April 2006 - Posts

Microsoft Small Business Symposium 2006

Don’t miss this exclusive event!


More than ever, small business means big business. The rapid increase in the number of small businesses and the level at which they are using technology have created a huge potential market opportunity for technology companies that cater to this segment. But we understand that being a partner who sells to small businesses means working hard day in and day out to help your customers, leaving you little time to learn about new market opportunities or network with other partners that sell to the small business market segment.
To help you capitalize on this market opportunity, we are hosting an all-day event focused on industry trends and market insights. The Microsoft Small Business Symposium 2006 will be held in the U.S. city of Boston, Massachusetts on July 10, 2006 — the day before the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference kicks off.
At this event:
  • Hear the latest from industry experts.
  • Network and learn from other partners who sell to small businesses.
  • Learn about up-and-coming business opportunities for 2007.
  • Attend management and marketing skills breakout sessions.
Improve your success in the small business market by attending this event with other Microsoft partners who work with small businesses. Space is limited so register now.
For the complete experience, register for the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference July 11-13, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
The cost to attend the Small Business Symposium will be US$150; the registration fee will be waived for all Microsoft Small Business Specialists.

Posted Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:08 PM by nealw | with no comments

Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition for Free

Download or Order Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition for Free

Published: April 3, 2006

Thank you for your interest in obtaining Virtual Server 2005 R2. The full software for 32-bit and 64-bit versions is available as a free download. Register to pre-order a CD (available May 2006) or to download the full software.

When you order the CD, you will also receive the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 trial software.

*
On This Page
About this Software About this Software
System Requirements for x86 Version System Requirements for x86 Version
System Requirements for 64-Bit Version System Requirements for 64-Bit Version
Support Options Support Options

About this Software

The following full versions of Virtual Server 2005 R2 are available for download or to pre-order on CD:

Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition (32-bit)

Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition (64-bit)

The product CD will be available in May 2006. In addition, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for shipping CD orders.

There is no fee for the Virtual Server 2005 R2 software; however, all CD orders are subject to shipping and handling charges. International orders may also be subject to import duties and taxes. If ordering from this site 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.

The download ranges in size from 28.4 MB to 29.2 MB, depending on the language selected. The approximate download time over a 128K connection is 31 minutes.

Download Virtual Server Software

Order Virtual Server Software CD

For More Information

See the Frequently Asked Questions page for information about this full software.

After installation, please review the Virtual Server 2005 R2 Getting Started Guide and the Virtual Server 2005 Administrator's Guide, which can be opened from the Start menu: Point to Programs or All Programs, point to Microsoft Virtual Server, and then click the appropriate link. View more Virtual Server 2005 Product Documentation at the Windows Server TechCenter.

System Requirements for x86 Version

Supported Operating Systems

Windows Server 2003

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1

Windows XP Professional Edition

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Requirements for Use

Computer with a 550 MHz or faster processor; 1.0 GHz or faster recommended

Requires an Intel Celeron, Pentium III, Pentium 4, or Xeon processor; or AMD Opteron, Athlon, Athlon 64, Athlon X2, Sempron, or Duron processor

All physical processors supported by the host operating system

Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, or Datacenter Edition or later

Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard Edition or Premium Edition

Windows XP Professional (for non-production use only)

256 MB of RAM minimum (additional memory needed for each guest operating system)

2 GB of available hard-disk space (additional disk space needed for each guest operating system)

Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher-resolution monitor recommended

System Requirements for 64-Bit Version

Supported Operating Systems

Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition

Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition

Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition

Windows XP 64-Bit

Requirements for Use

Computer with a 550 MHz or faster processor; 1.0 GHz or faster recommended

Requires an Intel Celeron, Pentium III, Pentium 4, Xeon; or AMD Opteron, Athlon, Athlon 64, Athlon X2, Sempron or Duron processor

All physical processors supported by the host operating system

Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition, Enterprise x64 Edition, or Datacenter x64 Edition; or later

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (for non-production use only)

256 MB of RAM minimum (additional memory needed for each guest operating system)

2 GB of available hard-disk space (additional disk space needed for each guest operating system)

Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher-resolution monitor recommended

Support Options

The Virtual Server 2005 R2 software is provided as a free download. For assistance, review the options on the Virtual Server 2005 Support page.

Posted Tuesday, April 11, 2006 5:47 PM by nealw | with no comments

Microsoft Partner Program Training
The Microsoft Partner Program helps you build and maintain your expertise in selling, offering, developing, and deploying Microsoft tools for current and prospective customers. The Partner Program monthly training is a high-level introduction to learn more about Partner Program benefits, keep you apprised of new partner offerings and help you engage further into the program.
Partner Program Featured Training See all training
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Partner Program Monthly Update
Engage in the Information Worker and Security Solutions Opportunities Apr. 19, 2006 1:00pm Live Web Seminar
Gold Certified and Certified Partner Benefits Deep Dive Mar. 15, 2006 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Microsoft Partner Program: What A Multi-site Partner Needs to Know Mar. 2, 2006 8:00am On-Demand Web Seminar
Partner Readiness and Competency Attainment Feb. 15, 2006 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Re-Enrollment: Tips and Tricks to Help Gold and Certified Partners Prior To Your Anniversary Date Jan. 11, 2006 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
MSPP Web Seminar: 2006 Changes and Enhancements Dec. 15, 2005 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Microsoft Partner Program Monthly Update Nov. 2, 2005 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Microsoft Partner Program Monthly Update Sept. 21, 2005 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Microsoft Partner Program Monthly Update Aug. 17, 2005 1:00pm On-Demand Web Seminar
Partner Program Highlights
MSPP Web Seminar: 2006 Changes and Enhancements On-Demand Web Seminar
Marketing Results to the Max: Introduction to Marketing Services for Partners Aug. 30, 2005 11:00am On-Demand Web Seminar

Posted Monday, April 10, 2006 8:40 PM by nealw | with no comments

April 2006 Microsoft Action Pack Quarterly Update Kit

The Microsoft Action Pack Subscription is a benefit that’s available to Registered Members of the Microsoft Partner Program who promote Microsoft software or provide solutions based on Microsoft software and technologies to their customers. In the United States, it is available in two subscription types: Standard and Plus. With your annual subscription, you will receive four quarterly shipments that contain new software releases and updated sales and marketing materials.

As a Registered Member, you also receive access to exclusive content, the Microsoft Registered Member newsletter, a single point of contact for Partner Program support, and
much more. Not a Registered Member yet? Enroll today.

Micrsoft Action Pack Subscribers can take advantage of new Microsoft Partner Program features such as utilizing new program benefits.  To ensure that you have access to all of these offerings, benefits, and communications that are most relevant to your business, we encourage you to update your company’s business profile.

WHAT'S NEW 

Technical Demo Toolkit, Volume 5

(English, Worldwide)

The Technical Demo Toolkit facilitates quick and easy set up of a complete demonstration environment for any of several complex scenarios to successfully demonstrate to your customers the advantages of Microsoft technology and solutions.

 

Custom Developer Solutions Toolkit – Content Updates

(English, Worldwide)

Custom Development Solutions provides compelling, up-to-date resources to increase visibility with customers and boost demand for business—developing value-added, custom solutions on the Microsoft platform.

 

Microsoft Professional Accountants’ Network Toolkit – Content Updates

(English, US Only)

The content update contains detailed information on MPAN program benefits, and other resources of interest to Accounting Professionals. Be sure to keep the MPAN Toolkit handy, as you’ll receive quarterly updates to ensure you’re always up-to-date.

 

Small Business Sales and Marketing Toolkit – Content Updates

(English, Worldwide)

The content update contains the resources you need to build and extend your service offerings, so you can take advantage of an incredible range of opportunities in the small business market—regardless of your current level of engagement in this space.

 

System Builder ToolKit – Content Updates

We are excited to provide the valuable software and tools you’ll reach for time and time again as you grow your System Builder business. As our valued partner you are receiving the latest software releases and marketing materials available. Get ready to explore the new tools we’ve included just for you.

 

 New Software

·          Microsoft CRM 3.0 – all languages

·          Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition – localized versions

·          Microsoft Visual Basic® 2005 Express Edition – localized versions

·          Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition – localized versions

·          Windows Server Standard 2003 R2 – all languages

·          Virtual Server 2005 Std R2 – all languages

 

Current Software        

·          Microsoft® Business Contact Manager 2.0

·          Microsoft Business Contact Manager Update for Microsoft Office Outlook® 2003 Service Pack 1(US only)

·          Microsoft® Business Solutions CRM Professional

·          Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2

·          Microsoft® ISA Server 2004, including Service Pack 1   

·          Microsoft® MapPoint® 2004 Standard Edition (North America only)

·          Microsoft® Office FrontPage® 2003

·          Microsoft® Office InfoPath™ 2003

·         Microsoft® Live Communication Server 2005

·          Microsoft® Office Professional Edition 2003

·          Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 Service Pack 2

·          Microsoft® Office Project Professional 2003

·          Microsoft® Office Project Server 2003

·          Microsoft® Office Sharepoint™ Portal Server 2003

·          Microsoft® Office Visio® Professional 2003

·         Microsoft® OneNote 2003

·          Microsoft® Operations Manager Workgroup 2005

·          Microsoft® SQL Server Reporting Services Standard Edition

·         Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition

·          System Builder OEM Software

  • Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2006 Multilanguage version

·          Microsoft® Virtual PC 2004

·          Microsoft Visual Basic® 2005 Express Edition – English

  • Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition – English

·          Microsoft® Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, including Service Pack 1

·          Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 Web Edition

·          Microsoft® Windows Sharepoint™ Services Standard 2003

·          Microsoft® Windows® Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition, including Service Pack 1

·          Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition

·         Microsoft® Windows XP SP2

  • Microsoft Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

 

SHIPMENT SCHEDULE

North America and LATAM – April 3rd, 2 day air (Welcome Kit only) or ground (USPS for Quarterly Update Kits)

Europe, Middle East, & Africa – April 3rd, various shipping methods

South Pacific, South East Asia, India Sub Continent & Far East – April 3rd, 2 day air or ground

NOTE: For international shipments, please consider time for shipments to clear local customs and in-region shipping.

Posted Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:31 AM by nealw | 302 comment(s)

Windows Vista Webcasts
We have put together a series of free webcasts that will help you evaluate the upcoming Windows Vista desktop operating system. We will introduce you to various Windows Vista product features and discuss key IT Pro topics such as the deployment, security, management, and productivity of your desktop. Our webcast offering is always evolving, and we encourage you to bookmark this page to stay informed on our latest Windows Vista offerings.
Other New Windows Vista Webcasts

Posted Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:27 AM by nealw | with no comments

Partners - Cash Rebates for Your Customers
Now is the best time to offer Microsoft Office Professional 2003.
Here’s Why
Proven Performance
Help organizations realize the full potential of their work environment with the advanced creation, capture, communication, and collaboration features of Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003.
  • Enhanced security features can help protect data
  • Exchange of information is simplified across business processes
  • Mobile sales forces can be more effective
  • Smarter collaboration can help organizations better manage costs
A Great Low Price
When your customers acquire Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 through Microsoft Open License they can receive a cash rebate of up to $125 per Office license which can add up to $25,000 in total cash rebate value*.
More Benefits with Open Value
Offer your customers Software Assurance to guarantee their rights to the next version of Microsoft Office, training vouchers, home use rights, and the new Information Worker Services Benefit.
Don’t leave money on the table. When you help improve your customer’s bottom line, it can lead to future revenue and improved customer relationships.
Redemption Process
How the redemption works:
  • Customer contacts you to purchase a minimum of five Microsoft Office Professional 2003 licenses between April 3, 2006 and June 30, 2006
  • Customer visits the Microsoft Incentives website
  • Customer clicks ‘Redeem Now’ to request the cash rebate check by July 28, 2006
Sales Generation Resources
Drive customer demand for this offer with the help of templates and other content you can customize for your customer communications. Download flyers, templates, and Web buttons to help you get started.
*This limited-time offer expires June 30, 2006. Click here for a full explanation of the Terms and Conditions and eligibility requirements of this promotion.

Posted Tuesday, April 04, 2006 4:05 AM by nealw | 3 comment(s)