March 2008 - Posts

WOW, here's some awesome links to resources on Windows Server 2008,
30 March 08 01:21 PM | ronaldg

For sure, check out the link below to win a Windows Home Server by having your customers evaluate Windows Server 2008 AND the Virtual Labs link at the end.

Technical Resources

· What Are Reviewers Saying About Windows Server 2008?

· Security Learning Path:  Windows Server 2008 Network Access Protection

· Webcasts:  Live and On-demand

TechNet:       Webcast Series:  24 Hours of Windows Server 2008 (Parts 1-8 of 24)

Momentum: Virtualization Capabilities of Windows Server 2008

Momentum: HP Industry-Standard Solutions for Windows Server 2008

MS Learning

· Free Microsoft eLearning Course:  Server Virtualization in Windows Server 2008 (RC0)

· Update Your Qualifications to Windows Server 2008 with Classroom Training

· New Instructor-led Course 6418:  Deploying Windows Server 2008 (Beta 3)

· Limited Time Offer! Windows Server 2008 MCSE Upgrade Exams

· Free Windows Server 2008 e-book offer

Evaluation Activities

· Tell Your Customers to Evaluate WS08 and Win a Windows Home Server!

· Windows Server 2008 Has Launched – Download It Today!

· Knowledge Base Article:  How to EXTEND the Windows Server 2008 evaluation period

· Test Drive Windows Server 2008

· Windows Server 2008 Virtual Labs

Thought you might appreciate this report on Sharepoint
30 March 08 12:40 PM | ronaldg

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/032608-microsoft-sharepoint.html?t51hb

Here's a couple of excerpts:

• Microsoft's SharePoint Server is ...the next must-have technology, offering companies tools for building everything from collaborative applications to Internet sites
• corporate users were enamored with a shiny new technology that seemed to have infinite uses
• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 is the fastest growing product in the company's history and seems to have as many uses as a Swiss Army knife. Its six focus areas are collaboration, portal, search, enterprise content management (ECM), business process management and business intelligence.
• The attention is a wake up call for competitors, especially IBM/Lotus, as SharePoint could pull customers  to other Microsoft software because it is closely integrated with Microsoft's unified communications stack, its e-mail server, Office and Office applications including back-end file sharing repositories for Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• In 2008, SharePoint has evolved into the prototypical Microsoft tool – good enough for small-to-midsize businesses, adaptable to large enterprises, and, most important, plenty of financial opportunities for third-party independent software vendors and systems integrators.
• Partners involved in everything from directory management to archiving to single sign-on are reporting that SharePoint is improving their own revenue.
• Late last year, an IDC survey of 300 users found 61% were deploying SharePoint enterprise-wide, and that 28% of those using SharePoint in departments now are expected to expand usage to the enterprise within the next 12 months.
• "If it was just regular, out-of-the-box SharePoint we might not be using it today to be honest," he says...What's also becoming important are add-ons from partners.
• "The beauty of SharePoint is that it hits a number of sweet spots".

Of course, to be fair, the article also points out some of the limitations and less than optimal aspects of the technology as well.  But, the key point here is that Sharepoint, for any/all of it's limitations, is still a product with an amazing amount of potential for businesses large and small and really needs a "partner" to bring this potential to fruition.  Hopefully, all of you know that the Windows Sharepoint Services is essentially free and is now included in Windows Server 2008.  And, hopefully, you are already taking advantage of it to add value to your solution arsenal, but if not, perhaps this can provide some motivation.

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New doc on adding a 2008 Server to your SBS 2003 infrastructure and some other key technical papers
30 March 08 12:32 PM | ronaldg

I'm hoping that a lot of you will start getting excited about the possibilities of Windows Server 2008 as you find out more about it, now that the launch is happening.  In that vein, I think that some of you will wind up using WS2008 in yours and your customer's SBS environments.  The good news is that there is already a document, "Adding a Server Running Windows Server 2008 to a Windows Small Business Server 2003 Network", to help you make that happen in a more efficient manner.

Adding a Server Running Windows Server 2008 to an SBS 2003 Network

While you're in the SBS Technical Library, check out the following additional resources (or just download now from the included links)

Deploying Windows Mobile 6 with Windows Small Business Server 2003 (Direct link to download) and Deploying Terminal Services in a Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Environment.

 

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SBSC Sales and Marketing Assessment Prep
30 March 08 12:19 PM | ronaldg

If you're considering becoming an SBSC partner, one of the pre-requisites is to pass the Sales & Marketing Assessment.  This is a 20 question assessment around 5 sales and marketing scenarios.   I did a webcast back in late February that's focused on preparing for this assessment.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to choose the title, so even though I did cover the SBSC program rather thoroughly, the title didn't reference the Sales & Marketing Assessment prep which was the biggest part, and real focus, of the webcast.  I've included the link below:

Event Title: 5W/50 Series - Why should I Become and SBSC and what it takes to Become one, powered by TS2.

On-demand url: Sales & Marketing Assessment Prep for SBSC

 

Here's some new training specifically for Registered Partners to ensure you get the most out of your MSPP membership
28 March 08 12:44 AM | ronaldg

 Event Title : Make the Most of Your Registered Partner Membership

This one hour course provides Microsoft Registered Partners with the tools and knowledge they need to get the most out of their program membership.  This course helps Registered partners learn how to use the program tools and benefits available to them.  For example, information is included on how to use the Partner Learning Center, MAPS, how to take advantage of Global offers, and how to use tools like the BTAT, the basics of Licensing via LicenseWise, information on the core MS product solutions, the Online Technical Communities (Managed Newsgroups), and how to take the next step in their Registered Membership by becoming an SBSC.

Here's the saved search link: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1796512&page=/plc/search_adv.aspx 

Coming Soon: The April 2008 SBSC Special Edition Toolkit for Action Pack Subscribers
24 March 08 07:54 PM | ronaldg

Those of you who are SBSC program partners are set to get a Special Edition Toolkit add-on to your Action Pack subscription.  The kit will feature Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Readiness resources, Windows Mobile for the Small Business Specialists, a Demo Showcase 2008 Preview, resources for getting started on building a Public Sector Practice, Security training, as well as Windows Server 2008 offers and promotional items for SBSCs to promote their certification. The SBSC toolkit is scheduled to ship around the third week of April, 2008; Partners will be eligible to receive the kit if they are enrolled as a Small Business Specialist by March 31, 2008.

NEW courses for Registered Member Partners on the Partner Learning Center (nee MS Readiness)
24 March 08 07:20 PM | ronaldg

Partner Program Online training

This new course is called: “Make the Most of Your Registered Partner Membership,” and is a complete overview of everything from MAPS to Licensing, the PLC, using Offers, Licensing, and more. You can access the course via this Saved Search.  (note: when you access this link, you'll need to sign into the Partner Portal to complete the process and access the page shown below)

Windows Server 2008 Online training

There is also new Online Training for Windows Server 2008:  Product Overview and Transaction Selling.   

 

Another great blog post by Eric Ligman
24 March 08 11:42 AM | ronaldg

Speaking of the MS SMB Blog, here's a direct link to another great post by Eric Ligman: How Microsoft Licensing creates Partner Services Opportunities – Hear from your peers, 

In this blog you will find links to a Partnercast on the Licensing topic above, as well as the Big Easy Promotion, Open Value Subscription, the Up-to-date discount, Microsoft Financing, the Open Value Subscription Spiff, the Open Value VAR Rebate, and more…

And while you're there, be sure to peruse the blog, if you haven't already, as Eric has LOTS of great info for partners.

Awesome SBSC brand awareness promo
24 March 08 09:09 AM | ronaldg

Hey all, if you're an SBSC partner this ought to be really exciting news for you.  Microsoft is kicking off a deal with NASCAR to promote the SBSC brand on their Sprint Cup tour.  I'm having visions of 75+ millions NASCAR fans, many of whom likely work in the very small businesses that are potential SBSC clients, seeing this blue logo flash by and wondering if it's something that might be helpful to their "small business".  And, of course, SBSC members pop to the top of the list when folks search for "small business" solutions on Microsoft's website.  Get a look at the car and more details of this promo at:

Microsoft Small Business and SBSC in NASCAR

If you've read this and aren't an SBSC partner, then hopefully I've got your interest peaked. If you're interested now, check out my 11/28/07 blog for links on how to "get with the program".  Also, check out my blogs in late Jan-08 around the SBSC technical exam.   And Eric's blog has many links to more info on the SBSC program as well.  Zoom-zoom-zoom.

 

SBS 2008 session on BlogTalk radio
21 March 08 05:31 PM | ronaldg

There was a show about SBS 2008 on something called "Blogtalk radio" today.  If you're not familiar with this, then here's a chance to check out a potentially valuable source of information and training.  Today's show was hosted by Stuart Crawford and his guests included Steven Van Roekel, the head of the Windows Essential Server Solutions (aka SBS and WEBS/Essential Business Server as well as Home Server) team a Microsoft.  This session had some good insights on what’s coming in SBS 2008.  Catch it at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smb/2008/03/21/Inside-Cougar-Get-the-scoop

Launch-in-a-box and "through-partner" customer Launch event registration
20 March 08 11:11 AM | ronaldg

Use Microsoft Partner Events (link below) to Invite your Customers to Launch Events!

Partners can invite their customers and prospects to the launch events through setting up a unique registration page through the Microsoft Partner Events engine. Five percent of the total event launch event registration totals have been allocated for partners to drive registrants through this process.  Participating partners are able to:

Ø Create their own unique registration page & URL at www.microsoftpartnerevents.com

Ø Add a personalized greeting above the event description on the registration page

Ø Utilize Thru-Partner Launch demand generation materials to drive registration

“Launch in a Box” is now available!  It provides the materials partners need to hold their own launch events in order to give their customers a preview of the launch products!

Partner Launch Resource Kits Have Shipped!
20 March 08 11:06 AM | ronaldg

As of this week (starting Mar 17th) registered partners should have begun receiving the Partner Resource Kits which include the Launch Readiness Kit CD, the Partner Launch Readiness Guide, and the Visual Studio 2008 Partner Resource Folder. These resources are designed to help partners of all types understand, advertise, and sell the launch products more effectively.  More partner resources are available on Launch Central.

Upcoming (March 10-31) Vista webcasts powered by TS2
07 March 08 01:06 PM | ronaldg

Here's some upcoming Vista webcasts, powered by TS2, that I hope will be of interest to you...

ALL times are PST and I've included the registration links for your convenience.

Building a Windows Vista Image for Your Corporate Deployment (Level 200)
3/31/2008 @ 11:00 AM w/Kevin Clarke presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243800

Deploying and Managing Wireless Networks with Windows Vista (Level 200)
3/19/2008 @ 10:00 AM w/Stephen Deming presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243787

Deploying IPsec with Windows Vista (Level 200)
3/26/2008 @ 2:00 PM w/Sharjeel Noor presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243802

Get Control with Windows Vista Event Log, Event Viewer, and Task Scheduler (Level 200)
3/18/2008 @ 10:00 AM w/Stephen Deming presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243780

IT Manager Webcast: Maintaining Windows Vista (Level 100)
3/17/2008 @ 2:00 PM w/Sharjeel Noor presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243816

Managing Network Bandwidth with Windows Vista (Level 200)
3/25/2008 @ 10:00 AM w/Woody Walton presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243982

Optimizing the Performance of Your Windows Vista System (Level 200)
3/19/2008 @ 11:00 AM w/Todd Juchem presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243801

Windows Vista Administrative Tools Overview (Level 100)
3/10/2008 @ 10:00 AM w/J.J. Antequino presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243799

Windows Vista Roaming / Synchronization features (Level 200)
3/18/2008 @ 2:00 PM w/Sharjeel Noor presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243798

Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0 (Level 200)
3/26/2008 @ 11:00 AM w/Woody Walton presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243984

Windows Vista: Networking, Firewall, and IPsec Improvements (Level 300)
3/24/2008 @ 10:00 AM w/Bryan Von Axelson presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243790

Enhancements to Administrative Tools in Windows Vista (Level 200)
3/21/2008 @ 9:00 AM w/Peter Gallagher presenting
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=243832

Get to know Response Point
06 March 08 06:14 PM | ronaldg

This is a great opportunity for small business focused partners; and the Partner Portal has just launched a new page with information to help you get "up to speed" on this new communications technology.  Notice, RR is designed specifically for small businesses with <50 employees, and it integrates well with the Microsoft UC stack.

Check it out at: https://partner.microsoft.com/US/productssolutions/servers/responsepoint

And, here's a screenshot of the page...

IMPORTANT*: Small Business IT and SBS learning resources
06 March 08 01:18 PM | ronaldg

* in my opinion anyway, hopefully you'll agree...

I just found out about some web-based resources that I think you will be interested in investigating...check 'em out.

Probably the most important one is the main link to SBS info on the Partner Portal: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/servers/mssbserver
   Note: from here you can drill down on either SBS 2008 or SBS 2003 R2 info, both of which have some really great info.  Specifically, on the SBS 2003 R2 side you can do a Test Drive, find out how to earn a TechNet subscription (to supplement your Action Pack I hope), and access peer success stories, such as the following:
o Why Sell SBS? details why partners recommend SBS over Windows Server
o The ACES Partner Case Study outlines why one partner switched to SBS
o Partner Success Factors gives partners a formula for success with SBS
   and be sure to check out the additional resource links at the bottom of the SBS 2003 R2 page for things like Training, Product Info, and whitepapers.

The enxt one is BlogTalkRadio with a Small Business IT focus:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smb/; on top of the existing content, don't miss the Schedule section in the Upcoming Shows, there's an "Inside Cougar" on coming up on 3/21.

This one is called "SBS Guru" (but I'll let you be the judge of that <grin>): http://sbsguru.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

Most of you are probably already familiar with HarryB's SMBNation, but if not: http://www.smbnation.com/
   Note: that under Publications, you subscribe to his free SMB Partner Community Magazine and, FYI, in the March issue there's a great article on SBS Myths by Jeff Middleton (an excellent read IMHO).  Of course you can also access (purchase) his other books, and especially the 70-282 Exam Prep books there as well.

Speaking of SBS myths, in case you hadn't found it, here's a link to some great SBS myth-busting stuff  on the Partner Portal: https://partner.microsoft.com/40046800?msp_id=sbsmyths

Of course, one of my favorite blogs is Tim Barrett's http://www.nogeekleftbehind.com.  Tim is an SBS MVP and leader of the KY SBS User Group and always has some interesting things on there.  (e.g. right now he's featuring some info and a link to the whitepaper on Deploying WM6 on SBS 2003)

I hope you'll explore these resources and that you'll find them useful.