press book “Small Business Specialist Primer & 70-282 Exam Preparation Guide” discussing the subject matter for this exam. The series will cover information on installing, configuring, securing, and supporting SBS deployments.
Technical Exam 70-631
Exam 70-631 (Configuring Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0)
Exam 70-631 is designed for IT professionals that have at least one year in configuring Windows SharePoint related technologies. Visit the Microsoft Learning website to identify resources to help you prepare.
Prepare for this exam using the following courses:
Windows SharePoint Services Exam 70-631 Prep, Part 1
This exam prep series will feature Shay Jones, MCT, MCSE, and SharePoint instructor for Netdesk in Seattle, discussing what you need to know and how to best prepare for the new Microsoft Technical Specialist exam for SharePoint Services 3.0. This two part series will cover Exam 70-631: Configuring Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. Part 1 we will focus on deploying, monitoring, and configuring Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 for Exam 70-631.
Windows SharePoint Services Exam 70-631 Prep, Part 2
This exam prep series will feature Shay Jones, MCT, MCSE, and SharePoint instructor for Netdesk in Seattle, discussing what you need to know and how to best prepare for the new Microsoft Technical Specialist exam for SharePoint Services 3.0. This two part series will cover Exam 70-631: Configuring Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. In Part 2 we will focus on security, administering, customizing and configuring the network infrastructure for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 for Exam 70-631.
Technical Exam 74-134
Exam 74-134 (Preinstalling Microsoft Products and Technologies Using the OEM Preinstallation Kit)
Visit the Microsoft Learning website to register for this technical exam and identify resources to help you prepare. This Microsoft Competency exam validates that you are capable of deploying multifaceted IT solutions and that you have skills across multiple Microsoft products and technologies.
Prepare for this exam using the following courses:
Using the OEM Preinstallation Kit to Preinstall Windows Small Business Server 2003
This online tutorial provides information and instruction for system builders to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) to build Small Business Servers (SBS). You will learn about the purpose and use of the OPK tools and the SBS installation process using the OPK.
Small Business Server 2003 OEM Preinstallation Kit
This online tutorial provides information and instruction for system builders to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) to build Small Business Servers. Learn about the OPK tools the SBS installation process using the OPK.
Using the OEM Preinstallation Kit to Preinstall Windows XP SP2 and Office 2003
This online course provides information and instruction for system builders to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) to build with Windows XP and Office 2003.
Learn about the next phase of the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription. A new training and assessment requirement takes effect November 30 for new and renewing subscribers. Understand the changes and discover how you can get a head start on meeting the requirements. Also available soon: new special-edition toolkits, tailored to Web solutions providers and Small Business Specialists. Learn how these kits can help you add value to your services.
Important changes are being made to the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS), including an upcoming assessment requirement and the ability to receive free Special Edition kits. Review the details below.
Upcoming Assessment Requirement
A new online-training and assessment requirement will go into effect November 30, 2007. New and renewing subscribers will be required to take any Microsoft E-Learning course and then pass its associated assessment with a minimum score of 70 percent. To continue receiving your Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, you will be required to pass an assessment every two years.
You can get a head start by taking one of more than 600 free courses in the Partner Learning Center with associated assessments. To help you find relevant courses quickly, use this saved search tool. You must be a Partner Program member to access the Partner Learning Center. Not a Registered Member? Enroll today.
To ensure proper credit for your completed assessment:
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Use the same Windows Live ID when you sign in to the Partner Learning Center that you use to sign in to the Microsoft Partner Program Portal.
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Select and complete a course, submit your assessment, and exit the course.
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Print the completion certificate at the end of the assessment and save it for your records.
If you have additional questions about the assessment requirement, visit the MAPS Managed Newsgroup.
New Special Edition Toolkits
Microsoft offers three Special Edition toolkits, specifically tailored for Microsoft Small Business Specialists, Web solutions providers, and public accountants. Additional requirements must be met to receive these toolkits.
Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community
The Small Business Specialist Community Special Edition kit is designed exclusively for active, enrolled Microsoft Small Business Specialists who serve small-business customers. This kit is delivered up to twice a year and includes additional internal-use software benefits, training opportunities, and special offers to give you a competitive edge in selling your services based on Microsoft technologies.
If you are already a Small Business Specialist, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your free toolkit. Read the latest toolkit information. Or, find out how to become a Small Business Specialist.
Web Solutions Providers
To help you take advantage of growth in the Web-based commerce market, we’ve created a Special Edition kit for Web designers and developers—or anyone who’s building a Web solutions business. This kit, delivered twice a year, contains tools and products, technology resources, business resource papers, and special offers to support your business objectives.
To receive the free Web Solutions Special Edition kit, you must pass one of the three, free Web Solutions online courses and be an active Microsoft Action Pack subscriber. If you meet these requirements, you will receive an email notifying you that you can order your toolkit.
Note: If you pass one of the Web Solutions assessments, this also meets your assessment requirement to receive the full Microsoft Action Pack Subscription.
Explore the future of Web business models, and prepare to deliver new web features and experiences your customers expect. Microsoft's Web platform is more than just secure, reliable, and scalable, it is also flexible enough to integrate with what you have now and complete enough to help you build from the ground up. Read this white paper to study best practices. Learn how our Software-Plus-Services model can help you drive business into new areas, including hosting and custom development.
Opportunities. Your success depends not only on recognizing them but capitalizing on them. Whether you design websites. Develop them. Or are just beginning to think about including Web-based solutions in your small-business portfolio, Microsoft can help you meet customer demand in a market that’s growing at record pace. Explore an entirely new breed of Web solutions that can clearly differentiate your business from the rest of the pack.
Essential Web Soultions
Embarking on a new business adventure doesn’t mean you want to invest a huge chunk of time or financial resources. Microsoft can help make the move into Web solutions simple and easy. Begin by exploring an array of offers, software, tools, and resources that can enable you to quickly add new services for existing customers. And prospective ones.
Explore Now
Development Solutions
You’re an innovator. Your custom Web solutions: elegant. Yet you’re continually in search of bulletproof platforms. New ways to solve tired business problems. Flexibility. Productivity gains. And compressed cycle times. Take the direct route to software, tools, collaborative resources, and offers to help you develop unique solutions that solve customer challenges.
Explore Now
Design and User Experience Solutions
Fusing amazing creative with outstanding user experience is your passion. You love collaborating with your development team, but you don’t want them messing with your designs. Now you can work in harmony to package ultimate digital media experiences with cool, next-gen apps that maintain the integrity of your designs. Check out state-of-the-art software and the resources to help you build a whole new client base.
Explore Now
Discover How the Microsoft Partner Program Supports Web Solutions Companies
Continue to build customer credibility and trust by providing Web solutions based on Microsoft technologies. Backed by the industry’s largest investments in research and development, Microsoft technologies can open doors to new, profitable business opportunities.
As a Microsoft Partner Program member, you can take advantage of advanced technical support (both before and after the sale). Leverage our marketing campaigns. And sign up for professional training to help expand your existing skills.
Learn About New and Upcoming Changes, Tools
Save time on customer Volume Licensing consultations and speed your sales cycle. Newly announced Volume Licensing changes encompass Enterprise, Select License, and Open License program-agreement updates. Enterprise Agreement and Select License fulfillment improvements. Price-list updates. New self-service online tools, including Microsoft LicenseWise for Volume Licensing and the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center. Find information to effectively communicate the changes to your sales staff and customers.
Microsoft LicenseWise for Volume Licensing
Our new license-quote application helps you recommend product and licensing solutions for your customers. Optimize the sales process. And build new revenue opportunities. LicenseWise integrates with Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor (MPLA) for seamless partner-to-customer quote sharing. Linked via a unique MPLA quote ID, LicenseWise lets you view a customer’s requirements, recommend additional products or other customizations, and complete the quote.
Explore Now
Upcoming Change in Volume Licensing Fulfillment
We'll soon be changing how we deliver software to Enterprise Agreement and Select License customers with active media subscriptions: Beginning in September 2007, in an effort to reduce packaging and help protect the environment, Microsoft will be shipping only our most widely used products on CD or DVD. Updates for all other products will be available either via electronic download from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Services website or via a Microsoft reseller. Get the facts to prepare for this change and answer customer questions.
Learn More
Microsoft Agreement Updates
Beginning September 3, 2007, Microsoft will be improving its Enterprise, Select License, and Open License agreements to help simplify the licensing process. And help you spend less time on administrative tasks, and more time on growing your business. Benefits include:
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Reduction of the number of pages in each agreement, depending on the program. You and your customers can spend less time on the agreement process, and more time exploring related business opportunities.
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A new and more efficient signature form to help you reduce the amount of time you spend with customers on each agreement.
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Updates to language and content across Volume Licensing agreements for simplicity and consistency. The goal: reducing the number of questions customers need to ask you during the agreement process.
Please check this page again soon for more information about these changes.
Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)
This new online tool, available beginning September 6, 2007, helps you simplify license management for your customers and reduce time spent answering customer questions about the licensing process—freeing you to focus on generating more sales leads and closing more deals. VLSC enables your customers to:
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Easily find and download software available through Volume License entitlements.
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View and request Volume Licensing Product Keys for software included in Volume License entitlements.
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View current Microsoft license statements in an easy-to-understand, comprehensive format, across programs and agreements.
The VLSC will be localized in 24 languages. It will be accessible to registered Microsoft Volume Licensing Services (MVLS) and eOpen users via the MVLS and eOpen websites.
Please check this page again soon for more information about the VLSC.
Changes to Price Lists
To help you and your customers find pricing information more easily, we're reducing the number of price points and SKUs in each Volume Licensing program. Individual-language SKUs with the same price will be merged into one SKU called "Single Language." For example, “SQL Server English” will now read “SQL Server Single Language.” This consolidation, effective in October 2007, can help save you time and speed up your sales cycle by shortening the education and evaluation phases of your customer consultations.
Please check this page again soon for more information about these changes.
Join the Microsoft Licensing Solutions Competency
Microsoft Certified and Gold Certified Partners who hold the Licensing Solutions competency are uniquely positioned to take advantage of business opportunities in all aspects of Volume Licensing. With a License Delivery specialization, you can leverage exclusive Microsoft Partner Program resources to help you drive revenue from simplifying your customers' software acquisition; deploying licensed products; and helping to manage and maximize your customers' software investments. More than 850 partners worldwide hold Licensing Solutions certifications. By 2008 that number is expected to nearly double. Find out how gaining the competency can help you grow your business.
Enroll Now