On behalf of the whole team at Microsoft - we hope you have a Happy New Year and that it heralds the start of a prosperous and successful 2010. Regards, Sarah Theiss

From Steve Clayton’s blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/stevecla01/archive/2009/12/21/windows-azure-for-microsoft-partners.aspx I think 2010 is going to be a big year for cloud computing and the Windows Azure Platform. It’s what I expect to spend a lot...

Q. does messenger support federation (like the Dolly site?) A. if you use the LiveID libraries, then yes - http://dev.live.com/liveid/ . Specific details on Federation - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc287610.aspx . Messenger toolkit is all...

As part of an ongoing effort to improve the customer licensing experience, Microsoft recently upgraded three web sites: Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center; Volume Licensing Contract Manager, our contract management portal; and a specific channel...

Microsoft® LicenseWise is a one-stop shop that can help Microsoft Partners recommend Microsoft product and Volume Licensing solutions for customers, optimize the sales process, and build new revenue opportunities. Partners can also use LicenseWise to...

Hi All, I would like to update you on one of your benefits within the Microsoft Partner Network, it is called Microsoft LicenseWise and it is a one-stop shop that can help you recommend Microsoft product and Volume Licensing solutions for your customers...

The HTC HD2 is launching in January 2010 – it’s HTC’s most exciting Windows Phone, featuring a massive 4.3" capacitive touch screen. To celebrate, Windows phone will be giving away five complimentary Windows Phones*. To enter, you simply need to register...

For IT professionals, SharePoint 2010 offers enhancements to drive productivity, a scalable unified infrastructure, and flexible deployment. SharePoint 2010 Ignite is deep technical training for SharePoint 2007 professionals who are looking to upgrade...

We have just finished the Sydney event - the last event in the series. It was all filmed today so we'll let you know where those recordings are as soon as they are edited and available. The slide decks are available on slideshare.net - just search on...

The Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Centre is currently undergoing maintenance as part of a series of enhancements to improve the licensing management experience for partners and customers. Our goal is for the site to be available on Wednesday, December...

We’ve designed the new Partner Network competencies to showcase your skills and align with how your customers buy. That’s why the recently launched Core Infrastructure competencies— Desktop Platform , Server Platform , and Systems Management —will help...

What do Fish, Greyhounds, Bubble Boy and Master Chief from Halo have in common? These four ingredients mixed into the witches brew will turn your business into a trumped up Rambo, trumped in the sense that your business won’t need to rely solely on...

We are excited to offer an additional service free email/phone based technical support at no charge. This support can be used to understand the concepts of how to make your application compatible and help fix your compatibility problems while you are...

Christmas is just around the corner. For me, Christmas is a time of much intrigue and discovery. A time when we all become detectives… Detecting the best bargain, where the Christmas presents are hidden, or detecting the best way to sneak off with Christmas...

This week we are pleased to announce that November 2009 marks the official launch of the new Microsoft Core Infrastructure competencies : Virtualization, Server Platform, Desktop Platform, Systems Management and Security Solutions . Show customers that...

As the Microsoft Partner Network has evolved, our commitment to serving you and your customers has deepened. Part of serving you better means making system improvements. On Friday, November 20, 2009, some Microsoft Partner Network systems will be getting...

Now is your chance to discover firsthand how the beta releases of Office 2010 , SharePoint Server 2010 , Project 2010 , and Visio 2010 deliver collaboration and productivity enhancements to provide a superior user experience, whether it’s on a PC, a Web...

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No It’s… You ! Ever wanted to be the Superman of your role? A future position? Microsoft have a great new career map that will enable you to see what role you want and what you need certifications and training are needed to...

The Microsoft Partner Network Competency and Advanced Competency requirements are finally here. These are expected to evolve over time. You'll be able to enrol in the Competencies from the second quarter of calendar year 2010 and the Advanced Competencies...

The Identity & Security competency requirements are changing in May 2010. To deliver best value to both our partners and customers, we continue to evolve our enterprise security strategy - “ Business Ready Security ”. We believe that security needs...

I’ve just sourced some Flip Meno HD digital recorders and we will be giving 2 of these away in each location (ie one in the morning, one in the afternoon) as a lucky door prize in the Innovation Days roadshow, (along with a 4gb memory stick with resources...

We have received feedback from a couple of partners in the ACT asking why we are not coming to town with the December Innovation Days Roadshow. The answer is that based on our analysis of the partner ecosystem – we don’t see many web agency partners or...

Today at 1.30pm (Sydney time) is HAMMER TIME. We will be holding our first LIVE Smooth Streaming event in Australia with MTV interviewing MC Hammer (who also appeared on Rove last Sunday). Hammer is Down Under promoting the new Xbox game Lips featuring...

December brings a five city roadshow - a morning session for web design and development companies, and an afternoon session for ISV partners. Have a look at the content - and register today at https://partner.microsoft.com/Australia/40047632 .

One of the great benefits of being a part of the Microsoft Partner Network is access to a rich set of resources and that can help you gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace you operate within. These resources are designed to help you build your...