In The Know - Charles Van Heusen's Weblog

Windows Essential Server Solutions Public Preview Program is Live! Sign up Today!

Good News for Partners and Customers alike ...  You can now sign up for the preview release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 and / or Windows Essentials Business Server 2008 online at

https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/default.mspx

You'll find a variety of resources that will help your customer's understand the potential these solutions will provide for their businesses as well as what they will do for your practice in the upcoming years ahead.

I hope everyone signs up and takes advantage of this program so you can start testing scenarios based upon the industries you support.

Happy Testing!

SBS2008 (Cougar) and EBS2008 (Centro) Pricing Announced Today!

Let me start out by saying "Don't Shoot the messenger", Good, bad or indifferent, I'm just trying to get the word out on the pricing and product details as they become available to me.  This information is so new, they have yet to debrief us as to the reasons for the pricing models that were selected.

Here's the details from the press release that is going out this morning.

Slated for general availability later this year, Windows Essential Server Solutions are much easier for small and midsize companies to implement and manage than separate products. In response to customer and partner feedback, Windows Essential Server Solutions provide flexible pricing and licensing that offer substantial cost savings over purchasing individual products like those included in the solutions. Examples of licensing improvements over the current Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 product include these:

• Customers will be able to purchase single client access licenses (CALs), so they will pay only for the exact number of employees using the product.
• Customers can cost-effectively purchase a mix of Standard or Premium CALs, as appropriate to the technologies that individual employees are using.
• CALs now apply to other copies of Windows Server, SQL Server or Exchange Server on the network, eliminating the need to purchase additional CALs.

Also, Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition includes additional Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies with SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business, making it an ideal platform for critical business applications.

Windows Essential Server Solutions pricing* is as follows:

• Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition software, including five CALs, $1,089 (U.S.); additional CALs $77 each (U.S.)
• Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition software, including five CALs, $1,899 (U.S.); additional CALs $189 each (U.S.)
• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition software, including five CALs, $5,472 (U.S.); additional CALs $81 each (U.S.)
• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition software, including five CALs, $7,163 (U.S.); additional CALs $195 each (U.S.)

Microsoft also today announced rebates of up to $200 (U.S.) for solution provider partners configuring Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 for their clients who acquire the software and purchase Software Assurance within a certain time period. With Software Assurance, customers will receive the upgrade to Small Business Server 2008 at no additional cost when it is available, as well as access to support, tools and training. Terms and conditions of the rebates are available at http://www.SBSrebate.com.

More information about the products, pricing and beta customer feedback is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ess. More information for journalists is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/serversolutions.

WPC 2008 Registration Discounts for SBSC Partners!

WPC: 2008 SMALL & MIDSIZE BUSINESS PARTNER FORUM AND SMB TRACK

Register for the third annual Microsoft Small and Midsize Business Partner Forum (formerly known as the Small Business Symposium). This year, for the first time ever, the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference will include an end-to-end experience for partners focused on the small- and midsize-business market segment. We’ll feature a one-day interactive event on July 7, as well as a new small- and midsize-business track throughout the entire Worldwide Partner Conference, taking place July 7-10 in Houston.

SBSC partners can take advantage of special discount WPC pricing of USD$1395 (full conference fee is USD$1795) – details, special registration code and link to the registration tool can be found online.  Partners using the special registration code will be automatically registered for the SMB Partner Forum on July 7^th. 

The Small and Midsize Business Partner Forum, held on the first day of the conference, is a networking and learning event for Microsoft Small Business Specialists and other SMB-focused technology providers who want to strengthen their small-business practices. During the interactive one-day Small and Midsize Business Partner Forum—and through the first-ever small- and midsize-partner track held throughout the Worldwide Partner Conference--you’ll have the chance to gain insight on how to balance customer needs with your own growth objectives.

When you attend the Worldwide Partner Conference and the Small and Midsize Business Partner Forum, you can:

• Learn strategies from industry experts to help you effectively focus your time, increase your business value, and grow your business.
• Hear from Microsoft executives about the company’s direction in the small- and midsize-business marketplace.
• Interact with your peers and learn successful best practices that you can implement in your business.
• Prepare for the upcoming launch of Windows Small Business Server 2008.
• Build core skills and strategies that align with the small- and midsize-business segment.

The BEST PC ad EVER..... Thank you Lenovo!!!

I'm SOOOOOO sick of the Mac vs. PC crap out there showing how Mac is supposed to be better than PC.   This add on Utube shows the reality of a Mac. vs. a PC.  

Check out the Utube Video here. 

I've been a Lenovo supporter for almost 2 years now and this really sets them apart.

Rave Reviews of Response Point

The testers at Infoworld put Response Point to the test and it comes up smelling rosey!   Just wait until they get their hands on Service Pack 1.  To read more about the testing review click the link below.

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/04/29/18TC-office-voip-microsoft_1.html

American Airlines Goes Mobile!

Now you can book flight, change flights, make reservations, and check flight schedules / cancellations from your Windows Mobile Device or if you have to...   a Nokia.

Go to www.aa.com on your mobile phone and book mark the site today!

iPhone Style Browsing on your Windows Mobile Devices Today

I have to admit, the iPhone's touch browsing capabilities really sets it apart from the other devices on the market today.  However the price point and lack of business capabilities has kept it from taking the business market by storm.

I started looking for alternative browsing experiences for the Windows Mobile Platform and I may have come across a viable solution for the Windows Mobile Platform.

Makayama is an international company developing solutions for the mobile platform and has a variety of offerings at affordable prices.   I came across their video on Utube that was advertising their new browser and a couple other applications for the HTC Touch that I decided to order.

I'm going to install them later this week and see how it stacks up to the IE browser and Opera Mobile Solutions.If you have already tested it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Vista SP1 - Available for Download via Windows Update Now!

Great News!  Service Pack 1 is now available for the masses via Windows Updates and the Microsoft Download Center.

For those of you not familiar with SP1, I've consolidated some of the highlights of it from the TechNet website below:

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is an update to Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 contains changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. Windows Vista SP1 also addresses some management, deployment, and support challenges.

Windows Vista SP1 is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Other languages will be made available soon.

Microsoft strongly recommends using Windows Update to download and install Windows Vista SP1 on single PCs:

• The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x86 is 65 MB (compared to 450 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
• The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x64 is 125 MB (compared to 745 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
• Windows Update will recognize PCs with known problematic drivers and postpone downloading Windows Vista SP1 until the PC has updated drivers or other applicable updates. Using Windows Update will help ensure you have the most trouble-free update experience possible.
• Some Windows Vista users may encounter an issue with a small set of hardware devices that may not function properly after updating a Windows Vista PC to Windows Vista SP1.   This is an issue with the way the device drivers were re-installed during the Windows Vista SP1 update process, not with the drivers themselves—these drivers worked on Windows Vista RTM and they work on Windows Vista SP1.  This problem is typically corrected by simply uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. We are working with the manufacturers of these devices to get the known problematic drivers and their install programs updated, and also on other solutions we can use to ensure a smooth customer experience when updating to Windows Vista SP1 using Windows Update. For new PCs provisioned with Windows Vista SP1, this is not an issue.

• If you choose to install Windows Vista SP1 via the standalone installer available on the Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft advises that you first visit Windows Update and install all optional drivers. Read Knowledge Base Articles 948187 and 948343 for more information.
• If you have a prior version of the Windows Vista SP1 beta installed, you must uninstall it prior to installing the final version. Use the Control Panel applet "Programs and Features" and select "View installed updates" from the top left of the task pane. Under Windows, look for "Service Pack for Windows (KB936330).

Selling Windows Server 2008 in the SMB Space

Have you been wondering how to Microsoft's newest server solutions will work with your customers?  Are you looking for ideas on how to position the product when working with your customers?  

Look no further, Erick Simpson and MSPU are hosting a webinar to help take the guess work out of it.

How to sell Windows Server 2008 and Client Solutions to Small Business Customers with Michael Murphy from Microsoft's Local Engagement Team and Matt Makowicz from Ambition Consulting.

Join us for our next live Managed Services Webinar on Wednesday, April 23rd at 8:00am PST, where our special guests will be Michael Murphy from Microsoft's Local Engagement Team and our good friend Matt Makowicz from Ambition Consulting.

Michael Murphy and Microsoft's Local Engagement Team are committed to providing small businesses the technology solutions they need to build their business, through local Microsoft partners.  The mass marketing and other broad reach mechanisms they execute on are effective at raising awareness and building the Microsoft brand, but it's Microsoft partners who add the critical local component to the equation.  To earn the small business owner's business partners have to earn their trust and the most effective way to do so is to meet them face-to-face.  This is why live events are so important to the small business.  Whether this is a lunch-and-learn at the local office or a Chamber of Commerce event, the human interaction is critical.  Microsoft's LET Team's goal is to connect you with your local small business community through live events.

Matt Makowicz's successful Managed Services Practice created millions of dollars in recurring revenue. Matt sold managed services since before the industry had a name for it! As an MCSE and sales professional Matt will share his tips and strategies for Microsoft Windows server and client solution sales success.

As a special bonus - all attendees will receive a FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOAD OF OUR BEST-SELLING BOOK: The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice - What Every SMB IT Service Provider Should Know...a $59.99 value!

CLICK HERE to register for this Webinar on Wednesday, April 23rd at 8:00am PST

During this webinar we will deep dive on selling Microsoft server and client solutions to small business clients, and answer the following questions:

• Product Differentiation - What are the differences between Small Business Server and Windows Server 2008? What are Centro and Cougar?
• Solution Selling - How can understanding Product Differentiation help your client find the RIGHT solution?
• Offers in Market - What are the New Open Value Subscription and Big Easy offers and how can they impact your business' bottom line?
• Licensing - What do you need to know to make Microsoft Licensing work for you?
• Overcoming Objections - Why Server 2008? Which Server version? What does Vista SP1 mean to driving deployments?

There will be a Q&A session immediately following the presentation. CLICK HERE to register.

ASI Tech Expo - Coming to Dallas and Atlanta in April !

To see image, please click http://www.asipartner.com/marketing/invite/DA_AT08.html

It’s the “Can’t Miss Event” of the Season

Come join us for a night to remember.  Don’t miss our “Best in Class” manufacturers as they share insights on how to stay ahead of the competition, position for better product differentiation, and improve your profit margin.  This is a unique chance to network with industry leaders one on one. Learn about the features and benefits of the hottest innovations, the impact of integrating systems with new technologies and the newest partner programs for system integrators.  Refreshments will be provided and valuable products will be raffled throughout the event.

AMD Build Workshop and Pavilion
Come build a robust solution from AMD and learn more about the evolution of digital media, commercial and gaming platforms.

From graphic cards, to processor, to chipset, AMD’s enthusiast platform, code-named “Spider,” is the first comprehensive PC platform. All components work together for exponential performance gains, so you can deliver an incredible computing experience to your customers. Amazing scalability and striking efficiency make it the ideal foundation for offering more computing value to your customers while maintaining flexibility and increasing and diversifying your own revenue streams.
To participate in the AMD Build Workshops you will need to pre-register for this event and purchase your components for the build through ASI.  You may elect to participate in one Build session or all three.

Take advantage of the special offer from AMD and Microsoft.

AMD will include the new AMD Phenom ™ processor and Microsoft will provide a free copy of Microsoft Vista Ultimate O/S to customers who purchase the AMD Build kits.
To register for this event Click Here
To purchase your AMD Build Kit contact your ASI Account Manager now.

DALLAS, TX
April 24, 2008
Seminars: 11am - 6pm
AMD Build: 8am - 3:30pm
Expo: 6pm - 9 pm
Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco
7600 John Q Hammons Drive Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 712-7200
www.embassysuitesfrisco.com

ATLANTA, GA
Seminars: 11am - 6pm
AMD Build: 8am - 3:30pm
Expo: 6pm - 9 pm
Crown Plaza Atlanta-Ravina
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346
(770) 395-7700
www.cpravinia.com

Click here for complete
seminar schedule

LIST OF EXHIBITORS:
ANTEC  AOPEN  CRUCIAL   D-LINK   ECS   ENGENIUS   EVGA   FOXCONN   GARMIN  GIGABYTE   HANNSPREE   HITACHI INWIN   KDS  KINGSTON   LG   MONUEAL   NETGEAR  PALIT MULTIMEDIA   PALIT   PNY  PROMISE  SAMSUNG  SAPPHIRE SHUTTLE   SIIG   SONY NEC OPTIARC  SUPERMICRO  THERMALTAKE   TRENDNET   TYAN   WESTERN DIGITAL WESTINGHOUSE  ZALMAN

How to become a Microsoft Response Point Reseller

Becoming  a Microsoft Response Point Specialist

There is no formal certification requirement currently to be a Response Point specialist, and a wide range of distributors will be carrying Response Point-based phone systems. Whether you have been selling phone systems for years or are just getting started with VoIP and phone system technologies, you'll find Response Point is a great solution for your small business customers.

To get started building a Response Point practice, just follow these easy steps:

1. Attend a free Response Point training class (online or in person). Session information is posted on the Microsoft Partner Learning Center.
    
   
2. Choose the hardware that you want to sell and contact one of our hardware partners.
   1. Quanta Syspine specialist information
      1. Web site: www.syspine.com/wheretobuy
      2. E-mail: syspine@quantatw.com
      3. Phone: 877-4A-Syspine
   2. D-Link VoiceCenter specialist information
      1. Web site: www.dlink.com/var
      2. E-mail: SI@DLink.com
      3. Phone: 888-D-Link-SI (888-354-6574)
   3. Aastra specialist information – coming soon!
   
   
3. E-mail rpoint@microsoft.com to request that we add you to our list of Response Point specialists
4. If you are a Microsoft Certified Partner, you can access these materials on the Microsoft Partner Portal at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/productssolutions/servers/responsepoint.

Response Point SP1 Training - Registration Fees being Waived! Check it out Now.

This was too EXCITING not to share with everyone.  If you have worked with a Microsoft Response Point system, you are missing out on a great addition to your Small Business Solutions offerings.

Microsoft Response Point Partner Flash
April, 7, 2008

Registration Fee Waived for Response Point SP1 Training. It's important to take this...!!!

The 12 city training tour on Microsoft Response Point SP1 training kicks off in two weeks.

We strongly encourage our current Response Point Specialists to take advantage of this training.

Please use the registration promotion code - RSPFW01 - to register at no cost, a savings of $95.

Taking this SP1 training will prepare Response Point Specialists for the upcoming Response Point Assessment curriculum that is currently under development and planned for summer '08 deployment.

Information on the Response Point SP1 training can be found at this LINK.

Best regards,

Microsoft Response Point Team

$100 Spiff for every new Open Value Subscription - Hurry It's only offered to the first 1500 entrants..

Announcing a special offer to all Microsoft® Volume Licensing resellers that will make your spring very green. For every new Open Value Subscription Agreement you sell, you can receive a $100 cash reward*. Plus, there is no limit to how many $100 cash rewards you can earn during the promotion!
Just be one of the first 1500 entrants to submit a qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement to www.OVSSpiff.com between March 1, 2008 and June 27, 2008 and you'll earn $100 cash for each agreement.
Qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements are defined as company-wide agreements with a small or mid-sized business customer (between 5 and 250 PCs) in the United States for one or more Enterprise Products:

· Microsoft Office Professional Plus

· Microsoft Office Small Business

· Windows® Vista Business Upgrade

· Microsoft Core CAL

· Microsoft Windows Small Business Server Client Access License (CAL)

· Microsoft Small Business Desktop Suite, or Microsoft Desktop Professional Suite

To learn more or to submit your qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement, go to www.OVSSpiff.com and complete the submission form as instructed. The more agreements you close, the more your reward will be, but this offer is limited to the first 1500 entrants...so don't wait.

*Limit one $100 USD award per qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement. This promotion is open only to sales representatives employed by qualified Microsoft Volume Licensing reseller companies located in the United States that are authorized to sell Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements in the United States. All licenses associated with the Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements submitted must have been acquired through a Microsoft Authorized U.S. distributor.

©2008 Microsoft Corporation. The information in this document represents the current view of Microsoft on the content. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Free Managed Services eBook for attending this Webinar!

Erick Simpson is hosting a webinar with a guest speaker from Cisco and has really provided a great incentive for attending!  A FREE copy of his book to all attendees.  I've posted the invitation below.

Next Live Webinar Tuesday, March 25th - 8:00am PST!

Join us for our next live Managed Services Webinar on Tuesday, March 25^th at 8:00am PST, where our special guest will be Sameer Jayakar, Senior Manager, SMB Network Management for Cisco Systems. Mr. Jayakar will take us on a tour of Cisco's new Monitor Director Managed Services solution and discuss Cisco's Managed Services strategy for Partners.

Cisco's Monitor Director enables Managed Services Providers to deliver comprehensive 24-hour remote real-time monitoring and management of data and voice services for SMB customers with 5 to 250 users.

As a special bonus - all attendees will receive a FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOAD OF OUR BEST-SELLING BOOK: The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice! - a $59.99 value!

CLICK HERE to register for this Webinar on Tuesday, March 25th, at 8:00am PST. 

While other RMM solutions focus on Servers and Desktops, CMD focuses on the backbone of customer's businesses - their networks, data and voice traffic, and the equipment that manages it. This provides MSP's with a sorely needed solution for Network Management, allowing them to provide Premium Services and command greater annuities.

Cisco's Monitor Director supports both Cisco as well as non-Cisco IP-addressable devices such as Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Access Points, IP Phones and more, with the ability to generate Topological maps of customer environments, receive and escalate alert conditions, output meaningful reports and much, much more - all from a single console. Cisco's Monitor Director is the perfect addition to augment your existing Managed Services tools and processes, and integrates with existing PSA solutions, further increasing your service efficiencies, utilization and net profits.

Cisco Monitor Director consists of:

· A centralized browser-accessible console, deployed at your location, which provides secure visibility into all of your SMB customer networks

· An agent deployed inside each customer network, which collects and reports critical network data over a secure communications channel.

Features:

· Real-time, color-coded network topology and status map

· "Smart-Alerts" with graphical supporting information that dramatically reduces time to diagnose and fix problems

· Alert escalation and notifications through e-mail and paging that integrates into common trouble-ticketing applications

· End-of-sale and end-of-life notifications for selected Cisco devices

· Automated reports that include network alert summary, device-availability analysis, utilization reports, and network topology

There will be a Q&A session immediately following the presentation. CLICK HERE to register.

SBS Then and Now - Pain & Pleasure, Punch a Wizard

A long long time ago, in a network far far away, SBS 4.5 Wizards came to play but they didn't play well.  For many first timers to the land of SBS, this product was disparate enough to cause Cardiac Arrest!   For these first times it would be their last to look at a Server with Wizard to pass.  Upgrades and enhancements would waiver them not because SBS 2000, thought to be worthy, was not.... 

3 more years in the future the next version would be the Partner World is amazed by SBS 2000 and 3....   Components and Wizards working side by side...  Remote Web Workplace make connectivity as easy as PIE!!!   Company Web becomes a place for business harmony, a central source for collaboration makes communication flow like sweet honey.  Partner practices sprang up supporting small businesses far and wide, profits are rising, customers shouting glee, and all this occurred because of SBS2003.

Yet those from before who suffered from Wizard dismay swore off new wizards and still do today.   In comes Jeff Middleton waiving his banner, exclaiming SBS is our platform, I'll dispel those old myths, the product is solid and I'll prove it with this..  

To help relieve stress of the wizards you see, we've created a game to bash them yippee!! (Play Punch a Wizard) Hopefully this will bring you great joy, for when Cougar releases we hope you will get it deployed...

I hope you enjoyed my composition above....  I know I know, don't quit my day job.  :-) 

For those of you that know an SBSer of old that attempted to work with the product in the not so "Good Old Days", and no longer works with it, please point them over to Tom's Vlog, to see if some of the items being discussed will persuade them to give the product a second look.