Kevin Machayya is a 15-year veteran of Microsoft and Great Plains Software. He has held various roles in technical support, customer service, and sales operations. For the last 11 years, Kevin has focused on the Microsoft Dynamics partner channel through partner account management, readiness, marketing, resourcing/staffing and development programs.
Connect with the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Community on:
For partners selling and implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX and/or Microsoft Dynamics NAV in the United States and Canada, we made an announcement on PartnerSource earlier this week that I wanted to make sure that you take some time to read, and understand how it impacts your business.
The Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) is currently required for most Microsoft Dynamics products when customers make additional license purchases. This policy has not been in effect for Microsoft Dynamics AX or Microsoft Dynamics NAV customers. Beginning June 1, 2010, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics AX (Module Based Licensing and Business Ready Licensing) customers will need to be enrolled in the Business Ready Enhancement Plan in order to make additional license purchases, such as additional modules and users. This policy change drives consistency across our customer base, and will help us provide additional value to our customers through innovative upgrades and updates. Visit PartnerSource for additional information including presentations and customer ready letters.
The Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) is currently required for most Microsoft Dynamics products when customers make additional license purchases. This policy has not been in effect for Microsoft Dynamics AX or Microsoft Dynamics NAV customers. Beginning June 1, 2010, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics AX (Module Based Licensing and Business Ready Licensing) customers will need to be enrolled in the Business Ready Enhancement Plan in order to make additional license purchases, such as additional modules and users. This policy change drives consistency across our customer base, and will help us provide additional value to our customers through innovative upgrades and updates.
Visit PartnerSource for additional information including presentations and customer ready letters.
To assist with the transition to the new BREP requirements, we have also announced a limited time Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics NAV Lapsed Reenrollment Offer.
Now is the time to for Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics NAV customers re-enroll in a Business Ready Enhancement Plan. Customers who are lapsed from their Business Ready Enhancement plan have an excellent opportunity to get back on plan and Save on Reenrollment. If a customer re-enrolls in the Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) with a 3-year commitment, they will receive ½ off their back pay and will not be charged any re-enrollment fees. Additional terms and conditions are including on PartnerSource.
Now is the time to for Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics NAV customers re-enroll in a Business Ready Enhancement Plan.
Customers who are lapsed from their Business Ready Enhancement plan have an excellent opportunity to get back on plan and Save on Reenrollment. If a customer re-enrolls in the Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) with a 3-year commitment, they will receive ½ off their back pay and will not be charged any re-enrollment fees.
Additional terms and conditions are including on PartnerSource.
--Kevin
Back in the late 1990's / early 2000's, when I worked on the Sales Operations and Customer Service team, we used a DOS based application to process orders from partners and customers for Microsoft Dynamics solutions (then Microsoft Business Solutions). So, I have to admit that it's pretty awesome to see after years of planning and development that we have a new solution for partners to place their orders.
Order Central offers partners the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to place a Microsoft Dynamics Order. Get up to speed on our new ordering system with these recorded live meeting trainings now available on-demand for your convenience: Order Central Training Order Central Training (Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics AX) Order Central Training (Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL) Order Central Training (in Spanish) In addition, Microsoft Dynamics Operations now offers a new, free online course that covers how to place orders with Order Central as well as how to use VOICE and PartnerSource as well as a Quick Reference Guide for Order Central for easy reference.
Order Central offers partners the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to place a Microsoft Dynamics Order. Get up to speed on our new ordering system with these recorded live meeting trainings now available on-demand for your convenience:
In addition, Microsoft Dynamics Operations now offers a new, free online course that covers how to place orders with Order Central as well as how to use VOICE and PartnerSource as well as a Quick Reference Guide for Order Central for easy reference.
As you heard in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) partner call last week, we are announcing the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Academy, a role-based academy designed to help you and your team excel in key business disciplines, enabling you to accelerate your growth, improve your operational excellence and improve your business results. The Microsoft Dynamics Partner Academy is linked programmatically to the Microsoft Partner Network by providing the curriculum to prepare you for the required accreditations and certifications.
We identified the 7 key roles within a partner organization that are responsible for these disciplines. For each role we have analyzed the key competencies and created a portfolio of role-based academies. With the academy, Microsoft offers a diverse range of learning products - including instructor-led training, on-demand training, certification, sales accreditation, and skills assessments – to serve the needs of partners worldwide. Through world-class training we provide the tools to help you realize your potential.
Learning Plans By Role include:
Also, this has been my blog post number 200! Pretty cool and exciting. :-)
This morning we kick off the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Sales Presales Readiness Roadshow in Chicago, IL. This one-day class will provide tips and tricks for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 customer conversations, and help you build the right marketing messages. This class is designed to help you better position and sell Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 and provide customers and prospects details on the product strengths.
The roadshow takes the rest of the week off then continues next week in 9 additional cities, and continues throughout the month of March.
Also, the Microsoft Dynamics GP team has released some guidance around hardware requirements for demonstration resources:
A new Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Beta Technical Demonstration Toolkit\Virtual Machine\VPC will be provided in February for partners, including multiple virtual machines to accommodate the new technical requirements associated with the introduction of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 (which will be 64-Bit only.) This means you will want to make sure you and your partners are prepared to demonstrate the full feature list of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 for existing and prospective customers! With this exciting new release, there will be a NEED to upgrade your demonstration hardware (i.e. laptops - if you have not already done so) to 64-Bit hardware (NOTE: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 will only run on 64 - Bit hardware.)
A new Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Beta Technical Demonstration Toolkit\Virtual Machine\VPC will be provided in February for partners, including multiple virtual machines to accommodate the new technical requirements associated with the introduction of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 (which will be 64-Bit only.)
This means you will want to make sure you and your partners are prepared to demonstrate the full feature list of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 for existing and prospective customers!
With this exciting new release, there will be a NEED to upgrade your demonstration hardware (i.e. laptops - if you have not already done so) to 64-Bit hardware (NOTE: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2010 will only run on 64 - Bit hardware.)
Visit PartnerSource, for complete hardware specifications.
Microsoft Pinpoint helps you connect with business customers who need your software and services built on Microsoft technologies. In this one-hour webcast, you’ll learn how to maximize your presence in the Pinpoint marketplace to build business partnerships and get more sales leads.
Webcast Topics:
The event takes place Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11am Eastern / 8 am Pacific.
For more details and to register, click here!
While in Seattle last week, I had the opportunity to chat with Rich Miller, U.S. Microsoft Dynamics GP Senior Marketing Manager, regarding the various launch activities taking place for Microsoft Dynamics 2010. There is a partner roadshow starting in February, and partners can drive their own customer/prospect events plus receive some great giveaways! Rich sums up all of the buzz below...
Dear Valued Partner, We are very excited about the upcoming Launch of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 in May, 2010. In an effort to make sure that you are fully prepared for the largest Microsoft Dynamics GP launch ever, I would like to suggest a few key action items. By addressing these immediately you will be putting your firm in the best possible position to take advantage of all that Microsoft is doing to help our partners grow with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. Partner Readiness – Through March, 2010, we are focused on making sure you are informed of what is coming in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 and that you are in a position to begin conversations with existing customer and prospects. As such, here are a few key events to view on-line and/or attend in person. • Watch the webcast recording from the Licensing Webcast on 1/20/10. While there are a lot of opportunities in the new licensing around Suites and the Dynamics Client for Office, there are also risks for partners and Microsoft. Risks driven by confusion in the proposal process between our partners and their customers around the new licensing. Partner Licensing Web Seminar • Register for the February and March, 2010 Sales and Presales Readiness Roadshow taking place in 18 cities around the US. They are a "can’t miss" event for all Dynamics GP partners. See details on PartnerSource. Click Here. Web-based training for those partners not able to attend a live event will be ready in March, 2010. Partner Marketing – Get out in front of the official launch in May. Get ready to do prospect events after the official launch. For both, Microsoft is there for you to help your drive successful events. • Conduct a pre-launch "sneak peek" event around GP 2010 for prospects and existing customers. Simply have an event for at least 15 people and we will give you a Zune HD to give away. Do an event for more than 30 people, and we will give you a Convergence 2010 pass to give away. See details on PartnerSource on the Sales and Marketing homepage for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. Sales and Marketing Home Page • Develop your own strategies for post general availability "Prospect Launch Events" (After May, 2010). For $299, you can get your prospect events posted on the GP 2010 launch portal. See details on PartnerSource on the Sales and Marketing homepage for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. Sales and Marketing Home Page • Review the content on the just released Dynamics GP 2010 PartnerSource homepage. You will find links to sales and marketing material, technical readiness and demos, and pricing and licensing updates. Click Here
Dear Valued Partner,
We are very excited about the upcoming Launch of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 in May, 2010.
In an effort to make sure that you are fully prepared for the largest Microsoft Dynamics GP launch ever, I would like to suggest a few key action items. By addressing these immediately you will be putting your firm in the best possible position to take advantage of all that Microsoft is doing to help our partners grow with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010.
Partner Readiness – Through March, 2010, we are focused on making sure you are informed of what is coming in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 and that you are in a position to begin conversations with existing customer and prospects. As such, here are a few key events to view on-line and/or attend in person.
• Watch the webcast recording from the Licensing Webcast on 1/20/10. While there are a lot of opportunities in the new licensing around Suites and the Dynamics Client for Office, there are also risks for partners and Microsoft. Risks driven by confusion in the proposal process between our partners and their customers around the new licensing. Partner Licensing Web Seminar
• Register for the February and March, 2010 Sales and Presales Readiness Roadshow taking place in 18 cities around the US. They are a "can’t miss" event for all Dynamics GP partners. See details on PartnerSource. Click Here. Web-based training for those partners not able to attend a live event will be ready in March, 2010.
Partner Marketing – Get out in front of the official launch in May. Get ready to do prospect events after the official launch. For both, Microsoft is there for you to help your drive successful events.
• Conduct a pre-launch "sneak peek" event around GP 2010 for prospects and existing customers. Simply have an event for at least 15 people and we will give you a Zune HD to give away. Do an event for more than 30 people, and we will give you a Convergence 2010 pass to give away. See details on PartnerSource on the Sales and Marketing homepage for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. Sales and Marketing Home Page
• Develop your own strategies for post general availability "Prospect Launch Events" (After May, 2010). For $299, you can get your prospect events posted on the GP 2010 launch portal. See details on PartnerSource on the Sales and Marketing homepage for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. Sales and Marketing Home Page
• Review the content on the just released Dynamics GP 2010 PartnerSource homepage. You will find links to sales and marketing material, technical readiness and demos, and pricing and licensing updates. Click Here
That looks like a lot of great stuff happening over the next few months. Make sure you and your customers/prospects are participating!
Mark your calendar and save the dates of July 11-15, 2010 for Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2010 (WPC), in Washington, D.C. Each year, WPC brings together Microsoft executives, team members, and partners from around the world in a forum for mutual learning, networking, and celebration.
Conference Timeline
The Microsoft U.S. partner team is in full planning mode for the Conference, and your feedback can help shape our presence. Do you have a suggested topic for the U.S. keynote, an idea for improving how you network with other partners, a request about the U.S. lounge? Take our quick Pre-Registration online survey this month. Complete this survey by February 26, 2010, and you could be eligible for a chance* to win one of three Zune HDs we are giving away.
I hope you will plan to join us for this year’s Conference, and take the opportunity to help us shape your experience by completing the survey.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Company must have a valid Microsoft Partner Network ID to participate; entrant must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia and 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Enter by 2-26-10 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. For Official Rules including prize descriptions visit https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40130731. Void where prohibited.
Last week we held several Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) web seminars to explain the upcoming changes to MPN that impact Microsoft Dynamics. Doug Kennedy explains the basics, and provides content through the follow up announcement below...
The new competencies for ERP and CRM add a powerful new tool to your sales portfolio and show prospects that you really know your business. This is just one of the topics we covered in today’s webcast and partner update. My thanks to all of you who attended—the number of participants was outstanding! As I said today, the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) is a significant evolution of the Microsoft partner strategy that enables us to truly differentiate and promote those of you who have demonstrated investment and success with Microsoft Dynamics solutions. The ERP and CRM Competencies can help you build on your current skills and expertise delivering innovative solutions that win loyalty and drive revenue. They can help you stand out to customers and other partners. Microsoft Partner Network launches in October 2010, the same timeframe for you to meet the requirements for the ERP or CRM Competency. If you were unable to attend today’s session, view the 2-hour recorded version of the webcast to learn about the opportunities, benefits, and requirements for the Microsoft Partner Network. You can also download materials from today’s webcast, now available on PartnerSource. They will help you to understand how these changes—including the new competencies—will have a positive impact on our partnership. Thank you for your commitment to Microsoft Dynamics. Let me know if you have any questions. Doug KennedyVice President, Microsoft Dynamics PartnersMicrosoft Corporation
The new competencies for ERP and CRM add a powerful new tool to your sales portfolio and show prospects that you really know your business. This is just one of the topics we covered in today’s webcast and partner update. My thanks to all of you who attended—the number of participants was outstanding!
As I said today, the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) is a significant evolution of the Microsoft partner strategy that enables us to truly differentiate and promote those of you who have demonstrated investment and success with Microsoft Dynamics solutions. The ERP and CRM Competencies can help you build on your current skills and expertise delivering innovative solutions that win loyalty and drive revenue. They can help you stand out to customers and other partners. Microsoft Partner Network launches in October 2010, the same timeframe for you to meet the requirements for the ERP or CRM Competency.
If you were unable to attend today’s session, view the 2-hour recorded version of the webcast to learn about the opportunities, benefits, and requirements for the Microsoft Partner Network. You can also download materials from today’s webcast, now available on PartnerSource. They will help you to understand how these changes—including the new competencies—will have a positive impact on our partnership. Thank you for your commitment to Microsoft Dynamics.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Doug KennedyVice President, Microsoft Dynamics PartnersMicrosoft Corporation
Here's another Convergence update coming your way! Our Microsoft Dynamics Community team has put together a series of videos highlighting many of the reasons and benefits to attend this year's conference. These videos are a great resource for you to share with your customers and prospects.
In this series of informational videos, the Microsoft Dynamics Community team interviews key Microsoft constituents around the Microsoft Dynamics Convergence event in Atlanta from April 24 - 27, 2010. View the video corresponding to the topic that interests you to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available at the premier Microsoft Dynamics event that all customers and partners should attend. Introducing The Microsoft Dynamics Community Video SeriesThis video introduces the series and the topics that will be presented in upcoming interviews. Video Announcing Convergence Early Bird Registration and On-site Volunteeer OpportunitiesThe video features Microsoft Dynamics Community team members talking about early bird registration dates and discounts and announcing the on-site volunteer opportuntiies that will be available to attendees in Atlanta. Four Reasons to Attend Convergence Atlanta 2010Microsoft Dynamics Marketing Team Director Craig Dewar covers four key reasons to attend Convergence 2010 Atlanta. The Inside Scoop on Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2010 Straight from Event Owner Heather KullaLearn why this the event to attend if you are are a Microsoft Dynamics customer, partner, or prospective customer. Convergence Community & Learning Center OpportunitiesIn this video Jenny Davis, Community & Learning Center Coordinator, talks about the various opportunities available in the Community & Learning Center. Learn How You Can Receive Free Technical Support at ConvergenceIn this video, Convergence Help Desk Coordinator Jan Smith explains the function and advantages of using the support help desk at the event. Convergence Atlanta 2010 Off-site Volunteer OpportunitiesIn this video, Alexa Hoekstra, Convergence Marketing Coordinator, discusses the off-site volunteer opportunities available to attendees at Convergence Atlanta. The Customer Excellence Award Nomination Process is Now OpenIn this video, Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Marketing Manager Linda Charge, announces the opening of the Microsoft Dynamics Customer Excellence Award nominations and explains the process of nominating a customer. Convergence 2010 Atlanta Content Delivery OptionsIn this video, Event Owner of Microsoft Convergence 2010 Atlanta Heather Kulla, discusses how content will be delivered at Convergence 2010 and the learning options that are available to those attending this year’s event.
In this series of informational videos, the Microsoft Dynamics Community team interviews key Microsoft constituents around the Microsoft Dynamics Convergence event in Atlanta from April 24 - 27, 2010.
View the video corresponding to the topic that interests you to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available at the premier Microsoft Dynamics event that all customers and partners should attend.
Check back on PartnerSource for new Convergence videos added weekly!
I don't typically include a large amount of information on Microsoft Dynamics RMS, but this looks like a great offer, so I decided to list it today.
Microsoft is excited to announce "A Fresh Start For Microsoft Dynamics RMS Customers" - a Microsoft Dynamics (U.S. and Canada) promotion targeting existing customers of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) Store Operations and / or Microsoft Dynamics RMS Headquarters ( V1.X, V2.0) that wish to take advantage of the version upgrade access and enhancement plan benefits awarded through current enrollment of Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP), Business Ready Advantage Plan (BRAP) and Business Ready Advantage Plus Plan ( BRAP+). The promotion is comprised of one (1) full year of enhancement plan enrollment to help protect the investment with updates and upgrades which can help keep the solution up to date and running at its peak performance. These updates not only help ensure customers legal and regulatory compliance but also help keep the solution running securely and uninterrupted. DETAILS OF THE CUSTOMER OFFEREffective Monday, January 4, 2010, and available until end of business day Friday, June 25, 2010 , all existing registered Microsoft Dynamics RMS ( v1.x, v2.0) customers without a current service plan in effect may be eligible to take advantage of a special pricing promotion when purchasing BREP, BRAP or BRAP+.
Microsoft is excited to announce "A Fresh Start For Microsoft Dynamics RMS Customers" - a Microsoft Dynamics (U.S. and Canada) promotion targeting existing customers of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) Store Operations and / or Microsoft Dynamics RMS Headquarters ( V1.X, V2.0) that wish to take advantage of the version upgrade access and enhancement plan benefits awarded through current enrollment of Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP), Business Ready Advantage Plan (BRAP) and Business Ready Advantage Plus Plan ( BRAP+). The promotion is comprised of one (1) full year of enhancement plan enrollment to help protect the investment with updates and upgrades which can help keep the solution up to date and running at its peak performance. These updates not only help ensure customers legal and regulatory compliance but also help keep the solution running securely and uninterrupted.
DETAILS OF THE CUSTOMER OFFEREffective Monday, January 4, 2010, and available until end of business day Friday, June 25, 2010 , all existing registered Microsoft Dynamics RMS ( v1.x, v2.0) customers without a current service plan in effect may be eligible to take advantage of a special pricing promotion when purchasing BREP, BRAP or BRAP+.
Visit PartnerSource for the complete offer details.