SBSC Canada Blog

Thank you for your valued involvement in the Canadian SBSC Community over the last Microsoft fiscal year.

We have come a long way as a community in these 12 months – taking the right steps to build on momentum and create new progress.  Each morsel of feedback was taken into account as our team worked aggressively to provide sales, marketing, and business programs designed for your needs. I hope that you have seen a visible impact on your business and yourself as a result of having participated in:

• Training – Monthly Webcasts, All-Access Lounge, Breakfast Seminars, Marketing Bootcamp, etc.
• Programs – FUEL, Exam Prep, GamePLAN Marketing Tool, etc.
• Community – PALs, Advisory Panel, User/Peer Groups Support, etc.
• Communications – Newsletter, Tell Me More, Blog, etc.

However, today it is with mixed feelings that I would like to announce my departure from Microsoft Canada. It has been an amazing experience working with the team and the community, one that I have learned and grown much more from than I imagined.

With this time of learning I have also come to discover new passions and interests that I am eager to explore. It was a difficult decision, but as business leaders you can each understand what it means to follow your aspirations.

Microsoft will undoubtedly continue its strong investment in the Canadian SBSC Community moving into the new fiscal year on July 1. I would like to introduce you to my colleague Wes Cooper (cdnsbsc@microsoft.com), who will be taking the reigns. Wes has spent more than a year in the reseller team working with other VAR communities, and will be picking up right where I’ve left off!

I would like to also re-introduce you to John Krikke from Onward Computer Systems. John has been a very visible member of our community in the past, and will now take the reins as the Partner Area Lead (PAL) from the amazing work Elisabeth Vanderveldt and Brad Kowerchuk have done over the last year.

Thank you for the time and energy you’ve invested in Microsoft. I wish you all the best as you continue forward with your businesses and partnership with Microsoft. Please feel free to keep in touch with me through LinkedIn or Twitter.

Signing off for the last time as your Canadian SBSC Community Lead…

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

Written by Stuart Crawford, SBSC Community in Alberta

The time is now to take your Microsoft business to the next level. The International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP), Canadian Chapter has opened nominations for the 2009 IAMCP Canada Partner of the Year.

Is your business a leader in the Microsoft Partner Program? Has your business worked with local charities to enrich the community? Do you stand up for what is right? Answering yes to any of these questions will provide the foundation required to complete your application.

Working with Microsoft Canada, the IAMCP Canada Partner of the Year award is open to all Microsoft Partners from coast to coast. Serving the community since 1994, the IAMCP is an independent Microsoft Partner community with multiple chapters located throughout the world. A leader in P2P activities, IAMCP Canada is committed to serving the entire technology landscape with local networking events, education programs, citizenship activities and advocacy work for all partners and Microsoft.

This year’s award submission tool is now open at http://www.iamcpaward.ca and graded on the following criteria:

• Partner to Partner interaction
• Community involvement
• Education
• Advocacy

Partners make a difference, now is the time to highlight the services you provide. Finalists will be announced in August 2009 and award presentations during Microsoft’s annual IMPACT awards gala in Toronto.

Apply for the IAMCP Canada Partner of the Year award, as well as the Microsoft Small Business Specialist of the Year award, at the 2009 IMPACT Awards website.

Stuart R. Crawford
IAMCP Canada President
president@iamcp.ca
403.206.2233 ext 159

Written by Stuart Crawford, SBSC Community in Alberta

Completely full, HTG10 (Heartland Tech Group) is fully engaged and ready to collaborate with the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community.  Partners from coast to coast welcome 4 new members from the GTA and Vancouver for their quarterly peer group meeting at the Microsoft Canada office in Mississauga.

The main topic coming in was thought to be managing the recession, many of our members have felt the pinch of the new economy but have elected not to participate.  HTG members are reporting stronger numbers, increases in service revenues and determining new profit centres for our businesses.  Cloud computing and bringing solutions that bring additional value is our focus during our June gathering.

Leadership is also a hot topic during our Q3 meetings.  How do HTG members lead their companies?  What areas do we focus on?  How do lead our teams more effectively?  Having a resource of similar mindset peers is something that many HTG members appreciate.  The two day format of collaboration, peer sharing and accountability is the core foundation of what HTG brings to their members.  A membership driven organization which is “Personal and Business Growth Driven By Accountability”. 

HTG also benefited from key presentations from Microsoft staff.  Updates on the Small Business Specialist Program and the overall Partner Program.  Having a partnership with Microsoft is critical to all HTG members.  HTG members are leaders in going to market with various solutions, many are focused on Windows Small Business Server, Windows Vista and many members are now seriously entertaining how cloud based solutions will impact their clients and the business in general.

“Holding peers accountable is the core of HTG” states group facilitator Stuart Crawford of Calgary’s Bulletproof InfoTech, “HTG members execute or they face reporting back to their peers on why they have not performed”. 

HTG was founded in 2001 as a purchasing group.  Over time the core focus on working in the IT community, bringing peers together and commitment to the growth of all of our business is what membership in HTG brings to all members.  For more information visit http://www.htgpeergroups.com.

Stuart Crawford

There’s a new services rebate available until June 30, 2009 which can get you anywhere between $100 and $500 back to accelerate your your server business!

The new Server Offer applies across ALL license types (Open, OEM, Retail) for customers you deliver both the software and deployment services for. It’s making this month the best time to move your customers to the optimal server for them.

Here is the full breakdown of rebates on Windows Server 2008, Windows SBS 2008, and Windows EBS 2008:

Here is the detail on how to claim in this promo:

Get yourself up to speed and claim your details as soon as possible!

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

This is a quick note to SBSCs in the Toronto area – there is an upcoming technical training event for Windows 7 happening at no-cost.

The event will review the new enterprise features and deployment tools for building and managing images, migrating user files and settings quickly using hard-link migration, and combining all deployment tasks seamlessly with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Click Here to Register for June 9 in Toronto

Training Agenda

• The Optimized Desktop Roadmap with Windows 7 and the MDOP updated components (High level overview)
• Security Overview of Windows 7 (UAC, BitLocker & BitLocker to Go, App Locker )
• Branch Cache and Direct Access of Windows 7 (Hands On Lab)
• Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 (Hands On Lab)
• Migrating User State From Windows XP To Windows 7 (Hands On Lab)
• Mitigating Application Issues Using Shims (Hands On Lab)
• Deployment of Windows 7: Introduction To Microsoft Deployment Tools (Hands On Lab)
• Deployment of Windows 7: Lite Touch and Zero Touch Installation using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (Hands On Lab)

For all additional training resources on Windows 7, click here!

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

For the first time, Microsoft Canada is hosting a web conference focusing on web solution providers in Toronto and Vancouver. The event is aimed at helping you deliver the best web experience for your clients.

At this free event, you can expect to:

• Hear from speakers from the startup, open source, and web partner communities – both on Open Source & Microsoft technologies
• Network with fellow members of the web community
• Learn about the latest Microsoft technologies and how they work with Open Source
• Get technical training of Web Tools to build your Web Development portfolio
• Win prizes in the Web Partner Contest & get your Web Warrior DVD of all the latest Microsoft Web Resources

Click here to register now for Toronto or Vancouver

You can see local coverage of this event at:

• Web Designer Wall - http://www.webdesignerwall.com/general/microsoft-event-free-giveaways/
• Pink & Yellow Media Blog - http://www.designisphilosophy.com/microsoft-expression-web/just-announced-speaking-at-make-web-not-war-09-in-vancouver-20090526/
• PHUG.ca - http://phug.ca/news/make-web-not-war-episode-2009/
• Digibomb - http://dropthedigibomb.com/2009/speaking-at-make-web-not-war-09/

You can follow this event on:

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/WebNotWar (#WebNotWar)
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118669152176&ref=ts

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

Similar to the SBS/EBS 2008 training offer in the last few months, our Canadian Partner Learning Centre (PLC) now brings you the new Core Infrastructure Optimization (Core IO) Solution Selling training offer!

Core IO is a framework for evolving your customer’s IT infrastructure to become more flexible, agile, better-managed, while helping to reduce overall IT costs and making better use of resources.

When you complete these online courses about leveraging the Core IO framework into a solution selling methodology, you can qualify to earn up to $50 in Petro-Canada gas cards.

Eligible Courses

• Core IO Overview Online Training (Take this one first)
• Core IO - Server Infrastructure Online Training
• Core IO - Desktop Infrastructure Online Training
• Core IO - Branch Infrastructure Online Training
• Core IO - Integrated Virtualization Online Training

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

There is a new global offer available to Microsoft Small Business Specialists right now, offering up a total of 1,000 free exam vouchers for certifications. The eligible exams include:

• 70-653 TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring
• 70-654 TS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuring
• 70-236 TS: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-432 TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Installation and Maintenance
• 70-630 TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring
• 70-403 TS: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring

If you would like one, you must request it by May 30th, 2009. This is assuming that they won’t run out, so I suggest you request yours quickly for you and/or your techs. The details on how to request are inside your Microsoft Small Business Specialist Action Pack Add-on Kit that you recently received.

Should these run out, note that I have available a very limited quantity in Canada of free exam vouchers for the 70-653 and 70-654. If you would like these, please contact me directly.

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

Written by Kristin Schmidt, Partner Marketing Manager

You can discover how to start readying your sales teams, updating your services business, and preparing customers for the next Windows OS! You are cordially invited to a live in-person event to help you get ready for Windows 7. This event will be covering the following content designed for partners:

• The features and functionality of Windows 7 and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack
• How the Optimized Desktop can help lower your customer’s costs and provide them with an agile desktop infrastructure
• The new promotional licensing offers that can help you close more business
• Guidance on communicating the business value of Windows 7 to customers
• Insight into how you can capture the excitement around the Windows 7 launch wave

Join Rob Geller, Senior Product Manager for the Windows Client Team, and your peers for an informative and productive breakfast presentation on May 25th in Vancouver and May 26th in Calgary. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the new growth opportunities available for your business.

Register Now for Your City

Vancouver
Date: May 25th, 2009
Session: 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Location: Microsoft -Vancouver

Calgary
Date: May 26th, 2009
Session: 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Location: The Westin Calgary Hotel

Not located in Western Canada?

No problem! We have an upcoming webcast on Windows 7 and Windows Partner Solutions being held on May 21^st from 2-3 PM EST. Click here to find out more.

Kristin Schmidt
Partner Marketing Manager
Microsoft Canada

Written by Stuart Crawford, SBSC Community in Alberta

Randy Biggs, President of Value Added Computer Services (VACS) in St. Catharines, Ontario was recognized last week by his peers at the first annual Heartland Tech Group (HTG) Summit in Dallas, TX. Randy is one of the founding members of HTG10 (Canada) peer group which is part of HTG a peer group organization focusing on Microsoft Partners in 3 countries throughout the world. HTG was formed in 2001 by Arlin Sorensen and came to Canada in June 2008 and facilitated by Bulletproof InfoTech's Stuart Crawford.

HTG brings together thought leaders and industry experts with quarterly meetings that focus on each member serving as a Peer Board Member for each member’s firm. Accountability and execution are at the heart of HTG and VACS was chosen an award winner for the work done within each members peer group. Randy and his team showed up prepared, open shared their best practices with HTG members, showed commitment to his peers, executed on his plans and continued to build a thriving business in today's shaky economy.

Individual peer groups drill down and focus on overall effectiveness across operations, marketing, sales, finances and overall health of each member. By focusing on industry standards including business planning, process development, financial benchmarking and education, HTG members strive to maintain a competitive advantage over those other service firms that do not participate in peer activities.

VACS is a Niagara based organization that provides end to end technology services for small to mid-sized business (5-250 employees) in Southern Ontario. Situated in downtown St. Catharines, they offer complete services throughout the small business community in the Niagara Region. VACS continues to be a thought leader and demonstrate excellence in the Microsoft Partner Program and throughout HTG.

Focused on the leading small and midsized technology firms, HTG spans the entire technology ecosystem. By leveraging leading technology manufacturers and vendors who provide sponsorship and interaction with HTG members, members are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to provide an increased level of service in their communities. HTG members are better prepared and understand the importance of positive interaction across all levels of the industry. This includes how disruptive and breakthrough IT solutions will influence their clients with laser-focused training from their peers and leading industry experts.

“VACS has demonstrated exceptional leadership in their peer group and contributed value that others respect,” said Stuart Crawford, Board Member and Facilitator HTG10. “All of our members have a passionate commitment to change and improve their businesses and their lives. HTG members believe in the power of shared ideas, and Randy's firm has demonstrated the true spirit of our groups. Great technology matters, but we know that relationships and execution matter more.”

Heartland Tech Group was founded by Arlin Sorensen in 2001 to bring Iowa-based IT partners together to leverage each other’s talents following the post-dot com downturn. Over the years, HTG has grown from a purchasing group to a serious group of business owners, sales professionals, marketing managers and senior management of IT firms in non-competing geographies who meet for two days each quarter to work on key businesses issues and opportunities for growth. HTG has grown to over 200 members throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

For more information on Heartland Tech Groups visit http://www.htgmembers.com.

Recruitment of new members is ongoing, if you are interested in joining HTG Canada contact Stuart Crawford at 403.206.2233.

Stuart Crawford

We’re starting May off with an interesting new webcast on how to “Turn Economic Challenge into Opportunity”.

The state of the global economy poses challenges and opportunities for every business. Our team at Microsoft Canada wants to help you be prepared for whatever the economy brings over the year.

Join us for this webcast on May 5^th to hear from 5 members of the team on the programs, offers and resources which allow you to help your customers leverage their IT investments to help reduce costs, work more efficiently and thrive in today's economy.

Click here to register now for May 5, 2009 at 2:00PM EST

Topics will include:

• Taking advantage of Microsoft VAR programs (with me!)
• Offering your Customers a rebate of up to $300 per eligible license when they purchase qualifying Open licenses of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 or Office Standard 2007
• Cutting your cost by ordering the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS) for internal use software
• Increasing your profit potential with Microsoft Financing

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

We’re excited to announce the availability of Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), a pre-release version of our next-generation OS. Thanks to everyone who has participated in the Beta testing period. Your feedback was invaluable: both at an engineering level to improve the product and locally for us to understand how to help you upon launch.

What’s new in RC?

In addition to improvements in navigation, task bar and security enhancements, RC has a couple of new features we think people will like: including Windows XP Mode and Remote Media Streaming.

Install Windows 7 RC today to experience the speed, ease of use, and versatility that makes this OS a great choice for your customers and an opportunity for your business.

If you have an MSDN or TechNet subscription, you can download Windows 7 RC today; if you don’t have a subscription to either program, you can download the RC beginning May 5, 2009.

Plus, the Windows 7 Online Readiness Kit includes specific tools and resources to help you prepare for new opportunities to grow your business.  Here are just a few:

Attend the virtual Windows 7 Partner Readiness Day – May 7, 2009

Join us for this virtual event—available at no charge. Learn about Windows 7 from Microsoft executives and product experts. And take advantage of readiness and marketing tools to help you prepare for Windows 7 business opportunities. Register today to reserve your place!

Reminders

1. Limited time to test Windows 7 – To avoid interruption, you’ll need to rebuild your test machine using a valid version of Windows before the software expires. Windows will notify you that the expiration process is beginning and two weeks later your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. The Beta expires on August 1, 2009, and bi-hourly shutdowns will begin July 1, 2009. The RC will expire June 1, 2010, and the bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on March 1, 2010. In both cases, you’ll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS and reinstall all your programs and data.
2. Path to RC – If you are running Windows 7 Beta or Windows XP, you’ll need to back up your data (preferably on an external device) and then do a clean installation of Windows 7 RC. After installing Windows 7, you will need to reinstall applications and restore your files. If you are running Windows Vista, you can upgrade to RC. (Learn more about installing Windows).

Next Steps

1. Install Windows 7 RC and Windows XP Mode.
2. Chose from an array of new training opportunities
3. Visit the Microsoft Partner Portal to get the latest product content.
4. Demonstrate and recommend Windows 7 to your customers.

Note: Due to high demand, MSDN and Technet sites are currently experiencing problems. We hope the situation will be resolved in the next 24 hours and apologize for any inconvenience.

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

With the Big Easy Offer having ended in March, I’m pleased to share with you a new end-customer rebate focused specifically on Microsoft Office.

From April 1, 2009 to July 3, 2009, you can get your customers a rebate of up to $300 per Open license when they buy Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 or Microsoft Office Standard 2007.

How to Redeem

1. Purchase. Buy a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 100 qualified Open licenses for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 or Office Standard 2007.
2. Redeem. After your customer purchases their eligible licenses, they can redeem the offer at www.microsoft.ca/officerebate until July 31, 2009.
3. Save. Microsoft will then send the customer a check for their rebate amount.

These are the largest savings offered on Office in recent history. You can help your customers be productive and efficient through the economic downturn with the right software tools, plus your value-added services.

This is a limited-time offer, so start contacting your customers today. To learn more and find resources, visit www.microsoft.ca/partnerofficerebate.

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

I recently posted about a special SBS 2008 breakfast event we were holding in Toronto called Migration of SBS 2008 and Sales Opportunities for SMB partners.

The event featured Philip Elder (pictured right), who gave an energetic and information-filled technical presentation on migration.

With a packed room of 70+, great food, and great feedback, we are pleased to have the event available for you with on-demand video.

Click Here to Play Video Now

Attendees also received a free SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 exam voucher for upgrade certifications. If you did not attend but would like one, please contact me as I have a few extras.

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada

We are getting ever closer to the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) this July 13-16, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana! It’s the biggest Microsoft networking event of the year for Microsoft partners.

This comprehensive partner event now offers 4 days of exclusive SMB content and activities for partners who deliver and focus their expertise in the SMB, including our Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community.

The SMB Track

Monday and Tuesday kick-off critical SMB-focused sessions focusing on key trends for SMBs and hear from other partners about best practices for realizing the opportunities for optimal growth as a partner. You’ll learn how Microsoft can help you capture more market opportunity such as Software plus Services, as well as new SMB incubation products. Hear from other partners how you can expand your customer base to include SMB Public Sector customers to help increase your sales.

Partner-Led Community Day

(Formerly the SMB Summit pre-day.) On Wednesday, hear from your peers about managed services, hosted services, and strategies for a changing economy. Also, partners will present more relevant information on what’s galvanizing the vision for SMBs - through new opportunities, the power of community, staying connected with your customers and the value of social media. A partner-led multi-session workshop will discuss key plans for your scale to success - including company business plans, personal leadership planning, life planning, and disaster recovery / continuity planning.

Special Event

On Wednesday night, hop aboard the Creole Queen Paddle Wheeler with the Worldwide Partner Group and the Windows 7 launch team for an exciting evening filled with food, fun, and music.  You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with other Microsoft partners including Distributors, LARs, Small Business Specialists and the SMB Partner Area Leads. This exclusive event will require pre-registration to obtain a wristband for entry – quantities limited. Invitation details coming soon from your local Microsoft contacts.  Stay tuned!

Connecting with Peers

The famous Yellow Lounge open to all SMB Partners is back again this year. This is where you can connect with peers, get the latest updates on SMB stack products and technologies and take a moment to relax. More updates on Yellow Lounge activities are also coming soon!

Register today! Visit the MSPP WPC site to find out everything that’s happening at the 2009 Worldwide Partner Conference. And, get on the fast track for WPC updates with the rest of your peers by joining the WPC Facebook page. I look forward to seeing your there and making this the best Worldwide Partner Conference experience yet!

Thanks,

Satish Kanwar
Breadth Channel Development
Microsoft Canada