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February 2008 - Posts

  • Software Assurance Webcast March 11th, 2008

     

     

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    You’re invited to an East Region Software Assurance Benefits Webcast!

     

     

     

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    Need help with your customer renewal conversations?

    Microsoft Software Assurance is so much more than upgrade rights. Join me on March 11th to learn about the many benefits so that you can get those customer renewals closed!

    Including how to get the most from the investment in software, I will discuss customer benefits like obtaining the latest software with phone support available 24 hours a day, partner services, deployment planning, training, and IT tools that help customers deploy, manage, and migrate software. After this session, you will better be able to articulate to customers how Software Assurance, can help them increase worker productivity, accelerate organizational performance, and quickly realize a return on their software investment. 

    Who Should Attend?
    Partners who resell to small and medium-sized businesses in the East Region who are looking to increase their annuity renewal rates and further develop their relationship with Microsoft.

     

     

    Attendance is by invitation only.  Please RSVP to receive the webcast link and call-in information.

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    To register, please visit www.microsoft.com/events and enter the Event ID 1032370312.

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    WEBCAST

    March 11, 2008

    2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

     

     

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    Learn how Software Assurance can help your customers get the most out of their software investment:

    • Better understand how you can deepen your customer relationships, drive more business with your existing customers, and build stable year-over-year recurring revenue streams through Open License annuities and renewals.
    • Better articulate the value of Software Assurance and capture the expiring Open License annuities of your customers.

      Hear from Todd Juchem, Partner Solutions Advisor for Microsoft.

     

     

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    © 2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

    Protect Your PC: 3 steps to help ensure your PC is protected Microsoft wants to help ensure your PC is protected from viruses and worms like Mydoom and Blaster, as well as from future threats. Please go to www.microsoft.com/protect and follow these steps today. 1. Use an Internet Firewall 2. Update Your Computer 3. Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software To get more information and resources about how to help protect your PC, go to www.microsoft.com/protect.

    Review our Privacy Statement.

    If you prefer not to receive future promotional e-mails of this type from Microsoft, please click here to unsubscribe. We will promptly update your preferences; however, you may still receive previously initiated promotional communications from Microsoft. previously initiated promotional communications from Microsoft.

    This e-mail is intended for distribution within the United States. Please contact your local Microsoft(R) Subsidiary for similar offerings outside the U.S.

    Microsoft Corporation
    One Microsoft Way
    Redmond, WA 98052

     

     

     

     

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  • Northeast Area Partner Newsletter

    Hello Northeast Partners...Are you currently receiving the Northeast Area Partner Newsletter?
    Are you a Microsoft Partner & want to subscribe to the Newsletter? E-mail msnep@microsoft.com with your request to subscribe today.

    Here is a sample from February 2008: 

    Visit the Northeast Area Partner website

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    A Message from Barrie Mirman and Gail Corey,

    Northeast Partner Community Managers

    Welcome to the February edition of the Northeast Area Partner Newsletter.

    Congratulations to those Northeast partners achieving double-digit revenue growth from selling Microsoft software in January! Great job and we are here to help you keep up the momentum as we head into February, our launch month!

    February is a short month so here are the top 3 areas we recommend that you focus on:

    Ride the 2008 Launch Wave!
    Are you ready to talk to your customers today about Windows Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008? We boiled it down to 5 things you can do today.

    Renew your membership in the Microsoft Partner Program. Here are two great tips to save you time: Use the 2008 re-enrollment checklist or the 2008 re-enrollment video to take you through the re-enrollment process step by step.

    Understand What "The Big Easy Offer" Means For YOU
    Available February 1, The Big Easy Microsoft offer, with up-to $10 million in partner subsidy funds, is available exclusively to Microsoft Partner Program members. This one offer covers most core products and solutions you sell to your small and medium-size customers. Register for a webcast to learn more.

    Check out the Northeast Area portal so you can always have access to the latest Northeast Area information.

    Regards,

    Barrie Mirman, New England PCM
    Gail Corey, Upstate New York PCM


    February News

    Act Now: Your SBS or Office 2007 or SQL Server 2005 Prospects MUST Purchase By January 31 To Receive Partner Subsidy Dollars!
    There are still 4 business days left to take advantage of this offer! Consider the partner subsidy dollars when offering SBS or Office 2007 or SQL Server 2005 with Software Assurance to your customers.

    Are You Ready for Launch? Five Things You Can Do Today to Get Ready

    1.

    Server and Tools Launch Webcast, February 12: Success Starts Now
    This webcast will help you start conversations with customers about Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008. You will learn how these products can provide dynamic solutions that grow with your customers, while giving you a great revenue opportunity. Join us on February 12 to learn more.

    2.

    Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate Evaluation Software
    Get ready for the February 27 launch event for Windows Server 2008, the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet. Learn more about Windows Server 2008 and download the 30-day trial of Windows Server 2008 RC1 today.

    3.

    Prepare for Launch Success with the Launch Readiness Kit
    The Launch Readiness Kit is your one-stop shop to help with your 2008 Server and Tools launch. The kit has valuable product information, marketing tools, and sales resources to prepare for this major IT professional and developer launch. Check out the Launch Readiness Kit and get ready to sell.

    4.

    Host Your Own Prelaunch Sneak Peak Event
    By hosting a unique Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 preview event, you can be one of the first partners to give insight on the latest information. Learn more on how to execute a Sneak Peek event.

    5.

    Northeast Has a Few Slots Left: Become a Launch Sponsor
    With the combined launch of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, the 2008 Launch Wave will be the largest outreach to customers, partners, IT professionals, and developers in Microsoft history. Space is limited, and city selection is on a first come, first served basis. Please contact:

    Partner Names A - L: send an e-mail message to Julie Simms or call (206) 498-9108
    Partner Names M - Z: send an e-mail message to Jenny Loofbourrow or call (206) 286-5428

    Microsoft 2008 Launch Wave U.S. Sponsorship Opportunities

     

     

    Windows Live OneCare Volume License Launch Aims for Secure Network

    On January 1, Windows Live OneCare launched a U.S.-only pilot of OneCare Open License, which brings all-in-one personal computer security and performance service to small business customers. It is now available to distributors and VAR partners for purchase.


    Local Events and Training

     

    Register Now for Microsoft Hosting Days

    This free event for pure hosters, telcos, ISVs, VARs, and system integrators will give the knowledge and tools needed to expand your business. By using Windows-based Hosting Solutions, you can create new services, revenue streams, and growth opportunities. This seminar will show your team how to grow your business to attract and retain more customers.

    Northeast Area Exclusive: Only CT has seats left! Windows Server 2008/Business Productivity Infrastructure Optimization (BPIO) Hands-on Training
    Led by our own Northeast SMS&P sales & technical pre-sales teams, your technical and sales teams will learn "what's new" in Windows Server 2008 versus Windows Server 2003 and how to quickly articulate this to customers. The technical audience can dive deeper with Hands-On Labs and Loadfest activities, while the sales audience learns how to answer the tough questions and how to tap into tools to accelerate deals to close. Waltham is already sold out!

    Register now for February 7 in Hartford, CT.

    Licensing Boot Camp for Partners (Seating Is Limited)
    Back by Popular Demand! Microsoft, Tech Data, Ingram Micro and D&H Distribution will show you how you can differentiate your services from your competitors and help you stand out as a Microsoft partner that specializes in providing licensing solutions and services. This interactive event will help build your capabilities in the areas of Open License, Open Value, and financing options. Get the fundamentals and learn how you can sell Open Value Subscription and earn big partner subsidy dollars on the Big Easy Partner Incentive.

    Register NOW for a Licensing Boot Camp:

    Ingram Micro and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Location: Buffalo, NY
    Register today.

    D&H and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Thursday, April 10, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Dedham, MA
    Register today.

    TechData and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Westborough, MA
    Register today.

    Ingram Micro and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, May 21, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Location: Syracuse, NY
    Register today.

    Local Instructor-Led Training

     

    Advanced Training - Building and Implementing Enterprise Search Solutions

    January 29: Waltham, MA

     

     

    Windows Server 2008 Partner Preparation - Public

    February 11: Waltham, MA

     

     

    Selling with Microsoft Infrastructure Optimization

    February 19: Farmington, CT

     

     

    Transitioning to Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 - Public

    March 4: Waltham, MA

    Local TS2 Events

    Build a Business Model That Supports Your Customers' Business Goals

    January 29: Syracuse, NY

    January 31: Buffalo, NY

    February 5: Nashua, NH

    February 26: Burlington, VT

    February 28: Providence, RI


    Sales and Marketing

    Act Now: Your Office 2007 or SQL Server 2005 Prospects MUST Purchase By January 31 To Receive Partner Subsidy Dollars!
    With the 2007 Microsoft Office System Partner Subsidy Offer, 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 the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Open Partner subsidy promotion, we can give customers up to $5,500 back for each SQL Server 2005 license with Software Assurance they purchase.

     

    New Content: Upgrade the Desktop Ready-to-Go Campaign

    Reach out to customers and introduce them to the benefits (and readiness) of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. This refreshed Ready-to-Go Campaign makes it easy. Use the content provided to customize before you reach out to new prospects or existing customers. Do not miss out on the Microsoft Software Asset Management partner subsidy offer.

     

     

    Microsoft Open Licensing Renewals Made Easy

    Are you a strategic advisor for your customers? Do your commercial customers have Open License agreements with Microsoft that are due for renewal? Not sure? We can help.

    Microsoft, in partnership with our top distributors, has teamed up to provide you with:

     

    Information about all of your customers that have Open License renewals coming up.

    Simple, concise training and documentation on how to approach the conversation with your customers and execute the renewal.

    For more information, click here.


    Launch: Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008

    Download the Launch Readiness Kit

    Join the Server and Tools Launch Webcast, February 12: Success Starts Now

    Check out the Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate Evaluation Software

    Not too late! Microsoft 2008 Launch Wave U.S. Sponsorship Opportunities

     

    Top 10 Reasons to Install Windows Server 2008

    Do your customers already have Software Assurance & are entitled to use Windows Server 2008? Your team can help them understand the Top 10 Reasons to Install Windows Server 2008.

     

     

    Northeast Partners: Host Your Own Prelaunch Sneak Peak Event

    Host a Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 preview event, you can be one of the first partners to give insight on the latest information.

    Let us help you! Get free eval software for your attendees, marketing templates (from invitation, to follow-up e-mails); presentation decks; telesales scripts, agenda, and more.

    Learn more on how to execute a Sneak Peek event.

    We want to hear from you! E-mail us at msnep@microsoft.com if you are hosting a Sneak Peak event. If we can help you promote it, we will.


    Small Business Partners

    Act Now: Small Business Customers MUST Purchase By January 31 To Receive Partner Subsidy Dollars!
    With the Small Business Server 2003 Partner Subsidy Promotion, your customers can receive partner subsidies when they purchase a Windows Small Business Server license with Software Assurance through the Open Value or Open Business Program. Plus, Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) partners will earn an additional 50% of the partner subsidy value.

    Get Networking
    Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) user groups are locally based groups that install and support SBS and develop solutions based on SBS and Windows Server. The groups typically meet once a month to discuss the business and technical issues that the members deal with. It is easy to get involved.

    New England Small Business Server User Group
    Date: February 19, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Where: Waltham, MA
    Our topic will be business class mobility solutions. Bob Caporaso from Bluesocket of Burlington, MA, will discuss the type of WLAN and VoIP products that you cannot pick up at Staples. Click here for more information.


    IAMCP

    Date: February 13, 2:00 PM
    Where: Live Meeting
    IAMCP Boston will host a Microsoft Office Live Meeting centered on the Students to Business program. This 30-minute seminar will cover the Microsoft Community Initiative designed to connect Microsoft partners and customers with qualified college and university students for entry-level and internship positions. Click here to register or call (508) 481-6375.


     

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    February 2008

     

    In This Issue:

     

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    February News

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    Local Events and Training

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    Sales and Marketing

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    Launch: Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008

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    Small Business Partners

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    IAMCP

     
         

     

    Partner Resources

    Regional Service Center
    (800) 765-7768
    mspp-na@microsoft.com

    Partner Resource Desk
    (800) 426-9400
    x81797 (Platform)
    x81792 (Dynamics)
    prd@microsoft.com

    Customer Care Program
    (866) MS-LISTEN

    Virus and Security
    866-PCSAFETY

    Technical Support
    800-MICROSOFT (Code: 2211)

     
       

     

    Training and Events

    Partner Learning Center
    Readiness training classes

    Microsoft Across America TS2 Events
    Increase your technical competencies

    Obtaining IW Competency

     
       

     

    Sales and Marketing

    Launch Central

    Dynamics Certification

    Become a Small Business Specialist

    Promotions and Incentives

    Ready-to-Go Campaigns

    Microsoft Partner Events
    Host customer events

    Profile Your Solutions

    Competitive Resources

    Licensing Configurator
    Deliver comprehensive and timely customer quotes

    Software Assurance
    Maximize your customers' technology investments

    Security Bulletins

     
       

     

    Connect with the Team

    Visit the Northeast Area Partner Home Page

    Contact Your Partner Community Manager

     
       

    Are you a Microsoft Partner & want to subscribe to this list? E-mail msnep@microsoft.com with your request to subscribe today.

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    * Individuals who are the Global or Local Administrator for their organization will have a slightly different experience. In the grey bar near the top of the page, select "Administration", then "Manage Your Individual Profile", then follow steps 4 and 5.

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    © 2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, SQL Server, Visual Studio, Windows, Windows Server, and Windows Vista are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

    Newsletter Legal Information

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    Microsoft Corporation
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    Redmond, Washington, USA
    98052

    Visit the Northeast Area Partner website

    © 2008 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement

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  • Be Ready for Launch: Heroes Happen Here

    Heroes Happen Here :: Register For an Event

    Hero Learn More

    Drive Your Business Forward

    Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008 provide a secure and trusted platform for creating and running your most demanding applications. Combined, the products provide a solid foundation for next-generation web applications, broad support for virtualization technology, and access to relevant information. Advanced security technology, developer support for the latest platforms, improved management and web tools, flexible virtualization solutions, and access to relevant information from throughout your organization enable you to drive your business forward.

  • Become a System Builder for Windows Home Servers

  • Windows Home Server Blog Site and Where to Buy

     

    Many questions have come up over the last few TS2 Seminars I have conducted in the Northeast. Some technical questions, limitations and how to buy.  I have located a Blog site that may help.

    http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver/default.aspx

    Free 120 day Trial
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/eval.mspx

    Where to buy?
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/buy.mspx

    OEM

    still researching

  • Northeast Open Licensing Boot Camps

    Licensing Boot Camp for Partners (Seating Is Limited)
    Back by Popular Demand! Microsoft, Tech Data, Ingram Micro and D&H Distribution will show you how you can differentiate your services from your competitors and help you stand out as a Microsoft partner that specializes in providing licensing solutions and services. This interactive event will help build your capabilities in the areas of Open License, Open Value, and financing options. Get the fundamentals and learn how you can sell Open Value Subscription and earn big partner subsidy dollars on the Big Easy Partner Incentive.

    Register NOW for a Licensing Boot Camp:
    Ingram Micro and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Location: Buffalo, NY
    Register today.

    D&H and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Thursday, April 10, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Dedham, MA
    Register today.

    TechData and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Location: Westborough, MA
    Register today.

    Ingram Micro and Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp
    Date: Wednesday, May 21, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Location: Syracuse, NY
    Register today.