Woody Walton's Blog

Like many of you, I was excited by the release to manufacturing of Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 (SCDPM).  I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Jason Buffington, a key Product Manager for SCDPM, a few weeks prior to its release.  I had not been following the product closely at all at that time due simply to the fact there are SO MANY products at Microsoft under development at any given time.  ...Well that has changed.  What I saw really opened my eyes!

First, a big props to the Data Protection Manager Team for putting out a stellar product.  If you want more depth on the RTM of  DPM 2007, I would start here for

For more general information I would check out the SCDPM site:

Okay, so where is the beef?  What is in it for partners other than the fact we have a new potential product for backup/recovery, etc?

Well let me tell you....

The first thing that stuck me about the product was the ease and simplicity with which you can configure the backup of Microsoft application servers such as Exchange Server, SQL Server, Office SharePoint Server, Virtual Server 2005 R2, and other work loads like Windows Files Services.  They are all treated as logical units and one doesn't need to know all the small stuff.  Say you are wanting to backup SharePoint.  ...well we all know that it uses SQL on the back end and that there are Content databases and Configuration databases, etc.  To DPM 2007, you simply choose and the logical unit "Sharepoint" and proceed with the wizards.  DPM remembers all the small stuff for you making certain you didn't overlook anything.  Since I am not a backup/recovery expert and have little or no implementation experience with these solutions in the real world, this stuck me as a very nice feature for me, the IT Generalist, or the Partner. 

Another capability that struck me was how DPM 2007 insured zero data loss recovery with a combination of Snapshots and application awareness.  Here is an expert from the DPM 2007 FAQ:

DPM is the new standard for Microsoft application integrated continuous data protection. Providing unmatched application backup functionality and reliable lossless application recovery through an innovative blend of point in time snapshots and application awareness. Most “traditional” replication based CDP products lack application consistency. So while they can roll an application back to any point in time, they are generally unable to guarantee that the application will have been in a consistent state when that point in time copy was made. DPM has combined the best features of a snapshot based, application consistent backup process with the lossless recovery offered by a CDP product. This has been done by integrating application logs into VSS snapshots taken every 15 minutes. With the result being the ability to restore to the last 15 minute snapshot and then roll forward the application logs for an application consistent, zero data loss recovery of Exchange, SQL, and SharePoint. This solution has the benefits of a CDP solution (Zero Data loss recovery) and Snapshot solution (Application Consistency) with none of disadvantages typically found in either.

...DPM V2 uses a backup and replication engine which is optimized for both Application and File workloads. An application consistent snapshot is created on the protected server and a patented volume filter is used to identify changed blocks. These changed blocks are then moved over to the DPM server where a recovery point can be created. This replication process includes WAN optimization and reliability features such as check pointing, bandwidth throttling, and automated retries.

Bottom line is this is a comprehensive Microsoft solution for backing up your customer's critical applications and data.  ...It gets better though.

Not only can you build a new offering into your present portfolio selling DPM 2007, DPM 2007 is listed on Microsoft's SPLA (Service Provider License Agreement). The DPM software itself starts at $424 for the DPM Server and $142 per DPML (file server agent) with Open & Select pricing.  I feel this is a pretty low price barrier.

If you are interested in hosting DPM 2007, then there are a lot of considerations.  First know that Microsoft recommends using Virtual Server 2005 R2 to create segregated VMs with DPM 2007 installed that can play in each customer's environment.  Some other considerations I borrowed from the Backup Hosting Services Datasheet are:

Isolate everything.

Virtual Server ensures that each virtual machine running DPM is completely isolated from an operating system and data perspective. But don’t forget the network or the storage. Isolate the storage by ensuring that each DPM machine is accessing separate LUN’s or other autonomous storage. Isolate the network by ensuring that your router only provides the customer a view into the single DPM virtual machine that protects it – and not the rest of your segment or even the other virtual machines.

Be aware of the bandwidth.

 Over the network, DPM can only synchronize the data as fast as it can come from the production site(s). There is balance between the communications cost and the latency of the data. Make sure you and your customer agree – particularly if SLA’s are involved.

Watch the storage load.

The storage system must be able to handle the amount of data changes that the production server farm(s) send it. As the write load increases, faster systems (or SANs) may be appropriate – and at some point, separating the DPM servers to multiple physical machines.

Understand the business of hosting protection.

One should also consider the financial & legal models that will be needed to not only protect your business as the provider, but also assure your clients’ of your long-term viability and preparedness.

As far as resources are concerned, get stared by downloading the product. You can download the Trial here and start playing with DPM 2007 today.

Seeing is believing, so apart from the trial, I would take a look at some of the Webcasts and an overview video on System Center Data Protection Manager 2007.  

As a last note, I would like to apologize for my quietness. ...let us hope that it does not continue. ;-)

As mentioned in my previous post, I have posted the FAQ for the Influence Program.  This was written by Michael Haines, the General Manager for US Partner Channel Strategy.  He was the principal author of the program.

Microsoft’s US Partner Influence Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the program intended to do?

For years, our partners have played a key role in influencing customer decisions around Microsoft products in the mid-market and enterprise. However, customers in these markets are required to buy their volume licenses (EA & Select) from a small group of Large Account Resellers (LARs). The Microsoft Partner Influence Program has been developed to provide a mechanism to document the influence role played by our myriad partners in these EA and Select sales opportunities.

Do I have to sign up to participate?

One of the design considerations while developing the Influence Program was simplicity. Therefore, there are no requirements for complicated program applications or tedious paperwork. The only requirement to participate is that you are a Microsoft Partner (Gold, Certified, or Registered) with a valid Microsoft Partner Program Org. ID # and that you connect to one of the participating LARs to be reported as the influencer in a sale. Instructions for connecting to LARs will be detailed later in this FAQ document.

Can I have relationships with multiple LARs?

There is no requirement that you be aligned with one specific LAR to participate. Many partners prefer to have a primary alignment to one of the LARs, but maintain relationships with others. Often, the customer will dictate which LAR you will need to work with on a specific sales opportunity.

What is the influencer information you collect used for?

The program was originally designed with one overriding objective in mind … to identify the influence contribution of our partners and report that to our partner account managers (PAM) in the field. Armed with this information, the PAMs can have an accurate view of the value that you, our partner, drive in the market. With that information, the PAM can conduct better, more focused business planning with you. In addition, the information can be used by product and field marketing groups to better identify those partners that are driving customer decisions for specific products and market segments. With this information, Microsoft can make better decisions around which partners to work with on specific marketing campaigns.

Do I get paid for my influence?

The Microsoft Influence Program was not developed to be a compensation program. However, it should be noted that many of the participating LARs do offer different forms of compensation to partners in return for the new sales opportunities that you bring to the LAR. Please discuss specific details about these programs with the LARs. In addition, some indirect compensation may come from Microsoft in the way of local investment in joint marketing efforts that your influence results may impact.

How can I see the influence that’s been reported for me?

It is important that partners be able to see the influence that has been reported by the LARs on their behalf. This information is valuable for purposes of reconciliation and for conducting planning sessions with Microsoft PAMs. Thus, Microsoft has created a secure, on-line tool called Influence Bank that you can access to see your influence. To access the tool, see the instructions on the partner portal Influence Program landing page (instructions at the end of this FAQ document).

Can there be more than one influencing partner on a single deal?

At this time, the program is restricted by its technical construct to one influencing partner per customer purchase order. Efforts are being made to expand the field used to capture the identity of the influencing partner to enable multiple partners that are working in collaboration to be identified as influencers for a specific order and share the influence credit.

What about Open License and Open Value?

Open License and Open Value are Microsoft volume licensing offerings that are tailored for small businesses and the lower mid-market segment. These licenses have been designed to be purchased by partners from our distributors and resold by our partners to their customers. As a result, Microsoft has visibility into the sales and transaction contribution our partners make in these markets. At this time, there are no plans to programmatically encourage partners to follow any other model in regards to Open License and Open Value. If you want to be recognized for your efforts in these market segments, we recommend that you continue to resell these Open Volume License offerings.

What benefits are there for participating in the program?

The primary benefit to participating in the program is that we will finally have documented evidence of your contribution to the mutual success we have in the mid-market and enterprise. This evidence will finally provide us with the insight we need to properly plan our business with you and focus our resources where they can best leverage the areas that you are making the biggest impact in the market. Another benefit that is planned for fiscal year 08 (starts July 1, 2007) will be a partner recognition program, wherein we will recognize top influencing partners with press releases and other forms of recognition.

I’m an MBS/Dynamics partner and don’t play in the EA & Select VL world. What about me?

This program was specifically designed to capture the partners that influence EA and Select Agreements. In those sales opportunities that a Dynamics/MBS partner is advising a customer to execute an EA or Select license, they can certainly connect to a participating LAR and be recognized as the influencing partner. For other types of customer and market influence, this program is not applicable.

What other types of customer influence are being captured?

There are many ways that partners of different types influence customers and markets on behalf of Microsoft besides for EA and Select Volume License Agreements. In response, Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Program team will be building a strategy around the larger topic of influence. As a part of that effort, they will be identifying various types of relevant partner influence in the Microsoft world, and determining investments in specific programs related to the various types of partner influence. There are no details available at this time regarding those efforts. Finally, some of the specific partner teams, such as those that support ISVs, are piloting programs for capturing partner influence in specific areas of market and partner focus. Talk to your PAM to determine if there is a program available that is applicable to your organization.

Will my influence be captured for all the countries I do business in?

At this point, this program is operating as a U.S. program. Though influence on sales made in the US by a US LAR for customers in other countries may be captured, there is no capability to insure the capture of influence made to customers outside the US. As part of the larger influence strategy discussed above, the US Partner Influence Program is being evaluated for expansion to other Microsoft subsidiaries and locations. No formal decision has been made at this time.

Where do I go to find out more about the program?

An on-line Influence Program site has been established on the Microsoft Partner Program Portal. The URL is https://partner.microsoft.com/us/influence . At this site, you can find out about the program, download a program guidebook, and research and connect with the LARs that are participating in the program. Visit the site often for program updates and announcements.

Hello Again!  Many of you may have read the latest Registered Member Partner Newsletter that contains a link to the  Partner Influence  Program.  I have pasted the info again below.

Microsoft Partner Influence Program: Gain Exposure for Achievements

The Microsoft U. S. partner influence program is a benefit of Microsoft Partner Program membership; its development was based on input from U. S. partners. This offering recognizes your influence contributions to Enterprise Agreement and Select Agreement sales opportunities fulfilled by participating Large Account Resellers. It complements revenue recognition offered in the Microsoft Open License acquisition model through Microsoft U. S. authorized distributors.

Additionally, I would like to add that I had a meeting that same day with Michael Haines, the General Manager of US Partner Channel Strategy and learned a little more I will now share.  

First, let me say that I realize that this program does not account for all the types influence one, as a partner, might be responsible for within a customer's organization.  Second, this program is not altogether new as it was launched to Certified Partners by VP Robert Deshaies at the CMP Exchange event in March.  It was "soft" launched to Gold Certified Partners last November.  Although this program is more geared at Certified and Gold partners, some registered member level partners, particularly independent consultants do influence Microsft Select and EA revenue in larger accounts.

THIS IS A US ONLY PROGRAM TO DATE

It is being taken up at a world wide level and other programs that recognize other types of influence (ISV, etc).

I will be posting a FAQ compiled by Michael Haines shortly, but in the interim I have included the material verbatim that he wished me and other team members to convey via our blogs.  Remember, this is for EA and select license revenue "influence" only, not Open.

<paste>

US Partner Influence Program: Program Update

As we enter a new fiscal year, this note will update you on the progress with this recently launched program.

Program Update

The Influence Program, which captures the identity of the partners that influence EA & Select Agreements that are transacted by LARs, officially launched in March and is fully operational. To-date, hundreds of partners have gotten engaged and millions of dollars of influence have been reported on their behalf. Other program updates include:

1. Reporting is available to you -  we have launched a secure, on-line tool that you can use to access the influence detail that has been reported for you. Use this information to reconcile with your LAR(s), conduct planning meetings with you Microsoft PAM armed with a complete picture of your impact on Microsoft’s business, and better plan your own sales and marketing efforts. Instructions for accessing the tool can be found on the Influence Program Portal (URL can be found below).

2. Microsoft PAMs, executives and managers in the field and the product marketing groups are now receiving reporting from this program. They will increasingly be using this information to identify specific partners to focus their efforts on based on the evidence of their influence in certain markets and for certain products. So, make sure you are engaged with the program and getting influence recognition for all the EA and Select opportunities that you initiate.

3. In Fiscal Year 2008, we plan to launch a program that will recognize and promote the top influence partners in each region of the US. Look for details in your partner newsletter and on the Influence Program Portal (URL can be found below).

Challenge – we have a challenge getting all of our partners that work in the mid-market and enterprise aware of and engaged with the program. Despite numerous communications, many partners still haven’t heard of the program. We will be doing a great deal of additional partner communication over the next 2 months to drive increased awareness and activity.

Call-to-Action

You can do two things to contribute to the success of this important program:

1. Get engaged with the program. Everything you need can be accessed at https://partner.microsoft.com/us/influence

2. Access the new reporting tool  – use your reporting to drive better planning with Microsoft and within your company.

Okay.  Here is the scoop.  Make sure you act ASAP!

Calling all Microsoft Partners (all levels) and other individuals

TS2 Event "First Time Exam Taker" Promotion as follows:

The first 125 individuals that have not taken an MCP exam a will receive a free Exam voucher good for one free Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exam and a retake!** Exam vouchers expire on June 29, 2007. When partner sends a copy of the exam report indicating they passed an exam, they will receive a polo shirt.

Partners will need to send a mail to uspr@asentus.net with the TS2 city specific Event Code (below) to receive their Exam Promotion code.

USE "WAL" as a code or use "OVE".

Thanks for listening (long silence before today)!!!!

Woody Walton

Partner Solutions Advisor

·

I watch a few DLs internally at Microsoft and this link came up.  I wanted to pass along this article because it is yet another indication that Security is a industry wide cocern.  I am not in favor of these "hacking contests" because they often do more harm thn good by bringing little known vulnerbiliies to light, but it is good info all the same.   30 minutes is all it took to compromise this Mac OS X machine.

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac_OS_X_hacked_in_less_than_30_minutes/0,2000061744,39241748,00.htm

To find out how we rate compared to the competition you might want to check the security section of the www.getthefacts.com website.

TTFN,

Woody

I wanted to pass along some information on Windows Defender that I was asked for by a Partner.   He wanted to know the exact release date, but unfortunately I do not have that, but I do know his.  ...likely old news to some, but still valuable.

The MSAS Beta officially "converted" over to Windows Defender (Beta 2) a few weeks ago and is available for public download. It will also be included in Vista, but your customers can get it now. It will uninstall/remove the old MSAS stuff upon installation. 25+ Million downloads so far...the #1 most downloaded product in MS history!

 http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

 As far as an actual release date is concerned, that has not been decided precisely, but for planning purposes it will launch sometime in the second half of calendar year 2006

 Thanks as always,

Woody

Check ou this artcle on  CIO Jury http://www.silicon.com/ciojury/0,3800003161,39156914,00.htm  I especially like the use of the word "draconian" in reference to the approach of removing Google desktop search!

I am glad to see that key IT execs are wary of google in the enterprise search space and are taking measures acccoringly.   Let us hope that many turn to the Microsoft Windows Desktop Search and associated technologies for Enterprise Search.  see http://www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch/enterprise/default.mspx

Have a great Weekend! 

Almost forgot.  I told everyone at the Allentown, PA Microsoft TS2 Event that I would post the link to the Microsoft Exchange Server ActiveSync Certificate-Based Authentication Tool I mentioned at the end of the Exchange/mobility section.

Here it is:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=82510e18-7965-4883-a8c3-f73f1f4733ac&DisplayLang=en

Also,  If you are wantng to get the GAL lookup (Microsoft Global Contact Access) tool before the Messaging an Security feature pak arrives look here:  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/global/default.mspx

TTFN,

Woody

During my demonstraions mny ask me where I got the device emultator that I use on screen to show Windows Mobile 5.0 technology.

It is included as part of the Windows Mobile 5.0 SDK for Pocket PC  which can be found here:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=83a52af2-f524-4ec5-9155-717cbe5d25ed&displaylang=en&Hash=FXKG94C

Cheers,

Woody

Thank you Allentown!!!   I had never been to Allentown before and apart from the snow my experience was great!!  I just loved some of the old houses, farms. and barns  saw while driving around town (Bethlehem as well) and in the surrounding countryside. We don't have nearly as much old architecture in Kansas.  I ended up leaving after the event and headed towards Harrisburg.  I took my time of it and drove the rest of the way to Pittsburgh Today.  Quite a few tunnels I must say.  Amazing thing was that I had cellphone coverage WHILE IN THE TUNNELS!!!!   Cool!  It must be some special Pennsylvania tunnel technology they do not care to share.  Enough babble....

So you asked the following or I promised the following during the event yesterday:

1.)  What about the Technet Knowledge Base article for dealing with issues of settings button disappearing in CRM 3.0 UI for the Web Client.

I couldn't find the article number externally, but hear is the skinny.     This only occurs when the CRM outlook client is running and you start the webclient.   They both use the same cookie.  If the session is still open then CRM webclient will use it as well.  To solve the problem all you have to do is clear the IE cache.   ...Internet options, Delete Cookies, and then Delete files.

2.)  I stated I would provide clarification on which CRM 3.0 product was in the action pack.   ...It includes Microsoft CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition.To be precise it Contains Microsoft CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition with 1 license (server) and ten CALS.

To see a complete list of the current Action Pack components please visit https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40013779

3.)  I was also asked about CRM 3.0 Mobile edition and when it will likely release.   ...you should see it in the next months.

4.)  Where can one find the "We Share Your Pain" video?

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/technet/itsshowtime/sessionh.aspx?videoid=9999  or

http://72.246.49.6/5/3/14853/v003/1a1a1a72db3eb01f920167db4fb41745a9188ffd69d8399dcb2c97f865c62f5dc02f9ccbfc30689dd0ff6cdf44bc2c5bc83ba01888b7fc356ea7e0/9999_w.asf

5.)  Will the Fax service in CRM 3.0 SBE be included into SBS and f so when?   -still waiting a response

6.)  Is microsoft planning to extend the Outlook CRM client to allow settings and customization work?   - still waiting a response

I will post the other questions in separate posts as they do not refer to CRM and I catagorize my posts by subject.

Thanks again,

Woody

Hey everyone!  Thought I would send a post from Pittsburgh, PA!!!

I was just speaking with a peer of mine, Indy Boteju, and he asked me to let you all know about a series of webcasts on www.msreadiness.com    I have pasted the dates, times, and topics below.  If mobilty is of interest to you please tune in!

3/21/200611:00 AM  90 minutes Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 1: Selling the Value of Windows Mobile Solutions

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003885

3/22/2006   11:00 AM  90 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 2: Windows Mobile 5.0 versus the Competition

 http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003886

3/27/2006   11:00 AM  90 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 3: Windows Mobile for Line of Business Solutions and Vertical Markets

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003887

3/29/2006   11:00 AM  60 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 4: Migrating to Windows Mobile 5.0  - Messaging Solutions and MSFP

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003888

3/31/2006   11:00 AM  90 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 5: Deploying Windows Mobile Solutions – Technical Overview

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003889

4/10/2006   11:00 AM  90 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 6: Windows Mobile Devices (SmartPhone and Pocket PC)

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003890

4/11/2006   11:00 AM  60 minutes  Windows Mobile Training with TS2 Part 7: Microsoft’s Partner Program and Demand Generation Tools for Mobility Solutions Competency

http://www.msreadiness.com/ws_abstract.asp?eid=15003891

The fact we are discussing Windows Mobile 5.0 and New Exchange Server 2003 SP2 messaging and security feature pack made me think about what today is.  It is the court hearing for Blackberry.  Wonder what will happen?   Keep tabs on what the latest developments are at:

http://news.com.com/BlackBerry%20getting%20squeezed/2009-1047_3-6042243.html?tag=cnetfd.ld4

for balance I have linked a small victory for them below...

BlackBerry Maker Scores a Gain in Long Patents War

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1930636,00.asp

I would recommend taking control of your messaging and mobile needs with Microsoft's line of products.  Find out more at a TS2 or Technet seminar or at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/evaluation/features/owa_mobile.mspx

I know there is more buzz around vista than most products at Microsoft so I thought you would all like to know that the February CTP build of Vista (5308) is here.  MSDN, Technet and Beta Testers will be getting it shortly.  I found a nice artcle with a a link to numerous screen shots of Vista's features on Eweek.  I realize many of you have not had the opportunity to install and play with Vista and I realize this is no substitute, but Ithought I would pass along the link anyway!! ;-)

Inside Windows Vista, Build 5308

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1930303,00.asp  

Screenshots can be found at

http://www.eweek.com/slideshow/0,1206,l=&s=25983&a=171997,00.asp

Enjoy!

I just wanted to make sure all of you have penciled in this webcast on www.msreadiness.com

I will be backup presenter, but this should be a winner.  I have included the abstract below and would encourage all of you that can make it to do so.  ChristyAxford was a Microsoft employee not alll that long ago and brings a wealth of experience to the table. 

http://www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15003855   to register.

Description:
Does the thought of walking into a room of strangers strike panic in your heart? Have you left business functions disappointed with the results? Have you decided that networking comes naturally to some people but is a waste of time for others?

During this webcast, you will learn that “networking” and personal referrals are two of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal. Connecting with people on an individual level is the first step to a successful sales and marketing plan for your business. You will also learn more about IAMCP and how this can be an excellent place to put these new “networking” ideas into practice. Please join us to learn more about how marketing can be easy and effective through successful “networking”.

Christy Axford is the Manager of Entrepreneurial Marketing Services for The TransSynergy Group. She focuses on working with small and medium businesses to develop effective marketing strategies. The TransySynergy Group is based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.transsynergy.com or email Christy at caxford@transsynergy.com

News from the front.   Chris Henley, one of my peers on the Technet team has done an excellent Pod/screencast demo of Windows Vista Speech Recognition technology.  The best part about this is that it is looking at what is on the screen and interpreting your words to command windows or to dictate.  You can even use it on the Web!!!   Check out Chris' demonstration here:

http://blogs.technet.com/chenley/archive/2006/02/21/420136.aspx

Thanks,

Woody