In efforts to help you get ready for the Windows Azure Platform, we have developed several key resources to assist you in learning about Azure as well as deep technical training to help you build applications.

Understanding the Windows Azure Platform and Benefits

Windows Azure Platform Partner Quickstart Portal

• This portal is an excellent resource to learn more about Windows Azure.  From videos and blogs to trainings and events, this can be your go to destination for materials and information related to the Windows Azure Platform.

Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Learning Paths

• This site provides role based trainings on the Windows Azure Platform, so whether you are a sales and marketing person, a developer or a technical architect, you will find specific trainings relevant to your area of expertise.

Get Technical Training and Learn to Build Windows Azure Solutions

Windows Azure Platform Training Kit

• This resource is a destination for deep technical trainings, demos, labs and more.  Encompassing Windows Azure, SQL Azure, and .NET Services, the training kit will be a comprehensive destination for technical learning.
• Starting on 11/17 you can also find an updated version of this resource on our learning network Channel 9.

Additional Readiness Opportunities and Resources

Partner Academy Live (PAL)

• These Live Meeting sessions held about once a month cover topics such as evidence and showcase reviews, readiness planning, competitive overviews.
• MPN Members find our previous PAL on the Windows Azure Platform Business Model here (Code: 269426*) and our PAL on Windows Azure Platform – Value For Our Partnershere.
• MPN Members sign up here to attend the “Total Cost of Ownership” PAL on November 12th, including an overview of the TCO tool.

Windows Azure Platform Drive Times

• This audio series is downloadable as a podcast to your mobile device and covers sales and technical topics, many specific to partners.  MPN Members can access previous Drive Times in our Partner Learning Center here.
• If you are an MPN member sign up for our new Drive Time “Windows Azure Pre-Launch Overview” to learn more about the upcoming launch, cloud computing strategy, product roadmap, and cost savings to your customershere.

Windows Azure Platform Partner Resource Guide

• This comprehensive and all- inclusive resource guide will give you step-by-step help on the best readiness materials and program information.  The guide will be available online November 17^th here.

Leverage Social Networking Connections

Keep up with what’s happening in Windows Azure by connecting with these social networking links:

• Windows Azure Platform Community
• Windows Azure Platform on Twitter