ronaldg's ramblings

EBS Jumpstart kit

ronaldg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:35:43 GMT

Hopefully, you just read the previous post about the upcoming WESS virtual launch as well as the post I did on EBS back on 9/19/08. The vast majority of you are already familiar with SBS, even if you haven’t had a chance to play with SBS 2008 – even though SBS 2008 has an all new look and lots of enhancements (including a 2nd Server for the Premium Edition), it’s essentially still the same “First Server, Right Server” solution that SBS 2003 was from a business solution perspective. EBS, on the other hand, is a whole new animal, is focused on a different business “space”, and will take some due diligence on your part to understand it’s value and implementation best practices. To that end, the EBS Jumpstart Online Kit will help you determine through a seven-step process if Windows EBS is the right fit for your business and how to start or improve your Windows EBS practice. Checklists, resources, and an ROI calculator help you prepare and set you up for success with Windows EBS. Plus, leverage prescriptive guidance from peers that gives you practical and comprehensive technical, sales and marketing advice as you add the solution to your portfolio of offerings.

Among other things, the EBS Jumpstart Online kit will help you answer the following key questions:
Is Windows EBS a good fit for my business?
What considerations do I need help my decision-making process?
What investments will I need to make if I want to add Windows EBS to my portfolio of solutions?
What returns can I expect for this investment?
What will I need to do to be successful?

If you have customers (or potential customers) in the 50-250 client space, you should check this out.(BTW, I say 50-250 because if your customer is already >50 clients, they are likely going to outgrow SBS (even tho it can go up to 75) and I put 250 at the top end because (even though technically EBS can go up to 300) like the SBS proposition, if you are already >250 you may be ready to outgrow EBS as well.)

WESS update – virtual launch invite

ronaldg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:17:51 GMT

In earlier posts, I’ve mentioned the RTMs and upcoming launches of SBS 2008 and EBS 2008. Although we’ve talked about WESS in TS2/OEM events for some time now, for those who may not know, WESS stands for Windows Essential Server System and is basically the umbrella term for the range of server solutions encompassed by the SBS 2008-EBS 2008 products. We now have highly integrated and automated server solutions for business environments from 3-300 clients.

The update I’m referring to here is that I wanted to let you know that the WESS launch event website is now live at www.thedreamserver.com. And, you can participate along with your customers in “The Dream Server” (virtual) Launch Event on November 12; do so thru the DreamServer link above.

Here’s a link on the Partner Portal for a PDF that has more guidance on how you can invite your customers to this virtual launch event (it even has an invitation email template) as well as links to other WESS campaign resources.

Windows 7 webcast on Digital WPC

ronaldg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:34:08 GMT

In my previous post I introduced you to (or reminded of) Digital WPC. Well, coming up later this month there's going to be a webcast on it that you might be interested in.

Digital WPC Webcast Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Time: 12:30 P.M. PDT (note that’s Pacific Time)
Location: Digital WPC

Here’s a partial agenda:
· Windows Vista and Windows 7 roadmap.
· Opportunities around Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).
· How to continue to build momentum for Windows Vista.
· Partner opportunities around Windows Vista mobility, security, and PC management.
· Windows Partner Solutions—now for enterprise system integrators.

I mention this not so much to try and publicize or promote Windows 7 as to point out that we’re really trying to include partners in early conversations around and planning for strategic things. Hopefully you'll appreciate that.

Speaking of Windows 7, you won’t see me doing much around it on this blog for quite a while other than keeping you up-to-date on major milestones and other points of interest such as this webcast. Windows 7 is not going to be the platform change that Vista was, and that’s part of why we should be able to release it in a shorter time frame, not because of Vista panic as the trade press might infer. In fact, you may recall, we announced some years back that we were heading to a more predictable release schedule that entailed a major release (XP/Server 2003) followed by a minor release (XP SP2/Server 2003 R2). Vista/Server 2008 represented a platform re-design and thus a major release, whereas Windows 7 (which apparently is now the official name) and the associated Server update can be thought of more as “R2” type releases, which should bring significant additional value but not a platform change. This is an important thing for you to remember as you deal with your customers who are considering waiting for Windows 7, as some of them may be waiting for the wrong reasons. Will more apps be compatible by the Windows 7 release? sure. Will more PCs be 64-bit and more capable of running a higher-end OS? sure. Will more drivers be available (as more vendors get better at writing them and more older devices get replaced)? sure. Will we find a way make UAC better? sure (in fact, UAC would be almost unnecessary if developers would properly write their apps for the Vista security model). sure. Will all of that serve to help Windows 7 come out of the gate stronger than Vista? well, it should. But, hopefully your customers are not being victimized by the current FUD and waiting for Windows 7 for the wrong reason(s). To that end, I’m starting a series called “The Vista Customer Conversation” to help you articulate the Vista value proposition (see 10/4 post). Still, it’s good to know what’s coming with Windows 7, so make plans to join the Digital WPC webcast on the 28th.

Digital WPC

ronaldg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:31:50 GMT

I know many of our Registered Member partners are unable to attend the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) every year since many are small shops that can’t afford the time away from the business, not to mention the expense of a week on the road. I should have mentioned this before, but for those who can’t make WPC and still want to keep up with the Partner Program, there’s a public site where you can go to get this information at your convenience. It’s called Digital WPC.

As you can see from the screenshot below, you can watch the Keynotes, selected Breakouts, Partner Forums, and other Webcasts at this site.

Here’s a screenshot of the Breakouts available, it may be a little hard to read, but notice some of the topics like Software+Services and how to double your Sharepoint business and others. I think these can be beneficial to partners of all sizes, hopefully, you’ll want to check some of them out.

It’s important for all our Partners to have access to information about how Microsoft is evolving its partner program and products and offerings as well. I hope this site can help you gain more insight into where Microsoft is heading and how we are trying to make sure our partners are poised for the success that is critical to both of us. Enjoy Digital WPC.

Microsoft, saving you money?

ronaldg — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:27:46 GMT

Recently one of our executives sent out a message to Microsoft folks that highlighted some interesting thoughts that got me to thinking. So I thought I’d also share the gist of them with you.

During this time of global economic instability, it’s almost a given that everyone will be affected and many companies and many people will become victims in some form or fashion. For many, especially small businesses, this will be a time of belt tightening, and that will have an obvious effect on IT spend which will also have an effect of our partner ecosystem – and times will likely get tougher before they get better. The executive pointed out that worrying about things beyond our control is not the answer, but instead we (and our partners and customers) should focus on what we can control to lessen the impact of these economic issues and also maximize use of our existing resources. We can’t predict the future or an end to the economic uncertainty, but, we can put ourselves in the best position to “ride out the storm”. With that in mind, he suggested some ways that better leveraging your investment in Microsoft might help you save money (by avoiding costs associated with your IT infrastructure on several levels). I’d like to summarize them for you as food for thought that you might leverage with your customers. Also, I’ll point out this link to John Weston’s TechNet blog - http://blogs.technet.com/jweston/archive/2008/10/09/how-microsoft-can-save-customers-money.aspx where he broaches the same subject.

Thoughts on how Microsoft Can Save Customers Money

· Deploy virtualization - while not a strong play in the small business space, it can reduce server hardware needs and is considered a “green” solution as well (potential energy savings)

· Consider platform consolidation/standardization - consider the potential time and support savings by standardizing on a single platform (of course, we hope you think the Microsoft platform)

· Deploy/use “management” – Microsoft provides a complete range of management tools and solutions, from the built-in client “health” checking of SBS to the comprehensive infrastructure management provided by the System Center product line.

· Use tools to lower desktop deployment and management costs – again, Microsoft provides a strong set of deployment resources and tools, including Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Tookit and other “Solution Accelerators”, as well as the Desktop Optimization Pack, and Application Virtualization.

· Deploy the software that is already owned and maximize current IT spend - if you/your customer have invested in any Volume license/Software Assurance, you need to leverage the resources above, such as MAP, to deploy current generation software which has been designed for better security and management, both of which provide IT TCO savings.

· Consider implementation of Microsoft Unified Communications solutions – for almost any business this will reduce the cost of travel (which is becoming much more expensive these days) as well as reduce the waste of unproductive travel time. Microsoft has on-premise as well as “cloud-based” options for accomplishing this in the way that best serves your (or customers’) business.

· Reduce costs and improve security with standardized configurations of Windows desktops, servers and mobile devices – hopefully you are already familiar with the benefits and efficiencies of what we call “infrastructure optimization”, if not, click here for more information (PLEASE familiarize yourself with this if you have done so already).

· Using Windows Vista can save energy costs, increase mobility and productivity, and reduce deployment and data protection costs – Click here for the facts on Windows Vista

· Leverage Microsoft Finance – especially for partners, this will give customers payment flexibility and secure options that has proven to accelerate and increase deal size.

· Leverage Microsoft Software Assurance Benefits – many folks don’t know that SA includes not just software version upgrades, but also things like Training Vouchers and eLearning, 24x7 Problem Resolution, Home Use and Employee Purchase Program, and Desktop Deployment Planning Services, all designed to help you get the most out of your Microsoft software investment.

and last, but certainly not least,

· Consider Microsoft Online Services – leveraging online services can bring functionality like UC (above) to the small business and can reduce the total cost of ownership for infrastructure needs such as email in many cases. Check them out at: Microsoft Online Services

New Series – the Vista Customer Conversation

ronaldg — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:46:55 GMT

A while back I started another series called “You make the call” where I posted responses to articles I felt were examples of why we have a Vista “perception” problem. Typically these articles focused on anecdotal evidence (a single instance of an issue) that was given undue credibility or were subjective and one-sided in their treatment and negative content. So I pointed out what I felt were the issues and inconsistencies and then left it to you to “make the call”. While I’ve noticed an overwhelming number of articles, blogs, etc that have no problem espousing all these negatives, I’ve not found many that actually seem to know, much less understand, the value proposition for Windows Vista (and that’s probably “our bad”), thus many of you are faced with the proposition of customers actually starting out with a predilection against Vista rather than customers seeking to find out what the advantages of this new technology are.

I mentioned in a previous post that I’m doing a series of “Live” events this fall focused on OEM/System Builders (now Solution Builders) now branded as SB2@TS2 (check my previous blog on 8/29 for dates/cities). One of the things that we’re doing in the SB2 events is starting with a section called “Let’s Talk” where we open up the floor to get real-time, real-world input from the partner audience on matters and issues affecting them. In the 2 events I’ve done so far, the Vista negative perception problem has by far been the most pervasive issue that the partners are having to deal with and want help with. Since the next section of the OEM/SB content is around having the “Vista Customer Conversation”, these SB2 events have been very well received, and I hope you’ll get to join us for one.

In fact, here’s an excerpt from an email I got after my last event in the NYC area: “It was very informative and extremely enlightening to see someone finally stand up for Microsoft and its products... I stand up for [Microsoft] all the time. You gave me information to use to do it better.” And, with this in mind, it occurred to me that perhaps a blog series around some of the things we discuss in the SB2 event might be helpful for those of you who can’t make it to one of these live events. [BTW, the SB2 segments (including the Vista one) will also be recorded and published as on-demand webcasts (via the Partner Learning Center) sometime in the next 4-8 weeks, in case you can’t get to a live event.]

SO, I’ve decided to institute this new series which I’m calling The Vista Customer Conversation. My hope is to help you understand the real value proposition behind Vista AND articulate to your customers why they should be moving to it. Interestingly, contrary to the anecdotal evidence that I found prominent in most of the negative articles, I can tell you that I’ve polled my partner audiences at each TS2 & SB2 event for the last year+ and specifically asked if any of them are having any major issues with Vista. I’m happy to report that over this time frame, the main “issue” that I’ve heard is the “negative perception” one. The vast, vast majority (95%+) of my partner audiences are using Vista and are happy with it. To be sure, there are real issues and problems that can be encountered with Vista, as with any major OS update. And, it’s not going to work for everyone without some potential pain (e.g. hardware and/or software app upgrades, driver issues, UI changes, etc). But this is about helping my readers understand why these things are issues, and also know about the mitigations for things like app compatibility, and finally to know many of the enhancements that Vista brings to the table that represent real value proposition for your business, or consumer, customer.

With that, I’ll bring this series intro to a close and hope you’ll “stay tuned” for future installments.

Are S+S and BPOS still Greek to you?

ronaldg — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:40:02 GMT

If so, then I would encourage you to learn a little more Greek. Back on 8/11 I did a short overview post on S+S and BPOS, you can refer back to that for a quick refresher if necessary. One of the things I included in that post was a link to a page on the partner portal (Quickstart for Microsoft Online Services Home page) which I’ve included again here as well for your convenience, where you can find a lot more information and resources (including Business, Technical, Support, and Community info) on S+S and BPOS as well as the steps to enroll as a Microsoft Online Services Partner (essentially some training, an assessment, and a sign-up). IF you haven’t already visited this site, PLEASE take some time to do so and investigate this great opportunity for your partner business. SaaS, like the internet is here to stay, so Microsoft is embracing it, but also looking to make sure our partners have an opportunity around it as well, since you are, and will continue to be, a critical part of our success. This partner portal page also has a wealth of resources for you around our Online Services offerings and opportunities Microsoft Online Services, please visit it as well, and please read on…

The Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) is a suite of enterprise class products including online versions of Exchange, SharePoint, Live Meeting, and Office Communications that are delivered as a subscription services and hosted by Microsoft. The key point to note about BPOS, however, is that it can be sold thru Partners. This represents a continuing revenue stream for you! Yes, this is SaaS, and it is a key component of our S+S strategy (in fact, it’s the second “S”). S+S is about choice, using “local PC” installed software in combination with “service-based” software, where advantageous to do so, to provide the most robust and efficacious computing platform for you and your customers. As far as I know, few, if any other, SaaS vendors sell their offerings thru a partner channel – the point here being that if your customer is a candidate for a SaaS solution, we think it’s in your (our partners’) best interest to make sure they get on the BPOS, or other Microsoft-hosted SaaS solution that has some key integration points into the OS and local software that you also sell and support. And also help them understand that they can have a choice, it’s not necessarily an either/or (online or offline/local PC) proposition; and you, as a Microsoft partner are in the best position to make sure they implement the solution that best fits their business needs, which is likely not an either/or proposition. We think it’s an advantage for our partners to have this range of solutions from a single vendor with consistent and familiar interfaces and support mechanisms. And did I mention that you make money on this, in a recurring stream no less.

The TS2 seminars, see http://microsoftts2.com, this fall have a major content section on S+S/BPOS, so get to one of those if you can to find out even more. But, of course, we have more training for you on S+S and BPOS in the Partner Learning Center, and, lastly, I want to point out the opportunity that some of you may have to take advantage of some hands-on training Business Productivity Online Suite Workshop that’ll be touring the country over the next 6 weeks or so (see my adjacent/last post for the details on this).

BPOS workshop tour (with hand’s on labs)

ronaldg — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:27:19 GMT

Hopefully you have just read, or will read the adjoining post around S+S and BPOS. And, of course, I hope that encouraged you to look more deeply into the S+S BPOS opportunity. One of the things some of you might be able to take advantage of is this BPOS workshop tour. Since this is a “live” training with a hands-on component there are costs (and thus fees) involved, but if you act fast, you can save 50% on that.

BPOS Hands-on Lab Workshops
This one day event is focused on educating partners around the deployment and administration of Business Productivity Online Suite. Training will be delivered through a series of presentations that focus on developing the skills required to subscribe, deploy, co-exist, migrate, administer, and support the online services.
Partners that register before Oct 8, 2008 will enjoy 50% off the registration fee.
Click here to register or learn more.

Hand-on Lab Workshop Event date/City schedule
Oct 21, 2008 Greenwood Village (Denver)
Oct 21, 2008 Edina (Minneapolis)
Oct 23, 2008 San Diego
Oct 23, 2008 Washington
Oct 28, 2008 Irvine
Oct 30, 2008 Houston
Oct 30, 2008 Waltham (Boston)
Nov 04, 2008 San Francisco
Nov 05, 2008 Oakbrook (Chicago)
Nov 06, 2008 Exton (Philadelphia)
Nov 06, 2008 Atlanta
Nov 12, 2008 Bellevue (Seattle)
Nov 13, 2008 Tampa
Nov 13, 2008 Dallas
Nov 14, 2008 Mason (Cincinnati)
Nov 18, 2008 New York (Manhattan)
Nov 18, 2008 San Jose
Nov 19, 2008 Carmel (Indianapolis)
Nov 20, 2008 Phoenix

Big Question – How can Microsoft better support you?

ronaldg — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:54:54 GMT

This is an important opportunity for you (my blog readers, and presumably Microsoft partners) to make some fairly direct and hopefully actionable feedback on how we can improve the Microsoft partner program. Most of my readership should already be familiar with Eric Ligman, and may well have already seen this on his blog, but if not, please “read and heed”.

-----------------------------------------[Excerpt from Eric’s blog]-------------------------------------

Big Question – How Can Microsoft Better Support You, Your Way?

At Microsoft, the relationship we have with our Partners is a top priority for us. I publish this Blog and share my thoughts and insights with you here in the hope that many of you find value in these pieces of information. But I also know that Microsoft can do more to make it easier to engage with us, to help you squeeze more efficiency out of the day, and to meet the demands of your customers…I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we are doing – and where we could improve.

To do this, I have posted a three (3) question survey asking for your input…If you could please take just a few minutes to provide us with this input, it would be most appreciated and will hopefully provide us with some better insights into how to make our relationship with all of you even stronger than it is today.

Eric Ligman
Microsoft Senior Manager, Community Engagement
US Partner Strategy, Marketing and Programs

and Eric’s blog is: http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/

Windows Essential Business Server RTMs (9/18/08)

ronaldg — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:22:13 GMT

Well, you saw in an earlier post that SBS 2008 RTM’d several weeks back, now EBS has also RTM’d. As I noted in the previous post, GA (general availability) and a joint Launch (for the Windows Essential Server Solutions, which encompasses both of these products) is scheduled for Nov 12th. And, btw, we will be discussing and showing the WESS in the upcoming SB2@TS2 series (OEM/SB focused) seminars as well as the regular TS2 events.

Just to briefly refresh, EBS is an integrated server stack (3-4 servers) designed to meet the needs of medium-size businesses. The server bundle, available in two editions, can be configured and supported by Microsoft's channel partners for companies that don’t have full time IT staff.

The Standard Edition of EBS includes Windows Server, Exchange, SQL Server, System Center Essentials, Forefront Security for Exchange and Forefront Threat Management Gateway, delivered as Management, Messaging, and Security servers, with a 4th LOB server option in the Premium Edition all managed thru a single console view.

As an interesting note, Microsoft's Forefront Threat Management Gateway has been released to manufacturing for the very first time with this EBS release. It replaces Microsoft's ISA firewall product and adds "unified threat management" capabilities. For example, the TMG solution provides network edge security that can support a company's headquarters, as well as its branch offices, according to Microsoft's Forefront TMG blog.

EBS has been almost 2 years in the making and has undergone significant testing and customer trials. Of course, all the components are based on the latest Microsoft technology, such as Windows Server 2008, which has come out very strong. (from a quality perspective)

The EBS suite is focused on bringing enterprise-class resources to medium-size organizations with few or no IT support staff. In that vein, it comes with best practices and enterprise-grade security built-in. And, like it’s close relative, SBS 2008, it also features fast and easy set-up and migration capabilities, as well as centralized IT administration and lot’s of integration and automation.

For those of you with customers between 50-300 computers, I think this will potentially be a compelling solution.

I’m a PC, no apologies necessary

ronaldg — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:26:34 GMT

Unfortunately, as many of you are aware, we (Microsoft) have let Apple essentially define what a “PC” is via their clever commercials over the past some time. Recently, in some of their ads that I’ve seen, they’ve gone what I call “political” and generally taken on a more negative tone and played a little loose with the facts. Well, as some would suggest, it seems they have “woken the sleeping giant”, but actually this is less about countering Apple (I believe after all that ad campaigning, they still only enjoy single-digit market share) than it is about reminding folks what a PC really is, and can be, and why the Windows-based PC is still the overwhelming choice of the average computer user (for both business and home). And, in fact, it IS about choice, which, incidentally, you have very little of on that other platform.

All that to say this – as you may have also already noticed, Microsoft has begun a long-term media campaign (leveraging TV, online, newspaper, outdoor, print, and other media, as well as events) to help celebrate the Windows-based PC and remind folks that it’s not really the stereotype that Apple has tried to depict in their ads. Stay tuned and hopefully some of this will help you re-excite your customers, clients, and friends about the Windows platform.

There are two sites I want to call out…

Windows.com – which you can think of, and share, as kind of a public/consumer portal for all things Windows, and
https://partner.microsoft.com/vistafacts –a more business focused portal where you can find things like:
- Demos & videos,
- Case studies, and
- Data sheets & white papers

I heard many partners at the recent WW Partner Conference mention that they thought Microsoft should be more proactive in “telling our story” to the public, and frankly, not let Apple continue to drive PC perception by being the only voice. Well, I hope this campaign helps to reinvigorate our partners’ desktop-oriented install and upgrade business.

OEM/System Builder events in Fall 2009

ronaldg — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:30:29 GMT

Hey friends, just wanted to let you know about a new series of events that will be running in conjunction with the TS2/MSAM events in Sep-Nov 2009. These events will be similar to the normal TS2 events, and are actually co-branded as SB2@TS2 (Solution Building for System Builders). In fact, I’m the TS2 project manager for these events and will be doing many of them myself instead of my normal TS2 events. As you can surmise from the title, these events are focused on our OEM/System Builder (SB) partners. We’ll have a major section on Vista and also discuss the new Small Business Server and Essentials Business Servers, and we’ll have a section on resources and opportunities specific to OEM/SBs. As you might also infer from the new branding around solution building, these events are going to take a new approach that we hope our OEM/SB partners find more beneficial than the historical focus on technical product details. We’re very excited to have the opportunity to focus on our OEM/SB partners again – the last time we (TS2) did events specific to OEM/SBs was the Vista SP2 roadshow a couple of years back. Hopefully, there’s one coming to your area. I’ve made a list below with all the events and links to register. All of these events will start at 8:30am and run until noon. Come join me/us if you can…

The cities in red are the ones I’ll be doing, if you get to one of those and have read this blog, please let me know who you are, I’d love to meet you.

Date City State Register Now for the SB2 event in your area!

9/24/2008 Atlanta GA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

9/25/2008 Phoenix AZ SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/2/2008 Hartford CT SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/7/2008 San Francisco CA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/21/2008 Indianapolis IN SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/23/2008 Southfield MI SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/28/2008 Minneapolis MN SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/28/2008 Portland OR SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/29/2008 Washington DC SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

10/30/2008 Seattle WA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/5/2008 Cincinnati OH SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/6/2008 Hauppauge NY SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/11/2008 San Antonio TX SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/11/2008 Philadelphia PA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/12/2008 Irvine CA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/13/2008 Houston TX SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/13/2008 Burlington MA SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/18/2008 Orlando FL SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/18/2008 Denver CO SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

11/19/2008 Irving TX SB2 @ TS2: Solution Building for System Builders

Windows Small Business Server 2008 RTM’s today (8/21/08)

ronaldg — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:20:41 GMT

Well, the title pretty much says it all. General availability (product available in Retail and Volume Licensing) is planned for early October, and the Windows Essential Server System (WESS includes SBS 2008 and Essentials Business Server 2008) will be officially launched world-wide on November 12th. Yes, my Registered Partner readers, SBS 2008 will be in the Action Pack (as will EBS), but I can’t say for sure yet that it will make it into the October MAPS update (although I think the chances are good).

Here’s some links to some WESS and SBS 2008 specific resources:

MSPP Windows Essential Server Solutions (on partner portal, this is a great resource, be sure to check this out)

Windows SBS 2008 TechNet Library (updated for RTM)

The SBS Official Blog

WESS webcasts

and, last but not least, make sure you also check out this link on the Partner Portal for access to an SBS click-thru demo as well as a Technical Training webcast series.

SBS 2008 specific link on partner portal

Plug for Dynamics events in AUG

ronaldg — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:01:45 GMT

Our MSAM Dynamics team is targeting these events to “classic'’ Partners who don’t currently sell Dynamics products, so if you might be interested in some ways to expand your offerings, here’s some event info. Check out the Note below if you need any additional incentive.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM & ERP Events for Partners – Register now!

Partners - Looking for new ways to expand your offerings and grow your business? Be sure to attend the Microsoft Dynamics partner event in your city!

· Microsoft Dynamics CRM Event: We’ll discuss how you can empower your customers with unprecedented choices of how to buy, run, and use Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and also how to increase your reach by addressing opportunities in new geographies, market segments, and industries.

· Microsoft Dynamics ERP Event: Learn how Microsoft Dynamics ERP can adapt to the changing environments of organizations through collaboration and extensive business intelligence, and how it integrates with Microsoft Platform tools. We’ll show you how to position Microsoft’s ERP offerings to better engage with your customers and prospects.

NOTE: Attendees will receive a copy of Office at the CRM events and a copy of Vista Ultimate w/SP1 at ERP events.

City

Dates

Register Here!

Time

Chicago, IL

19-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Briefing

9a - 12p CT

Chicago, IL

19-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Briefing

1:30p - 4:30p CT

Denver, CO

21-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Briefing

9a - 12p MT

Denver, CO

21-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Briefing

1:30p - 4:30p MT

Fargo, ND

21-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Briefing

9a - 12p CT

Fargo, ND

21-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Briefing

1:30p - 4:30p CT

Bellevue, WA

26-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Briefing

9a - 12p PT

Bellevue, WA

26-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Briefing

1:30p - 4:30p PT

Ft Lauderdale, FL

26-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Briefing

9a - 12p ET

Ft Lauderdale, FL

26-Aug

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Briefing

1:30p - 4:30p ET

TS Events in Fall 2008

ronaldg — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:35:06 GMT

Of course, I want to promote our upcoming TS2 events. As many of you may be aware, the number of live events is decreasing, this is it for August-September (see table below). Since we won’t be going to any place more than twice a year, our content is moving to a semi-annual cycle, so the content shown below will be current thru the rest of our CY08 events.

FYI, I will not be doing standard TS2 events in this current semi-annual cycle, instead I will be doing a series for our OEM/System Builders. Those will begin in late September (specifically Atlanta on 9/24 is the first, and I will be doing that one). I will be doing posts on that calendar and content later, but it will be mostly around Vista and the Windows Essential Server System.

Content: In Aug-Nov 2008, the TS2 team will offer sales tips to help you promote the following products:

· Small Business Server 2008 & Essential Business Server 2008

· Response Point VoIP Phone System

· Software + Services

Register now at: www.MicrosoftTS2.com to meet the team, view educational webcasts, and more! The projected August-September event list is:

Dates:	Cities:
8/19/2008	Jacksonville, FL Chicago, IL
8/21/2008	Columbia, SC Webster Grove, MO
8/26/2008	New York, NY Des Moines, IA
8/28/2008	Edison, NJ Kansas City, MO
9/16/2008	Reston, VA Fresno, CA
9/18/2008	Richmond, VA Berkeley, CA
9/23/2008	Memphis, TN Las Vegas, NV
9/24/2008	Atlanta, GA
9/25/2008	Little Rock, AR Phoenix, AZ