Microsoft SMS&P Partner Community Blog - By Eric Ligman

Learn how to win a FREE pass to Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 in the MPN Live sessions tomorrow

Eric Ligman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:53:50 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, we broadcast the latest episode of MPN Live direct from our Microsoft Headquarters here in Redmond, Washington. Tomorrow we will be broadcasting the next round of MPN Live shows, three total, this time live from Toronto, Canada, where Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 will be taking place. Not only will you get first-hand info from our fantastic panel of speakers at these sessions, but here’s a little extra bonus incentive for you to join us for these sessions… Tomorrow, three lucky partners who tune in to these MPN Live sessions (one, two, or all three sessions), could win a free pass to Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 being held in Toronto, Canada from July 8th – 12th! How’s that for a little extra kicker?

For the three MPN Live sessions tomorrow, here are the topics that we will be covering at each:

9 AM EST - Topic: P2P and Entrepreneurship: The Age of Collaboration
12 PM EST - Topic: Cloud Solutions: 21st Century Selling (featuring Darren Bibby Program Vice President, Software Channels and Alliances at IDC)
5 PM EST – Building the Future with Apps and the Cloud

Please note, all of the times listed above are EST, so be sure to join us at the appropriate time.

You can join us online for these sessions HERE at the times listed above tomorrow. Also, remember that you can take part online by tracking the conversation on Twitter with the #MPNLive hashtag during tomorrow’s session.

Did you find this information helpful? If so, you may want to make sure you are utilizing all of the areas I share information online, such as:

Also, get the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App to get access to the latest from all of those and many more resources here at Microsoft right on your phone:

Thanks again for being a reader of my blog!

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman – Follow me on TWITTER, LinkedIn, and RSS and see “What I’m thinking”
Director, Worldwide Partner Experience
Microsoft Corporation
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Worldwide Partner Conference,WPC,WPC12,Toronto,Canada,MPN Live,P2P,entrepreneurship,collaboration,social media,hashtag,cloud,cloud computing,Darren Bibby,IDC,analyst,apps,free,promotion,contest

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Worldwide Partner Conference,WPC,WPC12,Toronto,Canada,MPN Live,P2P,entrepreneurship,collaboration,social media,hashtag,cloud,cloud computing,Darren Bibby,IDC,analyst,apps,free,promotion,contest

Yes, that’s really me telling you to update your websites, tweets, posts, etc.

Eric Ligman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:03:45 GMT

As you (should) recall, waaaaaaaay back in November of 2010 (my how time flies, doesn’t it?), the former “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” and “Microsoft Certified Partner” brands were officially retired, put to rest, put out to pasture, however you want to phrase it. Just like any good friend that is no longer with you, we look back and remember them fondly for what they were back in the day, but as I mentioned, both the “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” and “Microsoft Certified Partner” brands have been officially retired, put to rest, set out to pasture, etc. In other words, they are no more, period. In fact, they haven’t been in quite some time and as noted in the terms of the Microsoft Partner Network agreement, as of November 1, 2011:

Use of the “Gold Certified Partner” or “Certified Partner” logos must cease entirely, including your marketing materials (websites, newsletters, advertisements, business cards, etc.) or in your communications and documents, such as bidding documents.

If you are a former Gold Certified or Certified partner and you have not achieved a gold or silver competency by October 31, 2011, you must uninstall any software licenses that have been provided to your organization based on achieving the Gold Certified or Certified partner level. The only licenses you will be eligible to use are those that you have earned based on your current membership in the Microsoft Partner Network. Check out the License Calculator tool to see what Internal Use Rights you receive with the various competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network.

Yes, we did offer the 12 month transition period for partners to use up any pre-printed business cards, letterhead, marketing materials, etc. that still had the old logos still on them, which meant they could be used until November, 1, 2011; however, we stopped renewing any company as either a “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” or a “Microsoft Certified Partner” way back in October of 2010. As of November 1, 2010 (again, a really long time ago), Microsoft partners no longer earn designations that are aggregated to a company level, they earn them at the skill or business solution level, which allows them to showcase their skills and better differentiate themselves. As of November 1, 2010, Microsoft partners earn competencies that showcase their skills and they can earn either a silver or gold competency for each. Let me quickly repeat a very important point, “As of November 1, 2010 (again, a really long time ago), Microsoft partners no longer earn designations at the company level, they earn them at the skill level.”

What this all means is:

As of November 1, 2011, all usage of the “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” and “Microsoft Certified Partner” logos, branding, phrasing, etc. must cease (there are no exceptions).
As of November 1, 2011, there is no such thing as a “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” or a “Microsoft Certified Partner.” These brands have ceased to exist and have absolutely zero meaning or benefits whatsoever anymore.
The terms “silver” and “gold” now correspond to specific competencies that you achieve and to those competencies only. This means there is no such thing as a “Microsoft Gold partner,” or a “Microsoft Silver partner.” There are Microsoft partners with gold competencies and/or silver competencies, but there are not metal alloy brand partners (gold, silver, platinum, copper, zinc, aluminum, etc.) at a company level, period.

So to answer a question I received from a couple of partners this week and last week, yes, those email/web messages that you received saying they are from me advising you that you need to remove any and all “Microsoft Gold Certified partner” or “Microsoft Certified partner” logos that you still have on your websites, in your tweets, in your new press releases, etc. right away really are coming directly from me. Also, yes, when you see the phrase, “you are out of compliance with the Microsoft Partner Network program guidelines” in those messages, it means exactly that, you are out of compliance and need to address these items right away.

If you are a Microsoft partner today, be sure you are utilizing your new Microsoft partner logos showing off any of the competencies that you have achieved to highlight your skill sets. Be sure to use the Microsoft Logo Builder tool that we provide online to help you create your Microsoft competency logos, utilizing as many of the Microsoft competencies as you have earned within the Microsoft Partner Network. In just a few quick steps, you can select the competencies you want included to create the logo, then save and download the image(s) for use online or in your printed materials.

If you are a business looking for a Microsoft partner to assist you with your technology needs, keep this in mind, if the company you are talking with shows you one of the “X’d" out” logos above or says that they are a “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner” or a “Microsoft Certified Partner,” please realize that these mean absolutely nothing anymore and are brands that were officially retired back in November of 2010. Be sure to look for a Microsoft partner in the existing Microsoft Partner Network with the appropriate branding and any corresponding silver or gold competencies they have earned focused on the solutions you are looking for assistance with. In fact, we have an online tool called Pinpoint to help you locate a Microsoft partner near you with the skills you are looking for.

Did you find this information helpful? If so, you may want to make sure you are utilizing all of the areas I share information online, such as: my Facebook page, my Twitter account, my Linkedin account, and my blog. Plus, you can now get all of the latest Microsoft Partner Information right on your phone!

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Microsoft Partner Network,Microsoft Partner Program,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,gold competency,silver competency,competency,logo builder,logo,Eric Ligman,compliance,branding,benefits,Microsoft partner

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Microsoft Partner Network,Microsoft Partner Program,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,gold competency,silver competency,competency,logo builder,logo,Eric Ligman,compliance,branding,benefits,Microsoft partner

Online computer security: Protecting yourself, your kids online, your computer, and more.

Eric Ligman — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:46:06 GMT

At Microsoft, we take online safety very seriously. This spans across products, communications, education, awareness, and much more. To help people everywhere understand more about the potential threats that exist today, as well as steps you can take to help protect yourself, your family, your kids online, your computer security, and more, we have produced a collection of information resources that you can download and use.

Please utilize these electronic resources for your own use and share this information with anyone else that you think could benefit from these:

In addition to these downloads above, we have several online web pages available across a variety of subjects that you can utilize when it comes to computer security, online safety, and more. Here are some of them to check out:

I hope you find the resources above helpful to teach yourself and help educate others about computer security, data privacy, and online safety issues, prevention, and remediation. If you have any feedback on the items above (Did you find them helpful? What did you like the most? Were there things you did not know already that you learned? etc.), feel free to leave me a comment or two below letting me know.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,security,online,safety,family,children,kids,tweens,teens,cyberbullying,factsheet,brochure,download,free,Eric Ligman,resources,tips,school,gaming,elderly,financial,phishing,scam,scamming,malware,email,messaging,identity,theft,identity theft,online banking,banking,social media

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,security,online,safety,family,children,kids,tweens,teens,cyberbullying,factsheet,brochure,download,free,Eric Ligman,resources,tips,school,gaming,elderly,financial,phishing,scam,scamming,malware,email,messaging,identity,theft,identity theft,online banking,banking,social media

Kinect for Windows now available! Information and resources for you.

Eric Ligman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:21:25 GMT

Yesterday we announced the availability of Kinect for Windows,now both from the hardware perspective as well as the SDK perspective. This is a very exciting announcement and will unlock a ton of potential for developers everywhere. I can’t wait to see what this enables!

With this announcement, I thought I would share some of the information and resources with you in case you missed them yesterday, if you wanted to find out, or if you want to get started with Kinect for Windows yourself.

Kinect for Windows announcement on the Kinect for Windows blog
Kinect for Windows features
Check out some of the Kinect for Windows photos and videos (some pretty cool stuff!)
Kinect for Windows hardware now available on Microsoft Store and Amazon:
- Kinect for Windows on Microsoft Store
- Kinect for Windows on Amazon
Download the Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit (SDK)
Participate in the Kinect SDK Online Forum to share experiences and provide feedback on Kinect for Windows
Participate in the Kinect NUI API and programming Online Forum to discuss programming for NUIs, such as skeletal tracking, depth, and camera streams
Participate in the Kinect audio API and programming Online Forum to discuss the programming interfaces for audio, such as acoustic noise and echo cancellation
Interested in appling to take part in this intensive Kinect incubation program for startups? Check out Kinect Accelerator
See what’s new in the Kinect for Windows SDK
Watch the Kinect for Windows Quickstart series videos:
- Installing and Using the Kinect Sensor
- Setting up your Development Environment
- Camera Fundamentals
- Working with Depth Data
- Skeletal Tracking Fundamentals
- Audio Fundamentals
Kinect for Windows Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Read and subscribe to the Kinect for Windows Blog
Take part in the Kinect for Windows Facebook community
Follow Kinect for Windows on Twitter
Follow the Kinect for Windows Quickstart Series on Channel 9
Kinect for Windows support
Find a Kinect for Windows event
Are you sooooo excited about Kinect for Windows that you think you want to be a part of the team? Check out the current job openings we have for Kinect for Windows
Information for partners regarding Kinect for Windows

I’m not sure if you recall, but back at the end of 2010 I put up my, “11 Reasons why today is a day to remember…” post and in there, the #2 reason was Kinect. The Kinect phenomenon has exploded since it's release and I am pretty sure that when we all look back on the announcements from yesterday in the future, it is again going to be one of those events we remember based on what it will bring in terms of opportunity and changing the paradigm of how things get done.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Kinect,Kinect for Windows,Windows,developers,NUI,sound,SDK,download,videos,Eric Ligman,Amazon,Microsoft Store,community,jobs,opportunities,quickstart,Channel 9,programming,news,press release,announcement

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Kinect,Kinect for Windows,Windows,developers,NUI,sound,SDK,download,videos,Eric Ligman,Amazon,Microsoft Store,community,jobs,opportunities,quickstart,Channel 9,programming,news,press release,announcement

Microsoft Partner Learning Center planned maintenance this week

Eric Ligman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:02:10 GMT

For all of you Microsoft partners out there that are taking advantage of the huge collection of fantastic free training and learning resources available to you on the Microsoft Partner Learning Center as part of your membership in the Microsoft Partner Network, I wanted to give you a quick heads up on some planned maintenance that we will be doing on the Partner Learning Center which will require it to be offline for awhile. What this means is, if you are looking to get some training in this week, such as the collections of trainings inside the various Microsoft Learning Paths, be sure to head on out to the Microsoft Partner Learning Center before the scheduled maintenance time to ensure you can get it in prior to going offline, or make sure you plan your training around it.

Here is the planned maintenance schedule for the Microsoft Partner Learning Center this week:

Start: Thursday, February 02, 2012 8:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
End: Monday, February 06, 2012 1:00 AM (Pacific Standard Time)

As I noted above, the Microsoft Partner Learning Center is scheduled to be unavailable during the times listed above while the planned maintenance is taking place, so again, please plan your training appropriately around these times.

By the way, if you haven’t been to the Microsoft Partner Learning Center in awhile, you really should check it out. I would highly recommend taking advantage of the Microsoft Learning Paths that we have made available to help guide you through recommended trainings for specific Microsoft solution areas.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Microsoft Partner Learning Center,PLC,benefits,resources,training,Learning Paths,Eric Ligman,maintenance,offline

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Microsoft Partner Learning Center,PLC,benefits,resources,training,Learning Paths,Eric Ligman,maintenance,offline

Next MPN Live session is January 26th at 9:00 am PST

Eric Ligman — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:32:53 GMT

At Worldwide Partner Conference last summer, we kicked off the MPN Live sessions from the floor of WPC. For those of you not yet familiar with MPN Live:

MPN Live is a roundtable talk show program where Microsoft partners connect on issues of interest.
For the current series, they are being streamed live on our community home page and syndicated on Microsoft Partner Network global Facebook page
these live video programs hosted by our Microsoft Partner Network team and provide an opportunity for community engagement through social media leveraging real-time video

For tomorrow’s session, it will be hosted by Kat Tillman and Karl Noakes of Microsoft, and they will be joined by a fantastic panel of partner participants:

In Redmond with us:

Birger Steen – Parallels – US
Justin Pirie – Mimecast – UK

Joining us on Skype:

Kelvin Kirby- IAMCP Global President – UK
Christian Buckley – Axceler – US
Anders Trolle-Schultz – SaaS-IT – DK

For tomorrow’s session, we will be focusing on:

Topic #1: Maximizing The Microsoft Partner Network Opportunity
Topic #2: Membership has is Benefits

UPDATE: Now that the session is complete, you can view it in its entirety here:

You can join us tomorrow online HERE at 9:00 am PST. Also, remember that you can take part online by tracking the conversation on Twitter with the #MPNLive hashtag during tomorrow’s session.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Eric Ligman,Kat Tillman,Karl Noakes,MPN Live,WPC,Worldwide Partner Conference 2011,Birger Steen,Kelvin Kirby,Christian Buckley,Anders Trolle-Schultz,Justin Pirie,networking,social media,Microsoft Partner Network,benefits

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Eric Ligman,Kat Tillman,Karl Noakes,MPN Live,WPC,Worldwide Partner Conference 2011,Birger Steen,Kelvin Kirby,Christian Buckley,Anders Trolle-Schultz,Justin Pirie,networking,social media,Microsoft Partner Network,benefits

SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event, information, resources, and much more

Eric Ligman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:40:55 GMT

As the countdown continues to the launch of the latest version of Microsoft SQL Server, the excitement levels continue to rise and rise, and why shouldn’t they given all that SQL Server 2012 brings with it?! To help make sure you are aware of your opportunity to participate in our Virtual Launch event that we are conducting on March 7, 2012 and to let you know about a bunch of SQL Server 2012 information and resources that are available now and have been shared recently, I am putting up this quick collection for you here on the blog.

First, let’s start with the SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event that is taking place on March 7, 2012. The event will feature Keynote presentations by:

Ted Kummert - Corporate Vice President, Business Platform Division, Microsoft
Quentin Clark - Corporate Vice President, Database Systems Group, Microsoft

In addition, there will be a series of over 30+ sessions delivered across three tracks:

Breakthrough Insights
Mission Critical Confidence
Cloud on your Terms

Also, you will have the opportunity to connect with product experts and MVPs by chatting with them and asking questions in the virtual lounge.

Agenda - You can see the full agenda for the March 7th event HERE.
Register – You can register to attend the March 7th Virtual Launch Event HERE.

In addition to participating in the Virtual Launch Event, they will also be offering prizes for people based on their earning badges for doing activities such as watching the keynote, tweeting, and much more. Some of the prizes included include: cash gift cards, BOSE headphones, and Xbox Kinects.

Now for some of the other information, resources, etc. for you around SQL Server 2012 that you may want to check out and utilize:

SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate:

SQL Server 2012 RC0 is available for download right now. Why not download it today and get started with SQL Server 2012?

SQL Server 2012 General:

Wondering about the SQL Server 2012 Editions are and the differences? Take a look here to see an overview of each and an quick look at the differences
Product Specifications for SQL Server 2012
Quick-Start Installation of SQL Server 2012
What's New in SQL Server 2012
Installation for SQL Server 2012
Getting SQL Server Assistance - Contains links to the primary sources of information about Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC 0). The topic also contains links to support sites.
How Do I (SQL Server) - Contains links to information about performing frequently-run SQL Server tasks.
Tools and Utilities Documentation Map - Contains links to information about the tools and utilities included with SQL Server.

SQL Server 2012 Online Books & Documentation:

SQL Server Web Sites:

SQL Server Virtual Labs:

Check out the SQL Server Virtual Labs available online, including:
- Upgrading to SQL Server 2012
- Installing and managing SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server
- Always on Availability Groups
- and many more…

Other items:

Check out just some of the customers using SQL Server 2012 already today
Watch some of the videos being shared on the SQL Server YouTube channel
Follow the latest on the SQL Server Team Blog

Be sure to take a few minutes and register at the link above to join us for the March 7th SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch event, download the SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate and utilize the SQL Server 2012 resources included above for you. I hope you find them helpful and they help get you pointed in the right direction for your goals with SQL Server 2012. By the way, if you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app installed on you Windows Phone, you have access to the latest from the SQL Server Team by simply clicking on SQL Server under “Products” on the home page of the app.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,SQL Server,SQL,SQL Server 2012,Denali,download,Release Candidate,resources,TechCenter,launch,events,virtual launch,developers,platform,BI,business intelligence,FAQ,questions,Big Data,Ted Kummert,Quentin Clark,RC0,tutorials,installation,upgrade,Eric Ligman,licensing,specifications,prizes,contest,Xbox,Kinect,Bose,cash,money

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,SQL Server,SQL,SQL Server 2012,Denali,download,Release Candidate,resources,TechCenter,launch,events,virtual launch,developers,platform,BI,business intelligence,FAQ,questions,Big Data,Ted Kummert,Quentin Clark,RC0,tutorials,installation,upgrade,Eric Ligman,licensing,specifications,prizes,contest,Xbox,Kinect,Bose,cash,money

Think your phone is fast? $100 says it’ll get smoked by Windows Phone.

Eric Ligman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:06:38 GMT

Think your phone is fast or are you in the market for a new phone and looking for something with true speed? Have you tried out a Windows Phone yet? If you haven’t, maybe this will get your attention…

As you probably know, the International Consumer Electronics show (CES) took place a couple of weeks ago (see the Steve Ballmer Microsoft keynote here). Well while CES 2012 was taking place, Ben Rudolph was going around with a challenge and putting his money where his mouth is… The challenge, quite simple really:

Your phone against Windows Phone in a mutually agreed upon set of common tasks
Beat the Windows Phone and win $100
Lose to the Windows Phone and join the others who have been “Smoked by Windows Phone”

So how did the challenge turn out? See for yourself in the highlight video below:

Let’s just say there seems to have been a lot of smoke coming from the CES floor, thanks to Windows Phone. If you haven’t checked out Windows Phone lately, take a look at what you’ve been missing. If you are a Microsoft partner and mobility is something you focus on, be sure to check out the Microsoft Windows Phone information on the Microsoft Partner Network portal as well as the Microsoft Mobility Competency. I have a bunch of information on some Windows Phone resources as well in some of these past posts here on the blog:

Thanks again to Ben Rudolph for hosting this challenge and sharing the results with all of us through his online forums and this video.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows Phone,Mango,Ben Rudolph,Smoked by Windows Phone,challenge,Droid,iPhone,iPhone 4s,iPhone 4,Galaxy,Galaxy II,Eric Ligman,CES,Consumer Electronics Show,CES 2012,Steve Ballmer,keynote,resources,Microsoft Partner Network,MPN,competency,speed,fast,mobility

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Windows Phone,Mango,Ben Rudolph,Smoked by Windows Phone,challenge,Droid,iPhone,iPhone 4s,iPhone 4,Galaxy,Galaxy II,Eric Ligman,CES,Consumer Electronics Show,CES 2012,Steve Ballmer,keynote,resources,Microsoft Partner Network,MPN,competency,speed,fast,mobility

Microsoft, private cloud, and System Center 2012 pricing and licensing announcements, information and resource for you.

Eric Ligman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:44:39 GMT

Today, some exciting news and announcements were shared regarding private cloud and the launch of Microsoft System Center 2012. Hopefully you were you able to join us live this morning for the “Transforming IT with Microsoft Private Cloud” webcast with:

Satya Nadella, President, Server and Tools Business, Microsoft
Brad Anderson, Corporate Vice President, Management and Security Division, Microsoft
Jacky Wright,Vice President, IT Strategic Services, Microsoft IT
Rand Morimoto, Chief Executive Officer, Convergent Computing

If you weren’t, don’t worry,let’s get you pointed in the right direction so you too can see and hear what all was shared and what information and resources we have available for you today:

Want to view the replay of this morning’s webcast? Here you go. (You will also be able to read Brad Anderson’s Private Cloud blog post there as well)
Read Jon Roskill’s blog post on this announcement
Read the private cloud announcement on the Official Microsoft Blog
As a Microsoft partner, check out the Microsoft Private Cloud value proposition
We have a Customer Cloud Assessment Tool available online
Check out the System Center Licensing FAQ
Read the Microsoft Press Release from this morning
Download the Microsoft Private Cloud whitepaper
Check out the Server-Cloud Platform blog post
Take a look at the Microsoft Private Cloud main page
View the information on Microsoft System Center page
Download the Microsoft private cloud evaluation software from the Eval Center
Infographic: The private cloud gets real

There were several videos released today on customers who bet on the Microsoft Private Cloud to move faster, save money and better compete. Here’s a few you can view right here:

Lufthansa

Unilever

Egged

If you did see the webcast this morning, what did you think? Is private cloud something you are planning on pursuing in your organization as a solution offering for your customers? I’d love to hear your input and feedback on the information shared today, the resources above, etc.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Satya Nadella,Brad Anderson,Jacky Wright,Rand Morimoto,cloud computing,private cloud,System Center 2012,pricing,licensing,FAQ,launch,download,evaluation,trial,Eric Ligman,Jon Roskill,press release,whitepaper

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Satya Nadella,Brad Anderson,Jacky Wright,Rand Morimoto,cloud computing,private cloud,System Center 2012,pricing,licensing,FAQ,launch,download,evaluation,trial,Eric Ligman,Jon Roskill,press release,whitepaper

How to watch the Steve Ballmer Microsoft 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) keynote speech

Eric Ligman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:27:47 GMT

Tonight at 6:30 PM PST, Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, will deliver the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Microsoft keynote address, and you are all invited to join us for it. That’s right! Even if you are unable to be at CES in person, you will be able to watch Steve Ballmer’s Microsoft 2012 CES keynote speech live from your computer or anywhere you have internet access and here is how:

Option #1: You can view the Steve Ballmer Microsoft 2012 CES keynote live online through the Microsoft News Center starting at 6:30 PM PST

Option #2: You can view the Steve Ballmer Microsoft 2012 CES keynote live online here on Facebook starting at 6:30 PM PST

UPDATE: As noted at the time of the original post, here is the recording of the Steve Ballmer keynote for you to watch on demand:

In addition, here are some additional resources for you to utilize for the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES):

There will be plenty more coming from CES after Steve’s speech and I will updating this post once the replay of Steve’s speech becomes available showing you how and where you can view it in case you miss it live.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Steve Ballmer,CES,Consumer Electronics Show,announcement,Eric Ligman,Facebook,event,news,CES2012,keynote,speech

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Steve Ballmer,CES,Consumer Electronics Show,announcement,Eric Ligman,Facebook,event,news,CES2012,keynote,speech

How to get a head start on the NEW Management and Virtualization Competency

Eric Ligman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:46:03 GMT

As you may have heard, in May 2012, we will be combining two of the existing Microsoft Partner Network competencies (Systems Management and Virtualization) into a new unified competency (Management and Virtualization). As a Microsoft partner, these two areas are huge business opportunities and now you have the chance to get ahead of the game by moving into the new Management and Virtualization competency before we bring it to market in May 2012. That’s right! You don’t need to wait until May to work towards achieving the new Management and Virtualization competency and below I’ll show you how you can get started right now.

Why should you get into the Management and Virtualization competency? Well, outside of the big business opportunity that Systems Management and Virtualization offer, here are just some of the additional advantages:

Attaining the Management and Virtualization competency gives you the opportunity to differentiate your business by delivering a new breed of Private Cloud, Management and Virtualization solutions
Get access to relevant updates,resources, tools, and training for Microsoft management and virtualization technologies
Attaining a gold Management and Virtualization competency qualifies you to earn substantial channel benefits through programs like the Management and Virtualization Solution Incentive Program (SIP) and the Private Cloud, Management and Virtualization Deployment Planning Services (PVDPS)

So can you qualify for the new Management and Virtualization competency? Let me show you:

Are you a partner with an existing Systems Management competency or Virtualization competency?

If so, then I have some good news for you. After the merge of the two existing competencies and launch of the new Management and Virtualization competency (scheduled for May 2012), all active Systems Management and/or Virtualization competency partners will automatically get transferred into the new competency. So if you already have one of those competencies and it is active after the merge in May 2012, your path is pretty simple, you’re in. One thing to note, when you come up for renewal of your competency after May 2012, you will have to meet the new competency requirements to renew into the Management and Virtualization competency.

After May 2012, if you want to obtain the new Management and Virtualization competency:

Here are the requirements for both the silver and gold competencies (these also apply to any partner looking to renew their competency after the merge):

Silver Competency

Gold Competency

Certification Requirements
One person has passed one of these exams:

Exam 70-400: TS: SC Operations Manager 2007,Configuring
Exam 70-401: TS: SC Configuration Manager 2007,Configuring
Exam 70-658: TS: SC Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring.

AND

One person has passed one of these exams:

Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
Exam 70-669: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization.

Certification Requirements
Four unique persons have each passed the following exams:

Exam 70-693: Pro: Windows Server 2008 R2,
Virtualization Administrator

AND

Exam 70-400: TS: SC Operations Manager 2007, Configuring OR Exam 70-401: TS: SC Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring

AND

Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization OR Exam 70-669: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization.

Business Assessments

Licensing: One person has passed the Microsoft licensing overview assessment.
Sales: One person has passed the Microsoft Sales Specialist Management and Virtualization assessment.

Business Assessments

Licensing: One person has passed the Microsoft licensing overview assessment.
Sales: Two persons have passed the Microsoft Sales Specialist Management and Virtualization assessment.

Customer Evidence Requirements

Submit three customer references that showcase design and implementation of a solution using System Center and Virtualization

Customer Evidence Requirements

Submit five customer references that showcase design and implementation of a solution using System Center and Virtualization
Each reference must feature a project that your organization has completed within the past 12 months and will be verified with your customer

Partners who do NOT have a Systems Management or Virtualization competency today but want to get the new Management and Virtualization competency:

Good news for you! You do not have to wait to get the new competency because all partners have the unique opportunity to meet these requirements for either the silver or gold competency and then contact their local Regional Service Center. The Regional Service Center will confirm your credentials and place you into either the Systems Management or Virtualization competency. Then, when the new requirements go into effect, you will automatically transition into the new Management and Virtualization competency.

We have a document posted on the Microsoft Partner Network portal that you can download and has full details around the new merged competency, the requirements, the migration paths, and more, so you might want to grab that to look through as well.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,competency,silver competency,gold competency,virtualization,Systems management,Eric Ligman,requirements,SIP,Solutions Incentive Program,resources,cloud,private cloud,Management and Virtualization Deployment Planning Services,RSC,Regional Service Center

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,competency,silver competency,gold competency,virtualization,Systems management,Eric Ligman,requirements,SIP,Solutions Incentive Program,resources,cloud,private cloud,Management and Virtualization Deployment Planning Services,RSC,Regional Service Center

The top posts of 2011, and of all time

Eric Ligman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:02:42 GMT

Welcome to 2012, everyone! I certainly hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and New Year’s Day. To kick off the 2012 year, I thought it might be fun to look back at 2011 quickly to see which of the posts here on the blog you all came to and visited the most. With that, below is a list of the top 50 posts here on my blog from 2011. Was one of these your favorite post from 2011? Plus, just for fun, I have the all-time top 25 list included below the Top 50 of 2011 list.

Now I wonder what your favorite post from 2012 will be? I guess we’ll have to take another look back in 12 months to find out together. One thing is for sure though, it is all of you that will determine it. Speaking of which, are there particular topics or items you’d like to see more posts about here on the blog? Is there something in particular that I cover through my Twitter account or my LinkedIn account that you’d like to see more of here on the blog? If so, let me know.

I thought it would also be interesting to update the top posts of all-time on the blog are to see if any of the 2011 posts cracked into the top 25. Now, the 2011 posts obviously haven’t had as much time to gain readers as earlier posts (since they were put up later), but as we all know, time is not the only factor in determining what people read and what attracts viewers. Below are the top 25 posts of all-time on my blog, many of which my long-time readers will probably remember; however, for the new followers, they may be ones you did not see before. Interesting to see what you all have been reading the most. While none of the 2011 posts made the all-time top 25 list yet, there are a few that already made the all-time top 50 list and are working their way up.

Note: The rankings above are based on number of people visiting my blog online to read the posts, not offline in their email or RSS reader through their subscriptions to the blog.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,blog,Top 10,Top 25,Top 50,posts,OEM,Windows,Small Business Server,SBSC,SBS,Office,Office 2003,Terminal Services,licensing,Open Value Subscription,Action Pack,Action Pack Subscription,Windows Phone,Mango,Build,Windows 8,Microsoft Partner Information,Eric Ligman,Outlook,Outlook 2007,Microsoft Security Essentials,NASCAR,racing,CALs,client access licenses,Software Assurance,Open Value,Open License,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,competency,Gold Competency,Silver Competency,Happy New Year,2012,Kevin Turner,Jon Roskill,Vahe Torossian,Ross Brown,Max Long,Robert Jones,Doug Kennedy,TechNet,Internet Explorer,IE9,beta,WPC11,Worldwide Partner Conference 2011,Worldwide Partner Conference,Windows Azure,Office 365,cloud,Interactive Leadership Forum,Nokia,announcement,VLSC,Volume Licensing Service Center,offers,certification,exams,promotions,Offers

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,blog,Top 10,Top 25,Top 50,posts,OEM,Windows,Small Business Server,SBSC,SBS,Office,Office 2003,Terminal Services,licensing,Open Value Subscription,Action Pack,Action Pack Subscription,Windows Phone,Mango,Build,Windows 8,Microsoft Partner Information,Eric Ligman,Outlook,Outlook 2007,Microsoft Security Essentials,NASCAR,racing,CALs,client access licenses,Software Assurance,Open Value,Open License,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,competency,Gold Competency,Silver Competency,Happy New Year,2012,Kevin Turner,Jon Roskill,Vahe Torossian,Ross Brown,Max Long,Robert Jones,Doug Kennedy,TechNet,Internet Explorer,IE9,beta,WPC11,Worldwide Partner Conference 2011,Worldwide Partner Conference,Windows Azure,Office 365,cloud,Interactive Leadership Forum,Nokia,announcement,VLSC,Volume Licensing Service Center,offers,certification,exams,promotions,Offers

Happy New Year 2012 wishes and Thank You to all of you from all of us here at Microsoft

Eric Ligman — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:58:00 GMT

As 2011 draws to a close and the new 2012 year begins for all of us around the world, I want to offer up my Happy New Year wishes and say “Thank You” to all of the Microsoft partners worldwide. Also, as I have done in past years, I caught up with a few others here at Microsoft that I think you as Microsoft partners will recognize and know who also wanted to take a few moments to share some thoughts with you on this celebration of the New Year. I have their messages included below through a handful of short videos directly from them to you.

Every year, I have the wonderful fortune to be able to work with some of the brightest, most dedicated, and most talented people in the world through my interaction with our Microsoft partners around the world. Some of you I have known for many, many years, and some of you I have just recently had the pleasure to meet or interact with. You all continually help positively change the future for your clients, whether they are big or small, through the power of technology and the Microsoft solutions you bring to bear for their organizations. Just take a quick moment to think back over the past 12 months at the successful implementations you have deployed for your clients and what you have enabled them to accomplish that they couldn’t do before and what that means for them each and every day now. It is extremely amazing! We’ve built our business on being a partner-led business model, and as I’ve said many times before, “We LOVE our partners!” For all that you do by providing Microsoft solutions to clients everywhere and for your continued partnership as a Microsoft partner, I offer you a sincere “Thank you,” and genuine wishes for an even better, more amazing 2012 together.

On a quick personal note, I also want to extend a very heart-felt “Thank you” to so many of you that have gone above and beyond the work aspect of our interactions and have reached out to me and my family from all corners of the globe here at the end of 2011 as we go through the medical challenges with our daughter. Your notes, emails, tweets, CaringBridge posts, surprises, prayers, and well-wishes mean an incredibly large amount not only to me, but also to our daughter who sees all of them, and our whole family. Your kindness and understanding has been beyond words and I cannot thank you all enough. I just want you all to know how much we genuinely appreciate all of it.

Now on to those comments that several others here at Microsoft wanted to share with all of you that I mentioned above. If you’ve been reading my blog for many years, you will notice we have some additional surprise guests joining in this year to share their thoughts with you, including Kevin Turner, our Chief Operating Officer. I’ll let you start out with Kevin’s comments he had to share and let you watch all of the videos below for yourselves:

Kevin Turner
Chief Operating Officer

Vahe Torossian
Corporate Vice-President, SMS&P

Jon Roskill
Corporate Vice-President, Worldwide Partner Group

Ross Brown
Vice-President, Worldwide Partner Strategy

Max Long
Vice-President, Corporate Accounts & Partner Sales

Doug Kennedy
Vice-President, Dynamics Partners

Robert Jones
General Manager, SMS&P Business Excellence

Just like last year, I am sure that there are some of you asking yourselves, “Why on Earth is Eric posting this on his blog at 2:00 am Pacific Time (where I reside) on December 31st instead of actually at midnight when New Years really kicks in?” Well, it’s simple, really. As I mentioned last year, since I’m sending these wishes out to our partners around the world, I thought it only appropriate to have this post up in time for the New Year in the very first time zone crossing over to 2012, which is the UTC +14 hours time zone, where it just became 2012 as of 2:00 am on December 31st here in Redmond. Don’t worry though, I will be sending out my Happy New Year’s wishes to the various time zones as 2012 gets issued in around the world through my Twitter account as in past years so no one gets left out.

Thank you all again for a phenomenal 2011 as we saw some amazing times together and here is looking to an even more incredible 2012 for all of us together! Happy New Year to all of you, your families, friends, and loved ones.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Happy New Year,holidays,thank you,thanks,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Eric Ligman,success,Kevin Turner,Jon Roskill,Vahe Torossian,Ross Brown,Robert Jones,Max Long,Doug Kennedy,Merry Christmas,2011,2012,CaringBridge,family

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Happy New Year,holidays,thank you,thanks,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Eric Ligman,success,Kevin Turner,Jon Roskill,Vahe Torossian,Ross Brown,Robert Jones,Max Long,Doug Kennedy,Merry Christmas,2011,2012,CaringBridge,family

Final week to take advantage of these Microsoft offers

Eric Ligman — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:05:00 GMT

As we approach the end of 2011 and the beginning of the new 2012 year, many people are in the process of taking care of last minute items to close out the year. As you are going through those lists of things to get in before the end of the year, I wanted to make sure that you remembered the Microsoft promotions that we have in market right now that are coming to an end on December 31, 2011, so you have this week only left to take advantage of them.

Here are the promotions ending on December 31, 2011:

U.S. specific offers:

The Big Easy Offer 7
FY12-H1 U.S. Value Added Reseller Rebate Program
Office 2010 Bonus Box – Ends Jan. 14, 2012 (close enough to December 31st to call out)

Hopefully you have been able take advantage of these offers throughout 2011 and you’ll be able to to get the most out of them here in the final week of them. By the way, if you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app installed on you Windows Phone, you have access to the latest global reseller promotions by simply clicking the “Offers” button in the home page of the app:

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Eric Ligman,offers,promotions,Windows 7,Windows,Office,Office 2010,Office Professional,rebates,New Years,discounts,Dynamics,CRM Online,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,competency,training,Competency Exam Pack,exams,Lync

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,Eric Ligman,offers,promotions,Windows 7,Windows,Office,Office 2010,Office Professional,rebates,New Years,discounts,Dynamics,CRM Online,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,competency,training,Competency Exam Pack,exams,Lync

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all

Eric Ligman — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:05:39 GMT

I just wanted to take a quick moment to send out our personal wishes to all of you for a very Merry Christmas and/or happy holidays wherever you are. May you all be spending this time with the family, friends, and loved ones that make your lives as special as they can be. It is always a pleasure to get the chance to work with all of you and I appreciate the opportunity to share the times working with you all.

May your days be merry and your lives filled with joy. Happy holidays.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum replay now available

Eric Ligman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:51:31 GMT

As you may recall, earlier this week we hosted the latest Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum session, which gives you, our partners around the world, the chance to hear directly from the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group leadership team here at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond on what’s new, what we’re thinking about, and what we think you should be aware of. It is also a time when you have the opportunity to ask your questions directly to the leadership team either in advance, via text during the session, or live via phone during the session. It is truly designed to be a unique opportunity for you to connect directly with the Microsoft partner leadership team and vice versa throughout the year, and there’s no travel required! .

Thank you again to all of the partners that were able to join us for the sessions this past Tuesday. We appreciate you spending your time with us during these sessions. We also know that with everything going in driving your businesses, you are not always able to attend the sessions live when they are scheduled. As such, we do record the sessions and make the replays available online for you to view at your convenience. Granted, there is no live Q&A session during the replay, but that’s because, well, it’s a replay. So if you either attended the session on Tuesday and want to view all or parts of the session again, or if you were unable to attend the session live but want to see what we discussed, the replay is now available online and here is how you can watch it from the comfort of your own home, office, local coffee shop, or wherever is most convenient for you:

Watch the Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum replay on the Microsoft Partner Learning Center
One quick note: be sure to read the short: Announcing a Microsoft Small Business Competency? either before or after watching the replay to make sure you have the context around that section of the forum and to answer some potential questions you may have.

Thanks again to all of you that joined us live for the sessions and to those of you joining us virtually through the replay. We look forward to connecting with you through future Interactive Leadership Forum sessions and through the wide array of MPN Live sessions we will be bringing your way throughout the year, and of course, at Worldwide Partner Conference coming up this July!

As always, be sure to connect with us via social media at anytime through the variety or resources we have available. Here are just a few (which I mentioned in our session above):

Follow & join in the Microsoft Partner conversations online through the #MSPartner hashtag on Twitter
Visit the Microsoft Partner Network community site
Connect with the Microsoft Partner Network Facebook page
Connect with me through any of me online resources that you’ll find at the top of this page
Connect with your local Microsoft Partner social media teams, Microsoft product teams, etc. Not sure who they are? Well, I’ll give you a shortcut to find them.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,partnership,partners,Jon Roskill,Ross Brown,Julie Bennani,Karl Noakes,Eric Ligman,questions,Action Pack Solution Provider,Action Pack,comptencies,silver competency,gold competency,requirements,support,Worldwide Partner Group,SBSC,Small Business Specialist Community,cloud,cloud computing,Cloud Essentials,Cloud Accelerate,incentives,promotions,Microsoft Partner Information,Small Business Specialists,Partner Information,Webcasts,Offers,Support,CPE,MPN4U,Windows Phone,peers,WPC,social media,networking,Promotions & Offers,Events & Webcasts,Competency,replay

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,partnership,partners,Jon Roskill,Ross Brown,Julie Bennani,Karl Noakes,Eric Ligman,questions,Action Pack Solution Provider,Action Pack,comptencies,silver competency,gold competency,requirements,support,Worldwide Partner Group,SBSC,Small Business Specialist Community,cloud,cloud computing,Cloud Essentials,Cloud Accelerate,incentives,promotions,Microsoft Partner Information,Small Business Specialists,Partner Information,Webcasts,Offers,Support,CPE,MPN4U,Windows Phone,peers,WPC,social media,networking,Promotions & Offers,Events & Webcasts,Competency,replay

Announcing a Microsoft Small Business Competency?

Eric Ligman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:32:08 GMT

Thanks again to all of you that joined us for yesterday’s Interactive Leadership Forums. Given the online commentary and chatter taking place today resulting from the mere mention of the launching of a Microsoft Small Business Competency as part of the Microsoft Partner Network during the sessions, I’d say they have definitely succeeded in the enthusiasm and buzz categories. And on the topic of enthusiasm, let’s just say that sometimes our enthusiasm for sharing good news can be slightly ahead of our readiness to provide detailed information on something that ultimately will be good for our channel and our customers. This happens to be one of those times…

So let’s clear the air a little on what you should take away from the enthusiastic comments by the presenters yesterday about the Microsoft Small Business Competency. While it is true that we will be launching a Small Business Competency in the Spring, the details around what the competency benefits and requirements will ultimately be are still being vetted and partner feedback is still be solicited, just as it has been throughout the year since we announced we would be evaluating it this year. All of us here at Microsoft are committed to “getting the competency right;” therefore, we won’t be releasing any additional details about the Microsoft Small Business Competency until the competency launches and we have all of the final details worked out. At that time, both customers and partners will have a clear understanding of the value that the Small Business Competency can offer them.

Thanks again for your participation in the Interactive Leadership Forums yesterday and for being members of the Microsoft Partner Network.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,MPN Live,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,SBSC,competency,small business,Small Business Competency,Eric Ligman,Jon Roskill,Julie Bennani,Ross Brown,Karl Noakes,Interactive Leadership Forum,benefits,requirements,disclosure,enthusiasm,resources,webcast,announcement

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,MPN Live,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,SBSC,competency,small business,Small Business Competency,Eric Ligman,Jon Roskill,Julie Bennani,Ross Brown,Karl Noakes,Interactive Leadership Forum,benefits,requirements,disclosure,enthusiasm,resources,webcast,announcement

Check out Windows Store, Windows 8 App Development Contest and more Windows 8 Information and Resources

Eric Ligman — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:27:47 GMT

Ever since /build, the excitement over Windows 8 has continued to grow and grow and grow. Lately, there have been several pieces of information, announcements, resources, and more that have come out around Windows 8, including several yesterday, so I thought I’d share a collection of some of the ones I’ve found interesting and thought you might too:

Windows Store for developers – The Windows Store was announced in September and allows developers to share their Windows 8 apps with users everywhere and just recently, we held a Windows Store Preview event in San Francisco. There has been a great deal of information shared out about the Windows Store, including: how it is designed, developer participation, revenue sharing, videos, etc. and here is where you can find a bunch of these:
- The new Windows Store for Developers Blog – Dedicated to informing developers both on the progress of the Store as a service, and the platform and economic opportunity the Store represents. Check out their initial post, “Previewing the Windows Store,” which includes a ton of information, pictures, videos, etc. about the Windows Store.
- By the way, did you notice the fact that developers make higher revenue percentages as their apps become more successful? Very cool!
Metro Style App Dev Center – Looking to be part of the huge Windows Metro Style App development opportunity? Well, how about some resources to help you out? Here you’ll find things like:
- Windows 8 News and Announcements
- Learning to Build Apps: Getting started, Planning apps, Developing Apps, Differentiating Apps, Metro Style App reference
- Resource links
- Samples
- and more…
Windows 8 Developer Preview – Well let’s face it… If you’re going to be developing apps for Windows 8, you’re going to need to have your hands on Windows 8, so let’s get you there. The Windows 8 Developer Preview is a pre-beta version of Windows 8 for developers, and gets you access to the code to start working with today. Here you will find downloads and information for: Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit (x64), Windows 8 Developer Preview English, 64-bit (x64), Windows 8 Developer Preview English, 32-bit (x86), How to install the Windows 8 Developer Preview from an ISO image, & Live SDK.
Windows 8 First Apps Contest – C’mon, admit it… If you’re someone who builds things (like apps), there’s nothing like a fun competition for prizes to kick up your excitement level at least a notch or two higher. Well, we have announced the Windows 8 First Apps Contest where you can submit your apps that you develop and we’ll be selecting eight (8) winners and look at what the winners get:
- Be the very first apps in the Windows Store when it opens
- A Samsung Windows Developer Preview PC from the BUILD conference, so you can test your apps with touch and sensors
- One year of Windows Azure, so you can build apps that feel connected and alive
- A two-year subscription to the Store, so you can continue to update and improve your app
1. Now, you do have to get your apps submitted by January 8th and there are some rules to the contest, so be sure to head out to the Windows 8 First Apps Contest page to find out all of the details right away so you can get started. Good luck to all of you!
Windows Store Forum - Your feedback and questions are extremely important to us. To that end, we have created a dedicated Store forum for all of our conversations.
Building Windows 8 Team Blog - An inside look from the Windows engineering team
Windows 8 Developer Preview Guide
Windows Store Fact Sheet

Here’s a quick “Windows 8 – Previewing the Windows Store” video that does a great job of giving you a quick overview of the opportunity that Windows Store brings to you and about Windows Store:

Now I know that the list above is not an all-inclusive list of Windows 8 information resources, but I do hope the items above help get you pointed in the right direction and up and running in your quest for more information and resources on Windows 8. If you have any other Microsoft resources you think would be helpful for others to be aware of for Windows 8, drop me a note in the comments section. Also, remember to keep up with the Windows Team through all of their social media assets as they share information on an ongoing basis. For those of you with the Microsoft Partner Info app installed on your phones, you have 1-click access to these in the Products section of the app.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Windows,Microsoft,Windows 8,developers,preview,download,Dev Center,Metro,beta,forum,Windows Store,contest,prizes,Eric Ligman,touch screen,apps,applications,build

del.icio.us Tags: Windows,Microsoft,Windows 8,developers,preview,download,Dev Center,Metro,beta,forum,Windows Store,contest,prizes,Eric Ligman,touch screen,apps,applications,build

A sincere offering of thanks to you all this Thanksgiving Day

Eric Ligman — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:16:14 GMT

As in past years, I wanted to take a few moments to reach out to all of you and offer up my thanks for another fantastic year together with you here on this Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. This year though, the thanks I am offering goes goes far above and beyond the traditional thanks and deeper than words can say.

Throughout all of my years here at Microsoft, there are several things at work that I am thankful for every year, including:

The opportunity to work for such a great company. I have said many times how much I enjoy working for a company that touches so many lives in so many places around the world and can have such a dramatic impact on the world we live in.
The opportunity to work with partners around the world. One of the pure joys of my role is the opportunity to connect and work with all of you. I have always had a passion for our partners and working with them to help them succeed and this is one part of my role that I thoroughly enjoy.
The opportunity to work with the amazing people here at Microsoft that I get to. Beyond the company, the individual people I get to meet and work with here have always been a highlight for me.

As I mentioned above, this year brings with it a level of thanks that far exceeds any prior year and crosses both sides of the work/life balance. A co-worker of mine gave us a small sign recently that says, “Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things.” This year, we truly are celebrating the little things for we are so incredibly thankful that we even have the little things. For those of you that follow me online, you know the challenges the past month has brought with it for me and my family. As I conveyed the night before my birthday a couple weeks ago, my only birthday wish was to have our daughter make it through the day/night and be with us still to celebrate my birthday. I did get my birthday present, and so just having our whole family together today at home to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving Day together is worth more to me than anything.

I know I cannot possibly convey my thanks in words as there are no words that can actually encompass the thanks I have for all of you, so instead of double posting, I would ask you to please take a moment and read my “Thank you isn’t enough for all of your support and understanding” post. The family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. that have all reached out to us and shared their thoughts, prayers, well-wishes, posts, emails, DMs, CaringBridge posts, Facebook posts, cards, and more for our daughter and family has been phenomenal and from everyone in my family, I offer you all the biggest, “THANK YOU,” that any one person can possibly offer.

So as you all celebrate Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. or go through your day wherever you are, take a quick moment to look around at the people around you that you have the benefit to interface with and call your friends, family, and co-workers and take just a second to say, “Thank you.” As little as it seems, it is the little things that make a difference and realize that at any point in time, you may not have the chance to do it later.

So with that, I offer up our sincere thanks to all of you on this Thanksgiving Day for everything this past year, both at work and personally, and wish you all another year between now and next Thanksgiving of joy, happiness, and prosperity together.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving,holidays,Eric Ligman,thankful,MPN,Microsoft Parnter Network,Microsoft,gratitude,little things,CaringBridge,family

del.icio.us Tags: Thanksgiving,holidays,Eric Ligman,thankful,MPN,Microsoft Parnter Network,Microsoft,gratitude,little things,CaringBridge,family

Join us for the next Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum – Dec. 6th

Eric Ligman — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:21:46 GMT

Last spring we kicked off the first ever Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum which gave you, our partners, the opportunity to join us for a live online session with the leadership team here in Redmond to hear the latest and to ask your questions directly to them. Well, the next Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forums are taking place on Tuesday, December 6th (one at 7:00 am PST and one at 6:00 pm PST), and you are invited to participate in a couple of ways, the details of which are included below.

As I have mentioned many times here on my blog, through my Twitter account, my Linkedin account, my Facebook account, in-person meetings, and many other places, here at Microsoft, we are continually striving to reach out, listen to, communicate with, and work with our partners to build a strong partnership with you and to enable the highest levels of joint success possible. Part of this effort includes helping partners get answers to questions they have, addressing misconceptions that may exist, and bringing awareness to resources available that you may not be familiar with. As such, we are hosting an interactive online forum with the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group leadership team to bring you the latest information as well as discuss topics, questions, concerns, misconceptions and more with you, our partners around the world regarding the Microsoft Partner Network and our working together.

The speakers included in this interactive forum include:

	Julie Bennani: General Manager, Microsoft Partner Network
	Ross Brown: Vice-President, Worldwide Partner Strategy
	Karl Noakes: General Manager, Microsoft Partner Strategy & Programs
	Jon Roskill: Corporate Vice-President, Worldwide Partner Group
	Eric Ligman (Me): Director, Worldwide Partner Experience – Session Moderator

The sessions will consist of two parts. First, we’ll kick off with the latest information and updates from each of the members of the leadership team regarding their parts of the business and we’ll follow that with an open Q&A session where attendees will be able to ask additional questions of the presenters. As a Microsoft partner, you have several opportunities and ways to ask questions of the leadership team for these sessions:

Know a question you’d like to ask them already? Submit your question(s) in advance for a specific presenter or a general question for the panel online right now through the Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership Forum question submission form.
During the session, you will be able to submit a written question through the online Q&A tool, and this will be available throughout the entire session
During the second part of the session, you will have the opportunity to ask a live question via phone

You can register to attend either or both the 7:00-8:00 am PST or the 6:00-7:00 pm PST online sessions with the Worldwide Partner Group leadership team RIGHT HERE. At Microsoft, we are proud to have what we truly believe to be the best partner ecosystem anywhere, consisting of partners of many types and sizes from locations all around the world. (Thank you, Partners!) These sessions are open to all Microsoft partners, so please join us as we would love the opportunity to connect with you in this forum. Also, please share this session information with your peers so that they are aware of this opportunity to hear this information and ask their questions as well.

We’ll be bringing you information and updates via social media during the sessions, so you can participate via social media by following and using the #MPNLive hashtag during the sessions. Oh, and if you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app installed on your Windows Phone, it even has an “MPN Live” section built in already under the “Events” section.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Microsoft Partner Info V 2.3 is now live in Windows Phone Marketplace

Eric Ligman — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:50:00 GMT

Overnight, the new V 2.3 version of the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App for Windows Phone went live in the Windows Phone Marketplace. For those of you that currently have a previous version of the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App installed on your phone, you too probably received the update notice this morning letting you know the new version is now available. For those of you that haven’t installed the Microsoft Partner Info app on your phone yet, it’s waiting for you right now. So what’s new in the 2.3 version of the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App? I’m glad you asked…

As with past revisions of the Microsoft Partner Info app, I’ve been taking your input and feedback in and have incorporated many of the asks into this latest version. For instance, the 2.3 version now includes:

- New Countries: Belgium Luxembourg, India, Portugal
- New Products: Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft Press, Server & Tools, Solution Accelerators, Volume Licensing
- New People: Frank Shaw
- New Partner Talks: SQL Server Partner Talk
- New Feedback Ability: Provide feedback directly from the “Feedback” button on the app’s Home screen
- New/Updated Data Sources: Additional/revised data sources added to existing items (Now over 230 included!)

You can get a glimpse of several screenshots of the new 2.3 version of the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App on the new Microsoft Partner Info app page I put up last night. There you can see several of the menus from the app itself, including the newly updated Home page, as well as some screenshots of a few of the streams inside particular sections. Also, to make it really easy for those of you that don’t have the Microsoft Partner Info Mobile App installed on your Windows Phone yet, you will see a “Download for Windows Phone” button in the upper right-hand corner of the page to send the app to your phone for installation. Of course, you can always just press the “Marketplace” icon on your phone and then search for “Microsoft Partner Info” to download it directly onto your Windows Phone.

Thanks again for all of your input and feedback on new additions/revisions you would like to see in the Microsoft Partner Info app. Please keep them coming!

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Eric Ligman,mobile,information worker,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,resources,information,MSPartner,blog,Twitter,USPartner,Australia,U.S.,United States,Android,Droid,Marketplace,Microsoft Partner Information,Microsoft Partner Info,MS Partner Info,app,Windows Phone 7,Windows Phone,Apple,iPhone,CRM,CRM Online,Lync,Windows Azure,Bing,Cloud,MS Online,Dynamics,ERP,developers,SharePoint,SQL Server,Denali,Visual Studio,Windows Intune,Xbox,Channel 9,Microsoft Citizenship,OEM,YouTube,Frank Shaw,Belgium,Luxembourg,India,Portugal,Download Center,Microsoft Press,Solution Accelerators,Volume Licensing,feedback

del.icio.us Tags: Eric Ligman,mobile,information worker,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,resources,information,MSPartner,blog,Twitter,USPartner,Australia,U.S.,United States,Android,Droid,Marketplace,Microsoft Partner Information,Microsoft Partner Info,MS Partner Info,app,Windows Phone 7,Windows Phone,Apple,iPhone,CRM,CRM Online,Lync,Windows Azure,Bing,Cloud,MS Online,Dynamics,ERP,developers,SharePoint,SQL Server,Denali,Visual Studio,Windows Intune,Xbox,Channel 9,Microsoft Citizenship,OEM,YouTube,Frank Shaw,Belgium,Luxembourg,India,Portugal,Download Center,Microsoft Press,Solution Accelerators,Volume Licensing,feedback

How and where to access downloads from Microsoft

Eric Ligman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:24:57 GMT

As many of you know, Microsoft has it’s Download Center that provides you with a bunch of downloadable items, with new ones being added/updated on a daily basis. A question that I was asked via email recently is, “Are there other download locations I should be looking at for Microsoft items besides the Download Center, or is that it?” We actually have several download resources available to you, so I thought I would share a quick list of some of the other download locations you can use here on the blog:

Microsoft Download Center
Access a wide variety of download resources in a single location
Microsoft Partner Network Internal Use Rights Download Center
As a member of the Microsoft Partner Network with a subscription or competency, you get internal-use software licenses that you can use to run your business and gain invaluable hands-on experience with the latest technologies.
IT Pro Security Updates and Tools
MSDN Developer downloads
Choose from a broad range of developer-related tools and add-ins, service packs, product updates, and beta and preview releases.
Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center
If you have purchased your Microsoft software through one of our Volume Licensing Programs, access your software downloads and installation keys online
MSDN Subscriber downloads
If you are an active MSDN Universal and Professional subscriber or a current Microsoft Certified Partner (MCP), get access to the latest MSDN Subscription software.
Office Downloads Marketplace
Find a wide array of downloads, critical updates, and viewers for Microsoft Office.
Service Packs for Microsoft Products
Download service packs containing updates for system reliability, program compatibility, and security. See which service packs are currently available from Microsoft Help and Support.
TechNet downloads for IT Professionals
Find hotfixes, security bulletins and updates, and more downloads. This is the central repository of Microsoft download resources for IT professionals.
Microsoft Partner Marketing Resources
Microsoft Partner Sales Resources
Windows Azure Platform Tools
DirectX downloads
Get the latest version of Microsoft DirectX, and find other important DirectX updates for your version of Windows.
Windows Internet Explorer downloads
Find critical updates, recommended releases, and other system updates for Internet Explorer.
Office for Mac downloads
Get more out of Microsoft software for the Macintosh with updates and utility downloads.
Microsoft Hardware downloads
To make sure you are taking advantage of the full functionality of your Microsoft products, get the latest software updates from Microsoft Hardware.
Microsoft Web Platform Downloads
Mobile-device downloads
Get add-ins, updates, and more downloads to help you get the most from your mobile phone, handheld PC, or Pocket PC. You will also find mobile-device downloads for developers.
Windows Media Download Center
Amplify your play with Microsoft Windows Media Player, encoders, codecs, and other related downloads.
Microsoft Games trial versions
If you would like to try some Microsoft games, start with a visit to this site, where many games are available to be downloaded as trial versions.

By the way, if you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app on your Windows Phone, you already the latest download availability information from the Microsoft Download Center right on your phone. Under the "Products” section in the app, simply select “Download Center” to see all of the latest. UPDATE: The Download Center addition to the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app is included in the V2.3 release which is being released very shortly. If you download the current version (V2.2), you will get the update to 2.3 automatically once released (very shortly). That’s what I get for running the pre-release versions of my apps on my phone before they’re ultimately released. Sorry for that.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,downloads,software,download,TechNet,MSDN,benefits,marketing,sales,resources,Eric Ligman,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,mobile,devices,games,trials,Azure,cloud,Windows,Internet Explorer,IE9,Office,licensing,Service Packs,security,Microsoft Partner Information

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,downloads,software,download,TechNet,MSDN,benefits,marketing,sales,resources,Eric Ligman,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,mobile,devices,games,trials,Azure,cloud,Windows,Internet Explorer,IE9,Office,licensing,Service Packs,security,Microsoft Partner Information

Thank you isn’t enough for all of your support and understanding

Eric Ligman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:52:21 GMT

There are times in life where the words, “Thank you,” are so insufficient in their ability to convey the level of gratitude you have for someone or a group of people based on what they have done for you. Today is one of those days.

Just under two weeks ago, I put up my I’ve stepped out for awhile, but you’re in very good hands post here on the blog to let you know that I was exercising the true meaning of work/life balance and stepping away to give my full attention to my oldest daughter and family in a time of need. In short form:

Two weeks ago, my oldest daughter took this hit in soccer (she’s the goalie in black), which led to a concussion:

What we would come to find out 24 hours later is, that hit actually saved our daughter’s life. As they were diagnosing the concussion, they discovered a pre-existing condition which was causing an incredible amount of internal pressure (which was increasing) on her brain, and which would have claimed her life within days had we not found it. During these past two weeks, she has now undergone four brain surgeries, two of which were emergency life-saving surgeries, and my wife and I have been living at the hospital with her.

Happily, we brought her home late this past Friday and she is doing wonderfully. And as you can see, she’s all “thumbs up” and was more than ready to get out of the hospital and back home.

We still have a long road ahead of us in the treatment of the underlying cause of the situation; however, she is out if immediate danger and gets to rest at home for several weeks before we go back and learn what the next chapter of this story will entail.

The unbelievable amount of support, well wishes, prayers, emails, CaringBridge posts, voicemails, cards, texts, DMs, etc., from literally around the world, that you all (partners, co-workers, friends, family, etc.) have shared during this time with my family and me has been beyond words, and I cannot thank each and every one of you enough. I truly cannot put my gratitude into words.

So as I ease my way back into work and start sifting through the literally 3/4 GB+ of email sitting in my inbox, if there is something pressing that you have sent my way over the past two weeks, please know that I have seriously been completely unplugged during this. As such, if it is urgent, please resend it to me as you can be pretty sure I have not seen it; otherwise, I will be making my way through all of the stuff waiting for me here in the office and will get back to you as I work through it all.

Thank you all again for the unbelievable amount of support and understanding you have shared during the past two weeks. It means more than words can express.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Eric Ligman,work life balance,thank you,gratitude,miracle,CaringBridge,support

del.icio.us Tags: Eric Ligman,work life balance,thank you,gratitude,miracle,CaringBridge,support

I’ve stepped out for awhile, but you’re in very good hands.

Eric Ligman — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:25:07 GMT

To all of my community members and all of the partners that connect to and follow my online sources, as I have said so many times, working with you and connecting with you is a strong passion of mine and something I thoroughly enjoy. In fact, for any of you that know me, you know that working with partners and trying to create the best possible experience for our partners is what drives me every day at work, and it takes a lot to take me away from that.

Another thing that you know about me, if you know me at all, is that the center of my universe and why I do everything I do is my kids and my family. Whenever I am asked, “Why do you do what you do?” or “Why do you work those hours you do?” The answer is always so simple: just one look at the smiling faces of my kids and family and that’s why I do it (and I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about and can completely relate to your own situation).

So why this post? Well, we’ve all heard of “work/life balance” and living our priorities. Right now, my oldest daughter needs my full attention and my family needs my support, 24/7. Because of this, I have stepped away from work for awhile and am focusing entirely on her and my family. During this time, I am pretty much offline entirely, including stepping away from my blog, my Twitter account, my LinkedIn account, etc. and I wanted to let you know this so that any of you who have recently sent me or do send me in your questions or follow my online connection points don’t feel that I am ignoring you or your inquiries, etc. because you aren’t hearing back. In addition, I wanted to make sure you are aware that you are in very good hands and let you know of some of the other incredible resources we have available to you as a Microsoft partner that you can definitely utilize while I am away instead of me, in case you aren’t already aware of them:

Have a question regarding your membership in the Microsoft Partner Network? (Including renewals, benefits, issues, etc.) If so, please contact your local Regional Service Center and they can assist you.
Wondering about the retirement of the Microsoft Certified and Gold Certified Partner brands and benefits? Read about this here.
Learn about updated Microsoft Partner Network competency requirements and benefits that will apply over the next 12 months: Microsoft Partner Network Competency Roadmap
Looking for support? Be sure to utilize these Microsoft partner support benefits:
Looking to find out more about or get started with Microsoft cloud services as a Microsoft Partner? Get started here.
Looking for exam preparation materials for your Microsoft Partner Network competency attainment? Check our Microsoft Partner Exam Academy
- Also, be sure to utilize this offer to save 40% on dozens of Microsoft certification practice exams
If you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app installed on your phone, clicking into any of the People, Product, and/or Countries sections will show you the associated team accounts (blogs, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) right in the information stream.
For Microsoft Partner Network and partner related information, be sure to keep an eye on the @MSPartner team on Twitter and reach out to them with questions.
Speaking of questions, the @MicrosoftHelps Team is live on Twitter and happy to assist with many Microsoft product questions as well.

As you can see, you are in very good hands with lots of people and resources available to help you out. Believe me, I sincerely hope to be back soon and will return as quickly as I can.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and I look forward to being back online and connecting with you all again soon.

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Priorities,work-life balance,family,Eric Ligman,kids,children,support

del.icio.us Tags: Priorities,work-life balance,family,Eric Ligman,kids,children,support

Happy 1 year anniversary to all partners in the Microsoft Partner Network and thank you!

Eric Ligman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:35:00 GMT

Today marks a great day here in Redmond, WA and around the world as the Microsoft Partner Network officially hits it’s one year anniversary! Wow, can you believe it has already been a year? Oh how time flies when you are having so much fun, and believe me, working with the Microsoft partners around the world is definitely my idea of fun! Over the past (almost) twelve years here at Microsoft, I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to work with Microsoft partners from around the world through numerous initiatives, meetings, conferences, and so much more, such as these.

While today does mark the official retirement of the former Gold Certified Partner and Certified Partner brands, logos, and benefits (Yes, it’s time to remove all those logos from your websites, throw out the old cards, etc. and replace them with your new Microsoft competency logos you have achieved), with the new Microsoft Partner Network hitting the one year mark, when you look at some of the numbers associated with the Microsoft Partner Network, it is rather staggering. If you haven’t read it yet, Jon Roskill put up a post on his blog this morning sharing a collection of data on the Microsoft Partner Network, as well as his own personal “Thank you” to all of the Microsoft partners around the world on this momentous occasion. I suggest you take a few minutes to read Jon’s post and I’m going to share just a few of the many amazing stats and data points he shared about the new Microsoft Partner Network to date, as well as the opportunity for Microsoft partners:

We continue to be the largest, most robust partner program in the industry
640,000 partners in 170 countries
95% of Microsoft's revenue is made with and through partners
Accounting for $580 billion in revenue
Microsoft is investing $5.8 BILLION in our partners in FY12 (including incentives and training)

So how many other one year olds do you know that are that popular and have produced those types of numbers? It is through this joint partnership that we have achieved the amazing results we have together in the past and currently, and we look forward to many more years working with you, our Microsoft partners, as we build the next chapter of success together. As such, I would like to offer my own personal, “Thank you,” to each and every one of the Microsoft partners out there for everything you have done. It is a sincere pleasure to get to communicate and work with you and I look forward to many more years of working with you to come.

In addition to my personal thanks to all of you, there are several others from here at Microsoft (around the world), that would like to share a few thoughts with you. Check out what they have to say in this short video:

Thanks again for an amazing first year, partners, and happy first anniversary to the Microsoft Partner Network!

Tweet this:

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Bookmark on: MSDN , TechNet, and Expression

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,partners,Eric Ligman,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Jon Roskill,anniversary,opportunity,benefits,logo,competency,competencies,Gold competency,silver competency,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,success,video,thank you,partnership

del.icio.us Tags: Microsoft,partners,Eric Ligman,MPN,Microsoft Partner Network,Jon Roskill,anniversary,opportunity,benefits,logo,competency,competencies,Gold competency,silver competency,Gold Certified Partner,Certified Partner,success,video,thank you,partnership