Our development team shares this update regarding the continuous updates delivered to the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step methodology. I continue to hear nothing but great comments about the latest content and services provided in this methodology whenever I casually bump into a Sure Step developer on the Microsoft Fargo Campus. As mentioned via the PartnerSource announcement:

We are excited to announce the availability of Sure Step 2012! The primary focus is guidance for the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 release and new content for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 On-premises and Online. Updated content includes:

• Accelerated Proof of Concept with CRM Online service – Provides scripts, demos, Delivery Guide, and related content for building a quick proof of concept or demo for a customer using the CRM Online 30-day trial. This supports rapid requirements definition and solution decision-making. Find this in the Decision Accelerator offering.
• Upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 – tools and templates to support the Upgrade project type, reflecting an Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 upgrade scenario.
• Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Implementation tools and templates are updated to reflect an Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 implementation scenario, including Fit/Gap analysis worksheet, estimator tool, requirements questionnaire, security configuration requirements template, and other valuable templates.
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Updates – new CRM artifacts including Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Upgrade Assessment, Database Sizing Tool, and Design Best Practices.
• Sure Step Optimization Offering – These services have been repackaged across all products to represent either discrete stand-alone services such as Developer Workshop or bundled services available to customers, such as Architecture Review, Project Governance and Delivery Review, and Upgrade Review.

Download Sure Step 2012 or use the Sure Step Online version for the latest tools, templates, and content. Find complete details on PartnerSource.

--Kevin

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Virtual Machine (VM) is now available for partner consumption. Accelerate Your CRM Demos with SharePoint, Portals, Scenarios and more!

This VM is intended to address three main objectives:

• Accelerate customer-facing demonstrations by providing baseline infrastructure, enhanced data, and rich scenarios.
• Reach markets where the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service is not offered today and provide an effective alternative for demonstrations.
• Enable development and testing of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 demos and solutions in an offline environments where an internet connection is not readily available.

Access the VM on PartnerSource today!

--Kevin

We've recently published update guidance through this Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 On-premise and SPLA pricing and licensing overview presention.

Visit PartnerSource to download the materials.

--Kevin

Are you using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step? Several new features are now available within the spring 2009 release of Sure Step. And, in the current economy, new customers are looking for more efficient, on time, on budget and on spec implementations. With all of the new updates there has never been a better time to get started using Sure Step to help deliver on the customer promise!

With the spring 2009 release of Sure Step, both your presales and implementation consultants will find valuable new questionnaires, requirements gathering documents, fit gap analysis guidance, product-focused testing scripts, and a variety of new templates across all implementation phases.

Visit PartnerSource to download the spring 2009 release of Sure Step or update your current version. (Enrollment in a Partner Service Plan for Microsoft Dynamics is required to access the Sure Step Methodology.)

--Kevin

With the new release of Microsoft Dynamics GP general availability announced back in April at Convergence; today I'm happy to share that the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 exams are now here!

Help showcase your technical expertise to your customers by certifying on the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics GP today. The Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 exams are available at Prometric Testing Centers.

Exam Numbers are as follows:

• MB3-859 Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Financials
• MB3-860 Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Project Series
• MB3-861 Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Installation & Configuration
• MB3-862 Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Inventory & Order Processing

Visit PartnerSource to find exam prep guides as well as training guidance.

Good luck!!!

--Kevin

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 Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral fee program helps you earn supplemental revenue, when you submit opportunities that result in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics ERP, and Microsoft Dynamics POS and Microsoft Dynamics RMS transactions. Learn how you can help your customers across a variety of industries connect with the Microsoft Dynamics partners who can deliver specialized solutions that can address their unique challenges.

Enroll in the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Program

About the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Program

The Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral program does more than help you earn revenue—it helps you ensure your role as a trusted advisor to your customers. If your expertise does not extend to selling Microsoft Dynamics solutions, you can pass leads for those opportunities to Microsoft. Microsoft distributes those leads to Microsoft Dynamics partners with the appropriate expertise based on their profiles. And if the opportunity results in a transaction, you earn a referral fee of 5 percent of the amount Microsoft invoices—and show your customers that you are looking after their best interests.

How to Become Eligible for Referral Fees

Joining the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral program is easy. To be eligible for fees, your organization must meet the following conditions:

• Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network.
• Sign the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral agreement.
• Submit relevant, high-quality, new lead information (before a transaction takes place).
• The opportunity must be new and not known to Microsoft when you submit it.
• If more than one submission is received for the same opportunity, the first eligible submission gets priority for the referral fee.

Exclusions

• You cannot receive fees from the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral program and earn Solution Provider Agreement (SPA) discounts or Software Advisor fees for the same opportunity.
• Opportunities in the public sector are not eligible for Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral fees.

How to Submit Your Leads

To submit your lead to Microsoft:

1. Go to the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral website.
2. Enter the requested information about the prospective customer and the Microsoft Dynamics opportunity. Some of the fields are mandatory; others are optional. The higher the quality of the information submitted, the more likely it is that a Microsoft Dynamics solution selling partner will pursue the opportunity, and that your organization will earn the referral fee.
3. After you have submitted the requested information through the online tool, you will receive a confirmation and a referral ID, which enables you to track the status of your submission at any time.
4. If a transaction occurs within 12 months of the submission date, Microsoft will notify you after the fee payment has been submitted to your bank account.

Additional Resources

Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Maximize your opportunity as a Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral partner. Find valuable, step-by-step guidance about processes and how to claim fees, along with answers to other frequently asked questions. Read the FAQ.

Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral Agreement

Prior to beginning the sign-up process, you can review a reference-only version of the Microsoft Dynamics Lead Referral agreement. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the agreement in several different languages.)

--Kevin

Passing along an important update regarding new changes to our Microsoft Dynamics ERP pricing and licensing that you definitely need to ensure you are up to speed on. As a Microsoft Dynamics partner you should take a fair amount of time reviewing and understanding everything listed below.

Effective September 1, 2010, Microsoft is introducing three lighter access license rights to help our customers more affordably extend their Microsoft Dynamics ERP to more people within their organization.

Microsoft is committed to helping our customers get more out of their Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution by enhancing their ability to easily extend the reach of their solution to virtually everyone within their organization. We are restructuring our Microsoft Dynamics® Client for Microsoft Office® (DCO) offering as a suite providing customers who have people with lighter needs the power of choice. Customers have new licensing options when accessing their Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution by means other than the rich client. These options are available whether deploying a web-based experience or taking full advantage of the great interoperability with Microsoft Office® and Microsoft SharePoint.

Starting September 1, 2010, Business Ready Licensing customers have access to three new licensing rights: The Microsoft Dynamics® Light User (DCO rebranded), the Microsoft Dynamics® Employees Self Service User, and the Microsoft Dynamics® Limited Device CAL. The Microsoft Dynamics® Light User and the Microsoft Dynamics® Employees Self Service User (but not the Limited Device CAL) will also become available to Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) customers on October 1, 2010.

For additional resources, visit the: Extending Your Microsoft Dynamics ERP Solution – Microsoft Dynamics ERP Pricing and Licensing News page on PartnerSource.

To learn more, you have the opportunity to attend a training session on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 8:00am Pacific. If you're unable to attend the live event, it will be recorded for on demand viewing.

--Kevin

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.

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.

--Kevin

Cool news for Microsoft partners using Microsoft Dynamics CRM to manage your sales process as we have recently announced the availability of the Microsoft Solution Selling Process Accelerator...

The Microsoft Dynamics Partner Readiness Team is pleased to announce the release of the Microsoft Solution Selling Process Accelerator on PartnerSource! This free tool is the first key milestone of the Partner Business Systems initiative and aligns with the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Readiness Strategy of providing partners with subsidized advanced training, guidance and systems to set a trajectory for profitable growth.

The MSSP Sales Accelerator helps partners leverage Microsoft Dynamics CRM to drive revenue and grow their business by standardizing the sales team’s processes to drive opportunities through the pipeline more effectively and efficiently. To further enhance the sales experience, we are also pleased to announce a special Access Hoover’s offer to the MSSP Sales Accelerator early adopters.

The MSSP Sales Accelerator is built on a proven sales methodology that helps partners:

• Customize Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 to optimize the Microsoft Dynamics selling process.
• Increase the sales team’s efficiency by providing exit criteria, tools and links at your fingertips, and guidance for each sales stage.
• Ease of sales pipeline management by providing the sales force with a common terminology.
• Realize seamless integration with the "Your Business Solution Roadmap" tool.

Prerequisites:

• Accelerator is available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 On-Premise.
• Accelerator has been tested with Rollup 7 and Rollup 8.
• Accelerator is available in English only.
• Download the latest version of the Your Business Solution Roadmap tool.
• Complete training on the Microsoft Solution Selling Process.
• Review the installation and solution guides on PartnerSource.

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.

--Kevin