April 2008 - Posts
Yesterday, Microsoft launched three new Online Technical Communities in International English, including exclusive communities for ISV and Web Solution Partners, Gold Certified and Certified Partners, and MAPS subscribers. The Online Technical Communities provide free online technical support service to partners and are staffed weekdays by Microsoft support professionals to answer technical questions.
These new Online Technical Communities add to a collection of communities already available for Partners on several topics. Now, you will find Online Technical Communities for:
- Microsoft Gold Certified and Certified Partners
- Small Business Specialists
- Windows Vista Online Technical Community
- Microsoft ISV and Web Solution Partners
- Online Technical Communities for All Partner Levels
- Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers
- OEM System Builders
Check these Online Technical Communities today to start taking advantage of these resources available to you as a valued Microsoft Partner.
For those of you waiting for SP1, you can get it now on Windows Update!
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is an update to Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 contains changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. Windows Vista SP1 also addresses some management, deployment, and support challenges.
Windows Vista SP1 is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Other languages will be made available soon.
Microsoft strongly recommends using Windows Update to download and install Windows Vista SP1 on single PCs:
- The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x86 is 65 MB (compared to 450 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
- The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x64 is 125 MB (compared to 745 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
- Windows Update will recognize PCs with known problematic drivers and postpone downloading Windows Vista SP1 until the PC has updated drivers or other applicable updates. Using Windows Update will help ensure you have the most trouble-free update experience possible.
- Some Windows Vista users may encounter an issue with a small set of hardware devices that may not function properly after updating a Windows Vista PC to Windows Vista SP1. This is an issue with the way the device drivers were re-installed during the Windows Vista SP1 update process, not with the drivers themselves—these drivers worked on Windows Vista RTM and they work on Windows Vista SP1. This problem is typically corrected by simply uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. We are working with the manufacturers of these devices to get the known problematic drivers and their install programs updated, and also on other solutions we can use to ensure a smooth customer experience when updating to Windows Vista SP1 using Windows Update. For new PCs provisioned with Windows Vista SP1, this is not an issue.
- If you choose to install Windows Vista SP1 via the standalone installer available on the Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft advises that you first visit Windows Update and install all optional drivers. Read Knowledge Base Articles 948187 and 948343 for more information.
- If you have a prior version of the Windows Vista SP1 beta installed, you must uninstall it prior to installing the final version. Use the Control Panel applet "Programs and Features" and select "View installed updates" from the top left of the task pane. Under Windows, look for "Service Pack for Windows (KB936330).
Show your customers how far their IT budget can go when they take advantage of this limited time offer from Microsoft Financing. From April 1, 2008 – June 27, 2008, Microsoft is offering a rate special of 6.99% for financed transactions of $100,000 to $500,000. This offer is good for your customer’s total IT solution including software, services and hardware. It's simple to use the Microsoft Financing 6.99% promotion:
•Use the payment calculator to determine customer payments.
•Complete the customer proposal using the convenient template.
•Include the customer promotion flyer (insert hyperlink to Best Rate flyer) with your proposal.
Get started with Microsoft Financing today. Need help? Visit: https://www.microsoftfinancing.com/ContactUs.aspx
Promotion at a Glance*
•Limited time 6.99% special rate
•Available for transactions of $100,000 - $500,000 annual billings
•For EAs, the total transaction range is $300,000 - $1,500,000
•Application must be received, approved and closed between April 1, 2008 –June 27, 2008
•Can be combined with other Microsoft Financing Ooffers
6.99% Special Rate Promotion Terms and Conditions
•Available for a 36-month loan term only.
•All Microsoft products and licenses are eligible for the promotion. In addition, partner services and other products required to implement a Microsoft technology solution are eligible, including Microsoft Software Assurance and MBS Service/Enhancement Plans. Microsoft Financing requires that you have at least one Microsoft component in the total financed solution to be eligible.
•Offer valid on contracts closed between April 1, 2008 and June 27, 2008.
•Available in the US and Canada.
•Rates subject to change.
•Subject to customer credit approval.
* All figures are for illustration purposes only and may not reflect current rates and pricing. Rates are valid for eligible credit approved transactions completed between April 1, 2008 – June 27, 2008, and are subject to change by Microsoft Financing. This rate special is available only on the 36-month loan term. Microsoft Financing requires that you have at least one Microsoft component in the total financed solution to be eligible. Offer valid on contracts closed between April 1, 2008 and June 27, 2008. Available in the US and Canada. Rates subject to change. Subject to customer credit approval. Available for both Enterprise Agreements (EAs) and non-EAs. EA total deal size range is $300,000 - $1,500,000 ($100,000 - $500,000 annual billings). Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft companies. The Microsoft Financing marks are used by CIT Technology Financing Services, Inc. under license.
Microsoft Small Business PC campaign helps you drive sales to this growing customer segment. Help small businesses address key productivity and security issues by offering the complete PC. Take advantage of customizable marketing materials and special promotional offers to grow your business.
Windows Vista Resource Center
With the release of Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (SP1), there has never been a better time to preinstall genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 together with Windows Live OneCare, and Windows Live services.
Offer the ultimate PC experience while you open the door to up-sell and cross-sell opportunities for your business.
Attend the Windows Vista SP1 + Windows Live "Better Together" Webcast now available on-demand.
Eric Ligman posted this Blog and I thought this was one to sharing. It really tells a great story and I wanted to share this one with all Partners out there! Enjoy this one!
http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/archive/2008/04/10/8374189.aspx
"Did you ever think you would see me say that? Well, that’s what I am saying to you today, with just one slight clarification. That slight clarification being the end of the statement above that was not included. What the full statement is, “Why you should stop selling or buying Software Assurance through the Open Business Program.”
I write this post based on several conversations I have had with Partners as well as some comments/questions I received about my, “What are the various Open License Programs and how do they fit together?” post. The questions I received went something like this, “You say that Open Value is the program for people who want Software Assurance (SA) and that Open Business isn’t. Isn’t Software Assurance available through Open Business too?” The answer to the question is, “Yes, Software Assurance part #s are listed in Open Business; however, ever since the launch of Open Value back in 2001, you should be selling/buying the Software Assurance items through Open Value/Open Value Subscription, NOT Open Business. So, the Open Business part #s should be one of those items that just never get used.”
Why is it that I make this statement? It is quite simple really. If I were to tell you that if you paid me a dollar, I would let you choose between two boxes: Box 1 contains 2 items & Box 2 contains both of the items in Box 1 plus many more. Which would you choose? Box 2, of course, since it gets you much more for the same dollar, right? Well, that is what we are talking about with Software Assurance through Open Business and Open Value/Open Value Subscription. Let me show you:
- On an annual basis, a year of Software Assurance through Open Business and Open Value cost the same
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription provides additional price discounts through the Company-wide option. Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription provides free media on initial order and whenever new versions are released. Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription provides the ability to spread payments over the term of the agreement, no interest or finance charges. Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value provides the ability to add items to the original agreement with 1, 2, or 3 years remaining SA coverage to better map to time left in your agreement. Open Business with SA does not.
- For instance, it is a fact that Software Assurance is only sold in a 2 year SKU through Open Business. This means that if your client has an Open Business Agreement that is one year old and they add an item with Software Assurance to it, they are paying the 2 year SKU price; however, their Software Assurance coverage only lasts until the end of their agreement (1 year). In essence, you basically double-charged your client. Did you tell them that? If they had an Open Value agreement instead, you could have sold them the 1 year remaining SA SKU if they only had one year left on their Open Value agreement. That way, when they add SA SKUs to their Open Value Agreement, they are only paying for as many years as are left on the Open Value Agreement. This means you just saved your client money.
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription provides access to promotions and rebate dollars, such as the Big Easy Partner Subsidy promotion. Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription can provide training vouchers for companies with 50 PCs or more through SA. Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value provides the option to subscribe to software vs. buying licenses (through Open Value Subscription). Open Business with SA does not.
- Open Value/Open Value Subscription provides you rebate dollars through the Open Value VAR Rebate program. Open Business with SA does not.
- Employee purchase program is included in Open Value Company-wide and Open Value Subscription agreements. There is no option for Employee purchase program for Open Business with SA.
- In fact, there is nothing included in Open Business with SA that is not included in Open Value; however, there is a lot included in Open Value that is not included in Open Business, all for the same annual SA cost. Plus, don't be surprised if you see the differences increase even more as time goes on.
So to be very clear, no, Open Business is not the program to purchase or sell SA through. It is designed for Businesses that want Volume Licensing rights and do NOT want Software Assurance. Open Value and Open Value Subscription are designed for Businesses that want Software Assurance. Which means, getting back to my original statement, “you should stop selling or buying Software Assurance through the Open Business Program.” Instead, you should buy and sell all Software Assurance through the Open Value/Open Value Subscription programs to ensure you and you clients are getting and offering so much more for every dollar spent on Software Assurance.
Thank you and have a wonderful day,
Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager
Small Business Community Engagement
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,licensing,Software Assurance,Open Value Subscription,Open Value,Open Business,Employee Purchase Program,Big Easy,promotions,Open Value VAR Rebate
Technorati Tags: Microsoft,licensing,Software Assurance,Open Value Subscription,Open Value,Open Business,Employee Purchase Program,Big Easy,promotions,Open Value VAR Rebate
Published Thursday, April 10, 2008 5:30 AM by mssmallbiz
Filed under: Licensing, Promotions & Offers, Licensing Basics, Offers, Open Value Subscription"
If you are serious about managed services in your practice or want to learn how to implement it into your practice, here is a great learning opportunity. Eric Simpson, who has spoken on the TS2 Circuit and helped us develop some great content for our events is delivering a Web Cast you should check out. After all, all you could do is learn and potentially grow your business...
Leveraging strong authentication to reduce business and technical risk to MSP environments.
Join us for our next live Managed Services Webinar on Wednesday, April 9th at 8:00am PST, where our special guest will be our good friend Dana Epp, President of Scorpion Software and creator of AuthAnvil - a , who will discuss with us the inherent risk to MSPs and their clients when it comes to shared administrative credentials for servers, workstations and networked devices.
In 2006, 2007 and 2008 Dana has been honored with the award and distinction of "Microsoft Windows Security MVP" for his work and expertise in Windows security and continues to provide leadership in the community in regards to the application of information security principles and practices into software development and use.
As a computer security software architect, Dana has spent the last 15 years focusing on computer programming with a particular emphasis on security engineering to offer a safer computing environment for small business.
As a special bonus - all attendees will receive a FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOAD OF OUR BEST-SELLING BOOK: The Best I.T. Sales & Marketing BOOK EVER! -
a $59.99 value!
AS AN EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS - all attendees will be entered into a live drawing to win an Authanvil Starter Kit: Includes 5 Scorpion Software AuthAnvil Tokens and a 1 year subscription to RWW-Guard - an $875 value!
CLICK HERE to register for this Webinar on Wednesday, April 9th at 8:00am PST
In this webinar we will discuss the inherent risk to MSPs and their clients when it comes to shared administrative credentials for servers, workstations and networked devices. We will explore how to reduce these risks to acceptable levels with Scorpion Software's AuthAnvil Strong Authentication System. Demonstrating the benefits of proxied delegation, we will show how MSPs can manage employee authentication to customer systems from a central location, and learn how to quickly revoke their access from all sites simultaneously when they leave or change roles in your company.
During this Webinar, attendees will:
· Learn how identity assurance is important to positively identify who is logging into managed resources
· Understand the best practices in managing strong authentication across multiple client sites
· Discover how to use proxied delegation to provide centrally managed authentication and provide simultaneous revocation when needed
· Discuss how AuthAnvil can save you time and money through fewer non-billable hours when having to deal with HR issues of your IT admin staff
· Learn how AuthAnvil can be further leveraged to protect other sensitive resources like your webmail, VPN and line of business web applications, including MSP management systems like Kaseya and Level Platforms.
There will be a Q&A session immediately following the presentation. CLICK HERE to register.