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:
The tools and resources to help you throughout the presales and sales process associated with the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 keep coming!
On this PartnerSource page you’ll find demo tools and materials which you can use to help familiarize yourself with the new application functionality and enhancements available in the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 release. The materials include videos, demo scripts, virtual machine image, documentation, and much more.
--Kevin
The momentum for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 continues to build. Over the next next several months a variety of resources will roll out as we head toward August 2011. Keep in touch with the latest insights by following the Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX blog.
We are pleased to announce the availability of new role-based learning plans for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012. The role tailored learning plans are designed to provide readiness guidance to partners on how to prepare according to their role in the sale and implementation of a Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 solution.
The learning plans are grouped according to expertise levels and by role:
Non-Technical Roles
Technical Roles
Access the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 role-tailored learning plans on PartnerSource. Also, we are pleased to offer a web seminar series highlighting the new features in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012.
Make sure to visit the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 partner launch portal for ongoing updates and resources.
Last month I kicked off a project to highlight various marketing and sales efforts partners are making to drive more business throughout the remainder of FY11 by leveraging current Microsoft Dynamics ERP offers. Today’s blog post is the latest partner feature.
Microsoft partner, InterDyn Socius, has established a strong social media and blogging presence, and enhances their marketing through both nurture marketing and referrals.
As Julie Stankey, Marketing Communications Specialist, explains:
"Since 2009, InterDyn Socius has been integrating social media into our marketing and sales strategies in order to garner recognition as a thought-leader in the industry, generate leads, and strengthen relationships with prospects throughout the sales process. We are active on Twitter, Facebook [profile, fan page] , and LinkedIn, contribute to four collaborative blogs, submit articles to the Software Think Tank website, blog on behalf of the Advanced Distribution Partners, and maintain our own blog.
We have integrated our online efforts with our more traditional outbound marketing tactics to demonstrate to prospects that we are a trusted advisor and can be their "go-to" partner not only through the implementation process, but throughout the entire relationship.
In mid-2009, Socius received a CRM lead from a vendor that was not Microsoft. We soon learned that the company was actively using Microsoft Dynamics GP, but were aligned with a different partner. After a few months of working the lead, the opportunity went cold. However, because such a strong relationship that had been forged between Socius and this prospect through nurture marketing, social media, and one-on-one interaction, as soon as the prospect had a pressing need, they contacted Socius. In early 2011, this company reached out to Socius and engaged us to complete a move of their Microsoft Dynamics GP server. A week before they had even changed VARs and signed the Engagement Letter to begin their own project with Socius, this company had already referred another new lead to Socius. On March 14, 2011, this new prospect contacted Socius in search of an ERP solution. They had been using an industry specific solution that was creating challenges for their payroll, General Ledger, and Accounts Payable processing. The individual responsible for making the software selection was familiar with Microsoft Dynamics GP from using it in a previous role. She knew that they could trust Microsoft Dynamics GP to avoid payroll processing errors, provide enhanced reporting across their finance and operations, set-up and manage multiple companies, extend their data history, have direct import/export capabilities with Excel, search for and find data and invoices more easily, and more.
After one demo, they were convinced that Microsoft Dynamics GP was the right solution for their organization. On April 21, 2011, the customer partnered with Socius to purchase a 10 user Microsoft Dynamics GP Business Essentials system leveraging the Buy 1 Get 3 promotion.
What makes this deal even sweeter is that the customer that referred the new prospect has renewed their interest in Microsoft Dynamics CRM as well and Socius expects to close that deal before June 30th."
Blogs
InterDyn Socius is a Microsoft Gold ERP and Gold CRM competency partner located in Ohio. They have been selling and implementing Microsoft Dynamics solutions since 1984.
Learn More about Offers
There a variety of promotions and offers available for a limited time between now and June 2011 for United States based existing customers and prospective customers. Visit PartnerSource to access the FY11 Offer Summary Sheets for complete details.
For more information regarding the Microsoft Dynamics ERP Buy 1, Get 3 Offer navigate to the offer homepage on Microsoft.com.
Microsoft Partner Business Systems is a professional services solution that gives Microsoft partners a competitive advantage by giving them the information they need to measure, manage, and improve their business. PBS uses the familiar Microsoft user experience, integrating with Microsoft products including Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Outlook. PBS lowers the cost of implementation and training and shows customers you're using a professional services solution built on the Microsoft Dynamics platform, and differentiates your business in the Microsoft Partner Network.
PBS Basic Version
The PBS Basic version is downloadable, free of charge and includes the following:
Microsoft Solution Selling Process (MSSP) integration to manage the entire sales process, from prospect to close. MSSP Training (North America partners, click here)
Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step integration to ensure on-time, on-budget, on-spec implementations. Sure Step Training
PBS Basic Key Benefits
Visit PartnerSource for more information.
UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 1, 2012
As you know, Partner Business Systems is owned, delivered and supported by QBT, a Microsoft Gold-Certified partner. For the last 24 months, Microsoft and QBT have worked to jointly develop and promote Partner Business Systems and to help deliver this solution to customers like you.
What is changing?
From August 1, 2012, QBT has assumed full ownership of development, promotion, implementation and support for Partner Business Systems. Additionally, Microsoft has retired PBS Basic and the MSSP Accelerator for Partner Business Systems which were previously available on PartnerSource.
Why are you changing?
As the owner of Partner Business Systems, QBT is best placed to directly own the relationship with customers. By streamlining the promotional engines and ensuring all components of the solution are available via QBT, we will help to ensure high quality customer service.
We are using PBS Basic. What should I do?
PBS Basic will no longer be available from Microsoft. However, you can contact QBT via their website: http://www.qbtonline.com.au/
How will I get Support?
As an existing customer, you will continue to receive the same great service you have come to expect from Tony Banks and his team at QBT. You can contact the support team via the QBT website.
Last week, I mentioned the various technical and non-technical learning plans available for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012. Here is another great page of resources you’ll want to add your favorite websites!
The Sales and Marketing Materials are designed to communicate the value proposition and unique selling proposition to customers throughout the sales process. The following materials are available or will become available during the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 launch:
Visit PartnerSource to review the complete list of materials, including the expected availability.
If you are still contemplating your attendance at Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Los Angeles, CA July 11-14, check out these great highlights below courtesy of our Microsoft Dynamics Event Team and get registered today! If you have already registered for the conference, thank you! We hope you enjoy the experience as well as the networking with your fellow Microsoft partners, ISV’s, and key Microsoft executives and team members.
Additionally, for United States based partners take some time to review US specific activities happening at WPC.
Attend WPC this year to EDUCATE yourself and get EXCITED about the business opportunities that are present through ERP and CRM. As there are many activities occurring through this four-day event that will ENERGIZE you and the rest of the Dynamics community, we want to provide you with details on Microsoft Dynamics specifics to help you navigate WPC.
We have an outstanding program waiting for you!
Three keynote presentations:
Microsoft Dynamics Breakout Sessions
With over 20 sessions in the Microsoft Dynamics track at WPC you can learn from Microsoft executives, external experts and other partners how to improve your business results. If you want to learn about Microsoft Dynamics’ FY12 product launches and go-to-market initiatives, if you want to understand how top partners succeed and if you want to hear how, for example, verticalization and cloud can accelerate your growth, then don’t miss these sessions! More details about the Microsoft Dynamics Sessions can be found in the session catalog.
Plan to arrive early, sessions will fill up fast!
WPC 2011 Solution Innovation Center (Expo Hall)-Sponsor and Exhibitor opportunities are still available but going quickly!
The 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference launches the new Solution Innovation Center for the 2011 event. Join more than 200 partners from around the world, the Solution Innovation Center (located in the Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall), will be the center of this year’s event where the newest technologies, solutions, products and services will be showcased.
With an estimated 10,000 worldwide partners joining us this year, plus Microsoft executives, press and analysts sponsoring or exhibiting in the Solution Innovation Center provides an excellent opportunity to achieve your sales and marketing objectives; increase awareness of your company, products and services; and help build new partnerships on a global scale.
For more information on sponsor or exhibitor opportunities, please contact Marci Eversole, v-marcie@microsoft.com or (206) 935-6135.
Be sure to visit the Microsoft Dynamics booth within the Solution Innovation Center where we will have demo stations & a theater consisting of Dynamics focused presentations that you will not want to miss!
Microsoft Dynamics Lounge connects you with other partners and Microsoft employees in an unstructured environment. Come by the lounge located in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center (near the meal hall) and take advantage of the wireless network, recharge your batteries and your phone.
WPC 2011 Awards
The 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) Award submissions (over 3,000!) are being judged now, award winners will be publicly announced in June. Thank you all for submitting your innovative solutions and services for a Microsoft WPC 2011 Award.
Don’t forget to REGISTER NOW for WPC 2011. Questions? Contact the Microsoft Dynamics Event Team. We look forward to seeing you at WPC!
The Microsoft Dynamics partner team has recently launched a new cost comparison tool that should be a great asset to your sales efforts.
Microsoft has released the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Cost Comparison Tool which provides a customized estimate of potential cost savings customers can achieve by purchasing Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online in the United States. Upon completion of the Cost Comparison Calculator profile analysis, a report will provide estimated costs savings relative to competitive offerings. The tool can either be used by customer directly or as a sales aid when engaging new prospects.
When your customers want CRM in the cloud that is flexible, scalable, and easy to use, and that delivers outstanding value and business insights, there’s no comparison to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.
Use the tool today to help increase your competitive advantage with Microsoft Dynamics CRM!
The cost comparison report is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THE COST COMPARISON CALCULATOR REPORT.
Are you still seeking that compelling reason to attend Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2011 in Los Angeles? Join us on June 9 at 10:00 AM PT to hear from Lori Stutsman of Extra Mile Marketing, Inc. as she virtually navigates you through WPC 2011. Building off of her past experiences she’ll share information on keynote sessions, session tracks, structured networking, social networking, the Expo, fun parties for US partners, the US partner lounge, and other special events.
Register for this web seminar on the Partner Learning Center.
Also, don’t forget to visit PartnerSource for a comprehensive list of the various Microsoft Dynamics related activities happening at WPC 2011.
Continuing our feature articles highlighting various Microsoft Dynamics partners demonstrating success by incorporating Microsoft Dynamics ERP offers into their marketing and sales efforts, today’s post focuses on a Microsoft partner based in New York City, NY.
Microsoft partner, MIBAR.net, has leveraged Microsoft Dynamics ERP promotions to reinvigorate their prospects’ interest in making a purchasing decision. They also have implemented Microsoft Dynamics CRM internally to manage their marketing lists and campaigns.
As Derek Nachimow, Marketing Manager, explains:
"We have found Microsoft’s ERP promotions to be a great tool for reigniting – and eventually winning – deals that had stalled for one reason or another. Not only does a promotion give the prospect a greater incentive to act, it also gives us, the partner, a reason to get in touch with that prospect again; it’s an excellent tool for opening up a dialogue that had gone stale.
And we ultimately owe the success we’ve had with Microsoft’s ERP promotions to Microsoft CRM and how we leverage it internally. By utilizing Marketing Lists – and now, Dynamic Marketing Lists in CRM 2011 – we maintain a dynamic list of our "stalled prospects" based on our own internal definition. This allows us to easily create a marketing campaign and communicate with our stalled prospects via email and then phone, whenever a new promotion is announced. Based on our own internal testing, we have found this to be most effective when we re-initiate contact with an email that directs that prospect to a landing page, specific to the promotion, on our own site."
MIBAR.net is a Microsoft Gold ERP competency partner located in New York. They have been selling and implementing Microsoft Dynamics solutions since 2001.
Make sure you are staying ahead of the curve as June will be here before we know it! The Americas Operations Center (AOC) as created a handy reference guide for you to review to ensure your transactions are processed without a hitch.
Visit PartnerSource to find answers to the following questions:
I hope you find these top tips from the AOC very helpful as you navigate June Fiscal Year End to ensure the seamless processing of your orders!