Wow - it's my first day back today after 3 weeks of leave. Thanks to Kathryn in my team for 'guest blogging' whilst I was away. So much has happened that it will take me a while to update the blog, but here are a couple of one-liners - of things 'close...

In our continued effort to expand the opportunities for our developer community, I’m happy to announce the release of the Microsoft Office Live Innovate On . This site provides partners with a full range of technical and business resources to develop...

Attend the latest Microsoft TechNet Update in June and find out about Windows Vista and Windows Server Longhorn Branch Office Technologies via these Level 300 and Level 400 Free training days. Kicking off in Brisbane & Melbourne on 12th June then...

I'm very excited to introduce Christian Longstaff to the partner marketing team in the much awaited role of Channel Audience Manager - which means ISV Marketing and Strategy Manager. Christian will be responsible for engaging the ISV community in Australia...

The new partner portal has a much easier to use navigation and should help you manage your partner program membership more easily - amongst other things. The main thing to remember is that you need to login to access the information as there is now a...

Today we launched the EVO Quiz to test your knowledge on Office, Vista and Exchange. AND, when you participate in the quiz and get at least 7/10 you'll win a Polo shirt. There are only 500 t-shirts to give away, so be quick. You will need to log...

Until 31st July, Action Pack members can use the Response Management Tool usually reserved for Gold and Certified partners. This tool allows you to log questions or issues on behalf of you or your customers and you will be guaranteed a response within...

This is something that we get such great feedback on and very wide usage of. We bring together all the events, campaigns, program benefits, promotions, training and more into one easily downloaded calendar. Go get yours now here !

http://sessions.visitmix.com/

We are really excited about this. Any day now we will launch the newly revamped Australian partner portal at www.microsoft.com.au/partner/ You told us that you need quicker and direct access to relevant resources that support your everyday and strategic...

If you are planning to attend our Worldwide Partner Conference, make sure you check out the pre-days - lots of great sessions lined up and if you going all the way to Denver from Aus, you might as well look to maximise your trip. For partners still considering...

Yes - the new version is formally announced today. A huge step forward in the user experience of webmail ! Watch out for a very big 12 months for the Live brand..... http://www.discoverhotmail.com Press release

Via Frank : "First we MIX, then we ReMIX 25th & 26th June 2007 @ Melbourne | More Info "

I am at a worldwide meeting in our Redmond HQ and have sat through some sessions today all about our customer strategy for our next FY (starting 1st July). When considering the mid-size customers we have a new approach that is going to change the way...

There is some really big and exciting stuff going on at the Mix07 event. Many people are covering it deeply, and are able to provide much better perspective than me. However I think it's important for all partners to check out some of the headlines. In...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7a0bce98-eab4-40a3-b7ec-43c09d6ae8cb&DisplayLang=en I installed this today - useful add-on for Outlook. Quick dry run so you can see how it works: I created a test appopintment with myself at...

As part of our 'dogfooding' policy Microsoft staff are the main and some of the earliest beta testers of our software. Well here is something coming soon to my Exchange account that has increased productivity all over it - and I am excited. Personally...

Great news - following this 'provisional' post , it's all been wrapped up formally: https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40029254 The only thing the newly updated page isn't specific on is the type of grant - well you should read my original post above...