January 2008 - Posts
http://www.newhorizons.com/content/landingSpc.aspx?ID=1056
Build your Microsoft Skills with this FREE offer from New Horizons
Receive Two FREE Days of Microsoft Applications Training* for every Five Software Assurance Training Vouchers you redeem at a New Horizons location.
Through our partnership with Microsoft, New Horizons is able to offer Microsoft TS2 attendees two FREE days of Microsoft application end user training when you redeem five Software Assurance Training Vouchers with New Horizons. Increase your workforce productivity right away by using this valuable free training offer. Let us show you how New Horizons can help you build the skills your organization needs to gain a competitive advantage and drive business value. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
How to Receive Your FREE Microsoft Applications Training:
- Complete the inquiry form to receive your promotional flyer
- Take the flyer to your nearest participating New Horizons location
- Redeem five Software Assurance Training Vouchers with New Horizons
- Receive Two-days of Microsoft Applications training
Complete this inquiry form to receive your flyer and visit a participating New Horizons location today to take advantage of this offer!
Learn from the Leader
With over 300 centers in 60 countries, New Horizons is the world’s largest independent IT training company. Through an integrated learning approach that ensures that new knowledge can be applied to real life situations, New Horizons delivers a full range of technology and business skills training from basic application and desktop productivity tools, to complex and integrated business systems. Over the past 25 years, New Horizons has provided innovative learning solutions that have transformed businesses and helped 25 million students reach their career goals and continues to expand its offerings, locations, and solutions to meet the growing demands placed on organizations and their employees.
*Offer valid only for Microsoft Applications classes, which are available at the time of redemption from participating New Horizons Computer Learning Centers through June 30, 2008. This offer cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotional offers.
As a Microsoft® partner in the US, you have the opportunity to provide Microsoft Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 & Visual Studio 2008 evaluation software to your customers at no cost.* Microsoft is offering this giveaway program as an incentive for partners who hold events for their customers and prospects around the "Sneak Peek: Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008" Microsoft Partner Events (MPE) campaign.
To be eligible to receive the evaluation software, you must:
- Create a customer-facing MPE event using the Sneak Peek campaign by going to https://www.microsoftpartnerevents.com/partners/campaign_details.aspx?id=2537 and clicking “Create Seminar”, then following the instructions. Once you have created your event on the MPE site, you will be provided a customized registration page on www.ClickToAttend.com.
- Use your ClicktoAttend.com event registration site to register attendees for your Sneak Peek event.
We will ship you enough kits to distribute to your event attendees.* Use these event kits to:
Boost customer attendance by mentioning the giveaway in your event marketing
Get customers excited about Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 & Visual Studio 2008
The Sneak Peek Event Kit contains posters, relevant sales offer flyers, and three DVDs per attendee:
1. Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Release Candidate
2. SQL Server 2008 CTP5
3. Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2
Customer-facing launch site with all event details is http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx
Partner resources are on Launch Central https://partner.microsoft.com/US/salesmarketingsection/smcampaigns/40016191
Microsoft Licensing knowledge can help you grow your business.
Your customers are counting on you to help them get the best system possible. That includes the license that is right for them.
When they have questions, let us help you get ready with the answers.
Test your licensing knowledge with a quick 10 question quiz. A few minutes will help you answer your customer's questions and maybe win you cool PC!
NOT REGISTERED?
You will not be eligible to win until you log in as a registered Microsoft Partner. Register now, and return to this page. You can still test your knowledge and take the quiz.
REGISTERED MICROSOFT PARTNER
To be eligible to win, first log in with your system builder credentials.
See official rules.
You are a valued Microsoft Partner, and we don't want you to miss the opportunity to reach a large portion of your target audience—all in one place. It's not too late to Exhibit or Sponsor at Tech·Ed 2008.
Tech
Ed U.S. Developers, June 3-6, 2008
TechEd U.S. IT Professionals, June 10-13, 2008
Keynotes Sure to Help Attract Prospects
The keynote speakers are sure to help generate a strong attendance of qualified prospects from your target audience.
Tech·Ed Developers – Bill Gates, Chairman
Tech·Ed IT Professionals – Bob Muglia, Senior Vice President of the Server and Tools Business (STB)
Partner Integration at Tech·Ed 2008:
Exhibition Opportunities – Tech·Ed has expanded the Exhibition offerings to include a turnkey booth option and an Early Bird discount of $1,000 off the standard fee. But the discount expires on February 1, 2008, so hurry to secure your booth at the best price today.
Sponsorship Opportunities – Sponsorship packages are designed to deliver a level of marketing that will meet your event objectives. Additional Marketing and Promotional Opportunities (MPO) will also be available to extend branding beyond the Sponsorship packages. Sponsorship levels are selling quickly, so secure your place today.
As an Exhibitor or Sponsor at Tech·Ed 2008, you can:
• Increase your sales reach to a targeted technical audience. Enhance the effectiveness of your company and product awareness campaigns by leveraging Tech·Ed to reach a highly targeted audience eager to learn how your latest products and solutions can be integrated with their existing infrastructure.
• Accelerate marketing and sales cycles. Boost existing sales opportunities and develop future sales leads by building a marketing database of qualified prospects. Tech·Ed delivers a large number of high-quality influencers and decision-makers from the companies most likely to purchase your products and services.
• Strengthen your Microsoft alliance. Access over 800 Microsoft TLC staff members and speakers, ranging from Product Managers to Directors. You can cultivate key contacts and strengthen existing relationships that can help you optimize your alliance and leverage your partnership to create new opportunities.
For an overview of Exhibition and Sponsorship opportunities at Tech·Ed 2008, please e-mail teexpo@microsoft.com or visit one of the following:
Developer Opportunities: https://www.msteched.com/dev/public/partnerinfo.aspx
IT Professional Opportunities: https://www.msteched.com/itpro/public/partnerinfo.aspx
I got this from Matt Makowicz of www.AmnitionMission.com. Loved the way he put it so I decided to share it. And for what it is worth, if you are a Partner considering Managed Services as an offering or currently selling Managed Services, you should check out his site and his new book! Talk to you all later!
"Attention all Microsoft Partners! Want $$$$ from Microsoft?
Here you go!!!
Microsoft is about to roll out an enormously, broad incentive to all Partners called the Microsoft Big Easy Promotion.
- Valid for all partner levels! (registered, certified, gold)
- money for practically any licensing purchase! (Open Company Wide will get you more $ than normal Open)
- all products! (will get more $ when customer buys different types of products)
- all product versions! (will get more $ selling Advanced vs. Standard Server)
I think Microsoft was sick and tired of hearing Partners complain that they never get anything from Microsoft and that the incentives are too specific and too complex to understand, and that it doesn't fit their particular niche, etc. blah, blah, blah. So here it is, no excuses. Every Microsoft Partner should get money from Microsoft on this one.
The Microsoft Big Easy Promotion will be for purchases made from 2/1/08 through 6/27/08 (end of Microsoft's fiscal year). More details can be found at http://www.msreadiness.com/bigeasy along with webcasts Microsoft is conducting to explain this, well BIG subsidy promotion. Webcasts begin next week on 1/23/08 so visit the site today!
Good luck and happy hunting!"
Uncover revenue opportunities for your business when you leverage Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 sales tools. Resources, including sales guides, white papers, data sheets, presentations, and demos, can help you make a strong case for the platform during sales calls. Also download the evaluation version to learn more about the software and prepare for customer questions.
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 enables businesses to gain greater control over their IT systems. Leverage the software’s deep integration with the 2007 Microsoft Office system, the Windows Vista operating system, Windows Server 2008, and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 to promote comprehensive systems-management solutions. Help customers assess, deploy, and update servers, clients, and devices —across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments. And generate new sales revenue by extending of one of the most secure, well-managed, and cost-effective platforms in the industry.
System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Download the Trial
Drive new sales revenue and streamline customers’ operations. System Center Configuration Manager 2007 delivers robust capabilities, including comprehensive deployment and updating functionality, and enhanced insight and control.
Featured Resources
Release Notes
Learn to successfully install System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and answer customer questions about system requirements and upgrades. And make your voice heard by providing feedback to the Configuration Manager development team.
Documentation Library
Expand your technical knowledge of System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Learn to perform common tasks, including planning and deploying clients and server infrastructure, deploying software updates, and remotely administering a computer.
What’s New
Sharpen your sales message and make the case for upgrades. Get a quick-reference guide to the key differences between SMS 2003 and the new System Center Configuration Manager 2007. You’ll also find a breakdown of features, previously available only in feature packs, that have now been incorporated into the core product.
Selling Points of System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Capitalize on the ability of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to streamline your customers' day-to-day operations.
What
Please join us to learn more about The Big Easy Offer with up to 10 million partner subsidy dollars available exclusively to Microsoft Partner Program members!
The Big Easy Offer provides you an opportunity to reach new and existing customers with a cost-effective way to buy the latest Microsoft® technology. With a qualifying purchase*, your customers receive partner subsidy dollars to spend with you on additional services and products you provide. This helps you grow your revenue and secure your place as a trusted advisor.
Offer Period: February 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.
Redeem by July 31, 2008
When
January 30, 2008 at 9 AM PST
January 31, 2008 at 9 AM PST
February 12, 2008 at 9 AM PST
February 14, 2008 at 9 AM PST
February 26,2008 at 9 AM PST
February 28, 2008 at 9 AM PST
Register now! Visit http://www.msreadiness.com/bigeasy to choose a date and sign up.
Sign Up!
Sign up for one of the six Big Easy Offer webcasts available in January and February. Click here to choose a date most convenient for you.
Got this from Ron Grattopp on my TS2 Team. Definitely worth sharing!
Microsoft's Security Vulnerability Research and Defense blog will provide in-depth technical information about the vulnerability research behind the patches and security updates the company releases each month.
The blog will be updated the second Tuesday of every month, aka "Patch Tuesday."
You may know that during technical investigations of security issues, a significant amount of information is discovered that doesn't make it in the official security updates. This could be info such as situations or attack vectors where workarounds may not be 100% effective, and workarounds that are specific to a particular attack or that are so complicated that they can't be recommended to all customers. There may also be info on mitigations that might not be present in all cases, best- practices-type guidance that applies to a particular vulnerability, and "interesting facts" about a vulnerability Microsoft is fixing that will help customers learn more about Windows, the security infrastructure, or the way the company conducts investigations. All-in-all some pretty good stuff, if you need, or just want, more in-depth info around these vulnerabilities or related security matters.
Bloggers will include Damian Hasse, lead security software engineer at Microsoft, and Jonathan Ness, who leads the company's Secure Windows Initiative defense team.
Oh, and here's the link: Security Vulnerability Research and Defense blog
The New U.S. Partner Training Website
In February 2008, U.S. partners will begin using the Worldwide Partner Learning Center for Microsoft training. The Partner Learning Center has a rich selection of courses and a newly improved search engine. To take advantage of the new training site, you will be required to sign in with the Windows Live ID you used when enrolling in the Microsoft Partner Program to access training and other Microsoft resources for partners. There will be no guest access on the Worldwide Partner Learning Center.
Coming Soon: The Ultimate Training Resource for Partners
On February 22, 2008, MS Readiness will unite with the Partner Learning Center (PLC) to provide one training location for all partners. The Worldwide PLC will provide a more comprehensive training catalog and enable partners to manage the training of both US and global employees in a single location. The new training site will offer new personalization features, enhanced search capabilities and increased security credentials.
“We’ve incorporated the Partner Learning Center resources into our hiring and training processes. With quick access to necessary knowledge, our team is highly trained – adding greater value to our business.”
Moacyr Galo, Jr, CEO, Gestar Tecnologia, Brazil, Microsoft Certified Partner
The Partner Learning Center is available to all Microsoft Partner organizations and their individual employees. To take advantage of the new training site, users will need a Windows Live ID associated to an MSPP partner account to access training and other Microsoft partner resources.
Registration Required:
There will be no guest access on the Worldwide Partner Learning Center so registration is required. Once you register, you will have access to the latest training and a variety of sales, marketing and support resources available on the Microsoft Partner Portal. Register today in two easy steps:
Step 1: Create a Windows Live ID.
Step 2: Associate your Windows Live ID with your Microsoft Partner Program ID!
Managers: Tell your employees to register and associate with your organization to take advantage of valuable training and other partner resources.
Need Help?
Additional Resources:
Achieving the Licensing Solutions competency can help establish your company as a Microsoft-recognized expert in designing or implementing complex Microsoft Volume Licensing or software asset management (SAM) solutions and differentiate your company from your competitors. Having two or more of your staff pass one of the three licensing solutions Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams is one of the requirements for attaining the Licensing Solutions competency. Learn how you can save on the MCP exam fee.
Licensing MCP Exam-Fee Savings
If you register to take one of the following Licensing Solutions competency MCP exams before March 31, 2008, you can receive a voucher for 50 percent off the regular MCP exam fee. Encourage your sales executives and consultants to take these Microsoft exams (you can request up to 5 vouchers for your company).
-
Exam 70-121: Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Small and Medium Organizations
-
Exam 70-122: Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations
-
Exam 70-123: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Software Asset Management (SAM) Program
Bonus Offer: Free Exam Voucher
The first 500 Microsoft partners to meet the three criteria below will receive a free exam voucher (limit one per company):
-
One individual in your company has passed any of these Microsoft competency MCP exams:
-
Exam 70-121: Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Small and Medium Organizations
-
Exam 70-122: Designing and Providing Microsoft Licensing Solutions to Large Organizations
-
Exam 70-123: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Software Asset Management (SAM) Program
-
Your company has met the sales qualification for the Licensing Solutions competency within the last 12 months (unless pursuing the SAM specialization). The sales requirement is based on a rolling 12-month cycle and must be met annually.
-
Have a minimum of three approved/active references in the Licensing Solutions competency prior to requesting the free voucher. All three references must be active through June 30, 2008* to qualify. If a reference will expire before this time, simply submit a new one. View the customer reference guidelines.
*References are active for 12 months from the date of approval. Contact your Regional Service Center for more information.
Request Your Exam Voucher Now
If you meet the above criteria, submit a request for an exam voucher. Requests must be made using the Latin alphabet (for example, English, French, German, etc.). Only one voucher request permitted per submission. Note: voucher numbers will be sent via email to the requestor and will contain redemption instructions. All vouchers expire on March 31, 2008. Schedule your exam and redeem your voucher before that date.
Free Preparation for the Exams
Get ready to take the MCP exams for the Licensing Solutions competency with online tutorials, preparation guides, and practice tests:
Free Preparation for License Delivery Specialization MCP Exams
Free Preparation for SAM Specialization MCP Exam
Licensing Solutions competency “Certified for Success” offer is good only for Microsoft partners who are at the Registered Member level or above. "Certified for Success Bonus” offer is good only for Microsoft partners who are at the Registered Member level or above, and meet the specified qualifications described on this page. “Certified for Success” offers a limit of five (5) 50 percent-off MCP Exam Fee Vouchers per company and “Certified for Success Bonus” offers a limit of one (1) 100 percent-off MCP Exam Fee Voucher per company. These offers are non-transferable outside of your company. Only voucher requests using a company email address will be accepted. Voucher numbers will be sent via email. Any voucher returned (via email) as non-deliverable will not be re-sent. All voucher requests for the “Certified for Success” offer and “Certified for Success Bonus” offer must be submitted by March 31, 2008. “Certified for Success” vouchers will be available while supplies last. “Certified for Success Bonus” vouchers will be available to the first 500 Microsoft partners. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Please allow 10-15 business days for shipment of your voucher. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Email if you have further questions regarding this offer.
Want to go beyond referrals to attract new leads, but think customer events and targeted marketing campaigns will be too difficult or expensive to execute? With Microsoft® Ready-to-Go Campaigns, these powerful promotional tools can be well within your reach.
In addition to the marketing templates and sales tools you may be familiar with, Ready-to-Go Campaigns also include robust Microsoft partner event resources. These customizable invitation, presentation, and follow-up services will let you host events that can help grow your customer base and make existing relationships even more profitable.
With resources that assist you through the full sales cycle, from finding new prospects to closing the deal, Ready-to-Go Campaigns are a great way to enhance your 2008 business plan.
•Timely promotional materials let you take advantage of the natural demand surrounding upcoming Microsoft product launches.
•Flexible campaigns can be tailored around the way you do business.
•Useful tools and techniques can help you find new leads and close more sales.
To access this wide selection of Ready-to-Go Campaign materials and Microsoft partner event planning tools, visit the Ready-to-Go Campaign website today!