Reaching Out to Microsoft Partners in Australia : Readiness

Licensing 101 Breakfast Events for partners

nickmayhew — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:22:45 GMT

Learn about Microsoft Licensing over breakfast, and help your business grow. It's back by popular demand: Licensing 101. Due to the positive feedback we received after our last licensing training session, we're running a repeat session - to help you drive licensing revenue in the SMB space.

This practical Licensing 101 session will help you:

Identify the key Microsoft technologies driving revenue growth.
Get an overview of Microsoft's licensing programs, and understand how you can effectively sell Microsoft licensing to your customers.
Improve customer satisfaction and drive your revenue, by identifying the right licensing solution for your customers.

Who is this session created for?
Any Microsoft Partner who is new to licensing - especially OEM and FPP resellers looking to drive revenue by selling basic volume licensing.

Don't miss this great opportunity to drive revenue for your business.

Event details
Melbourne
Tuesday 18 August 8:30am – 10am, Microsoft Office, Exhibition Room
Sydney
Wednesday 19 August 8:30am – 10am, Microsoft Office, Theatres 2 and 3
Brisbane
Friday 21 August, 8:30am – 10am, Microsoft Office, Theatre 1

Note: Registration and breakfast for all events starts at 8am.
All other states
There will be a complimentary webcast on Tuesday 25 August.

Microsoft Surface Partner Program & SDK

nickmayhew — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:26:09 GMT

One of the really interesting WPC announcements was that the Surface team has launched a partner program. I talk regularly with Aussie partners keen to get started on Surface development but the absence of real tables here is a barrier to them. This site and program is a great first step to getting stuck in, including an SDK for development (without the need for a full device).

http://www.surface.com/partners

Press release: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/Jul09/07-13SurfaceWPC.mspx

New website for the “services-ready” program is live

nickmayhew — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:10:57 GMT

New website for the “services-ready” program is live here: www.microsoft.com/servicesready

This is a program we’ve been running for a while now, offering access to packaged IP for partners, for you to deliver solutions to customers in a lower risk and more profitable business model.

Reminder – Microsoft Online Partner Roadshows kick off next week

nickmayhew — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:33:21 GMT

http://blogs.msdn.com/nickmayhew/archive/2009/05/18/microsoft-online-partner-roadshow-all-cities-enrol-now.aspx for all the info.

Or Register Now to get on with it :-)

Microsoft Online Partner Roadshow – all cities - enrol now !

nickmayhew — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:28:06 GMT

With the uncertain economic climate, businesses need cost-effective technology that allows flexibility and adds value to their organisation. Microsoft Online Services allows partners to deliver value to customers with the flexibility of choice that Software Plus Services offers.

Microsoft Australia and Telstra would like to invite you to attend this exciting partner roadshow. Find out how you can expand your customer base and establish ongoing revenue streams and earn up to 18% commission in year 1 with 6% recurring revenue in subsequent years.

Agenda

8:30 – 9am Registration

9:00 – 9:30am Overview of MOS and the Partner Opportunity

What is Microsoft Online Services (MOS)
Benefits of the Microsoft and Telstra alliance
Why should partner’s care about MOS?

9:30 – 10:30am Customer Experience and a demonstration of Service

10:30 – 10:45 Question & Answers on ordering process

10:45 – 11:00 Break

11:00 – 11:30am Partner Engagement model, fees and payments

How do partners make money out of MOS?
Business rules for MOS
Partner readiness and next steps

11:30 – 11:45 Quest Software – presentation of migration tools

11:45 – 12pm Question & Answers – Ask the experts – what’s on your mind?

12pm onwards - Informal mingling with Telstra and Microsoft staff.

Places are limited, Please Register Now. Dates are from 9th to 18th June.

New EBS 2008 and SBS 2008 Click-through Demos Available For Partners!

nickmayhew — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:23:03 GMT

I found this on the SMB Community blog and felt it would be useful for the local partner community – having some simple click-through demos can help busy partners quickly cover off the introduction to a new possible product for their customers and prospects.

Re-posted here for convenience:

“Want a quick, lightweight, and portable way to show off EBS 2008 and SBS 2008? Click-through demos are being posted on the Download Center for you to use starting later today. These click-through demos come with lab manuals that go in depth into the products and how to demonstrate them to potential customers and clients. Some of the topics include:

168179 - EBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Features Overview
168181 - EBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Installation
168182 - EBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - EBS with System Center Essentials
168186 - SBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Installation
168187 - SBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Migration from SBS 2003
168189 - SBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Working With Clients
168185 - SBS 2008 To Customer Click Thru Demo - Admin Console

To get these click-through demos to use, head out to the Download Center and download the SBS 2008 demos as well as the EBS 2008 demos.

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman

”

Are your customers asking about Windows 7 ? Get some quick info from our MS Learning Clinics

nickmayhew — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:27:55 GMT

What’s New in Windows 7 for Consumers (1 Hour)

What’s New in Windows 7 for IT Professionals (2 Hours)

What’s New in Windows 7 for Information Workers (2 Hours)

TechEd Virtual Pressroom

nickmayhew — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:36:59 GMT

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the announcements, keynotes and buzz the US TechEd via the virtual pressroom.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/teched/default.mspx

Lots of info on Windows 7, Windows Server R2 RC, etc.

And note the Office 2010 preview site – with tongue firmly in a cheek :-)

http://www.office2010themovie.com/

Australian Partner Webcasts on Windows Server, Virtualisation and Windows 7

nickmayhew — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:33:43 GMT

Our local readiness team has prepared some webcasts for partners too busy to come to hands on training – learn all about these important technoligies by attending the following:

OVERVIEW OF WINDOWS SERVER 2008 R2

Wednesday, 27 May, 2009

12:00-1:00pm AEST

REGISTER NOW

Level: 200

Partner Role: Implementer, Architect, Developer, Exec/Owner, Marketing, Sales, Support

Microsoft is excited to launch Windows Server 2008 R2 the newest release from the Windows Server family. This one hour session provides a high level overview of product key features and benefits, the business value and differentiators. Keeping with our 2/4 year major/minor release cadence, Windows Server 2008 R2 will be an 'R2 Style' release to address important industry trends including multi-core/many-core, virtualization, power management, componentization, and the change to 64-bit only architecture. After attending this session you will be armed to engage customers in conversations about Windows Server 2008 R2 and saving money through an upgraded infrastructure.

BETTER TOGETHER – WINDOWS SERVER R2 and WINDOWS 7

Wednesday, 3 June, 2009

12:00-1:00pm AEST

REGISTER NOW

Level: 200

Partner Role: Architect, Developer, Exec/Owner, Implementer, Marketing, Sales, Support

We in the midst of a very exciting time for Microsoft and our customers. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 stand to introduce ground breaking technology that will save our customers money while also increasing their efficiency. However, one of the most important considerations for our customers will be how they can achieve a larger ROI and efficiency by deploying Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 together. Come learn how these two releases work together. We will talk about BranchCache, DirectAccess and other solutions this platform will deliver.

MICROSOFT VIRTUALISATION

Wednesday, 10 June, 2009

12:00-1:00pm AEST

REGISTER NOW

Level: 200

Partner Role: Architect, Developer, Exec/Owner, Implementer, Marketing, Sales, Support

Microsoft provides a comprehensive set of virtualization products, tools, and services that span from the datacenter to the desktop. Our offerings cover server virtualization with Hyper-V, application virtualization with Terminal Services, presentation virtualization with Softgrid, and desktop virtualization with Virtual PC and VECD. This webcast will address how to present the virtualization story, create a buying and deployment vision for the Technology Decision Maker (TDM) using Core IO, and create momentum behind sales opportunities.

MCP Certification Upgrade Offer – upgrade for only US$25

nickmayhew — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:35:08 GMT

Technologies don't stand still - why should you? UPGRADE YOUR CREDENTIALS FOR JUST US$25

If you are a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and have not attained any new credentials since July 1, 2007, you can now upgrade your Microsoft credentials with an exclusive exam voucher at US$25 only. Validate your skills on Microsoft new technologies including Microsoft Windows Server 2008, SQL 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and Vista TODAY. Visit the website and validate your eligibility and get your exam voucher!

Offer ends June 30, 2009.

Webcast on conducting a SAM engagement – 14th May

nickmayhew — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:26:45 GMT

I often speak to partners, typically licensing and infrastructure partners, who would like to better understand the world of software asset management, and indeed how to deliver a value-adding service to customers in this area.

Well coming up is an interesting-looking webcast, that has a second timeslot that works for Australia (so you can join and ask live questions):

Content: Sales Management and Readiness

Target Microsoft Role: Marketing, Other

Target Partner Type Audience: Authorized Education Reseller, CPLS, Enterprise Software Advisor, Independent Software Vendor, Large Account Reseller, Managed (Field Managed Service Partner), Microsoft Employee, Original Equipment Manufacturer, System Builder, Systems Integrator, Value Added Reseller, Value Added Provider

Target Partner Role: Architect, Exec/Owner, Implementer, Marketing, Sales, Support

Level: 200

Description:

This webcast will provide Software Asset Management Partners guidance and a more detailed understanding of the SAM Engagement process or Software Asset Management review. It will explain and look at each step of a SAM Engagement from the initial kick off meeting, generating an ELP, performing a SOM Assessment, presenting your findings and working with your customer. This is intended to help to jumpstart the development or refinement of partner SAM consulting service and help to identify current areas of expertise that may need to be improved in order to carry out a successful SAM engagement.

Thurs 14th May, 11am Sydney time.

Register here:

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=266537

Before the Webcast:

To attend our upcoming Webcast you will need:

A computer with access to the Internet to view the visual portion of the event.
A functioning sound card and speakers or headphones for your PC.
Windows Media Player 9 (WMP 9).
A compatible computer configuration. Verify Microsoft Live Meeting 2007 System Requirements
Use the Microsoft Live Meeting 2007 Windows Console Compatibility Test to join a meeting to see if your computer is compatible with Live Meeting 2007.

During the webcast:

Webcast Link: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoftevents/join?id=SAM04PAL2&role=attend&pw=OIM878
Passcode: OIM878
Telephony: (877) 766-4798
Pin: 9534

MS Online Services – partner Live Meeting – now available on demand

nickmayhew — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:54:46 GMT

As many of the readers of this blog know we ran a Live Meeting for partners interested in Microsoft Online Services last week. Kathryn Saducas and Lee Hickin from our Microsoft team helped the attendees better understand the products on offer and explained the next steps to get involved and ready for the full launch in partnership with Telstra later this year.

You can catch the recording here in the PLC (LiveID login required):

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=266689

and here are the actions for partners who want to go to the next step:

1. Become and Microsoft Online Services Advisor by completing the online training and signing the terms and conditions located on this website: www.discoveronlineservices.com. For non-Enterprise Agreement customer sales you will need to sign a follow up agreement with Telstra for which information will be provided soon.

2. Join the LinkedIn Group I have set up to post questions and share news with the Australian S+S Community: http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1898991/

Microsoft Online Services – Australian partner webcast 16th April

nickmayhew — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:11:31 GMT

Microsoft Online Services will soon be available in Australia, providing customers with enterprise-class software programs delivered as a subscription service, hosted by Microsoft and sold with partners. The offering includes Microsoft Exchange Online with Microsoft Exchange Hosted Filtering, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online and Microsoft Office Live Meeting.

By referring and building on Microsoft Online Services, partners are able to provide consulting, migration and managed services for customers, delivering solutions that meet customer needs and generate predictable and recurring revenue streams. Many Australian partners have already signed up to become an Online Services advisor.

In this Live Meeting, Lee Hickin (Microsoft Technical Sales) and Kathryn Saducas (Channel Development Manager) will present:

•	Microsoft Online Services: overview, functionality and platform (demo)
•	How to position the BPOS solution to your customers and winning sales scenarios
•	Customer Value Propositions
•	Licensing, and the provisioning process

This session is not to be missed by any Partner wishing to know more about these new services and who is contemplating building a Software Plus Services practise.

When: Thursday 16^th April 2009

Time: 12pm – 1pm EST

For more information about Microsoft Online Services visit: www.discoveronlineservices.com.

Regards

The Microsoft Partner Team

In Australia, Microsoft has entered an exclusive alliance with Telstra to distribute MS Online Services to customers. All non-EA customers will need to transact through the Telstra portal T-Suite rather than directly with Microsoft. This means that some of the details in the above resources do not apply or will be modified to accommodate the new distribution model. For more information about this alliance read the FAQs on the partner portal

New Health Focussed Partner Webcasts

nickmayhew — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:52:52 GMT

Note: times will not naturally suit Australian partners but on-demand versions will be available soon after the live sessions. Visit the individual sessions for info on on-demand versions.

PSH22PAL: Portals for Health Campaign Kickoff

Presented by: Neil Jordan, Julie Anderson

Live Delivery:

Thursday, March 26, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00am Pacific Time

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=264115

Click here to calculate your local time

Level: 100

Target Partner Audience: Enterprise Software Advisor, Regional Solution Partner, SI, VAR, VAP, Custom Development Solutions, IW Solutions

Partner role: Architect, Developer, Implementer, Marketing, Sales, Exec/Owner

Overview: In today’s fast-moving, always-on, 24/7 health environment, health professionals face the challenge of delivering better and safer care to more patients in less time and at a lower cost. They often have difficulty accessing the information they need to make well-informed decisions because health IT infrastructures are not integrated to connect available information. Serving patient and clinical needs faster and smarter requires health organizations to have a more unified view of information when and where they need it to collaborate efficiently and effectively.

Microsoft is leading the way with Portal Solutions that provide a highly secure and efficient method for searching, organizing and managing information, integrating content and workflow across line-of-business applications, while complying with privacy and security mandates.

In this Live Academy session you will learn the importance of Microsoft Health Portal solutions that use standard Microsoft products for addressing the challenges found in the healthcare provider industry. You will learn about the material available to have sales conversations, run campaigns and drive sales.

PSH25PAL: Connected Health Platform - Invaluable Guidance & Toolkits to help Accelerate Solution Deployment

Presented by: Teddy Bachour, Neil Jordan, Andy Nichol

Live Delivery:

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:30am Pacific Time

Click here to calculate your local time

Level: 200

Target Partner Audience: Enterprise Software Advisor, ISV, Large Account Reseller, MS Dynamics Partner, Regional Solution Partner, SI, VAR, VAP

Partner role: Architect, Developer, Implementer, Marketing, Sales,

Overview: During this session you will learn about the latest Connected Health Platform guidance, tools and solution accelerators for designing, developing, and accelerating deployment of secure Microsoft infrastructure and platform solutions in healthcare organizations. You will also learn about the Microsoft Office SharePoint solution accelerators that can accelerate sales and deployments of various portal and collaboration scenarios that you frequently encounter in healthcare.

The first part of this session will provide a general overview and the second part will cover the Connected Health Platform assets in more details about their structure and use.

PSH23PAL: Case Management for Public Health and Social Services for Microsoft Partners Campaign Kickoff

Presented by: Bruce Greenstein, Julie Anderson, Partner or field Best Practice presenter TBD

Live Delivery:

Wednesday, April 14, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00am Pacific Time

Click here to calculate your local time

Level: 100

Target Partner Audience: Enterprise Software Advisor, ISV, MS Dynamics Partner, Regional Solution Partner, SI, VAR, VAP, Microsoft Business Solutions

Partner role: Architect, Developer, Exec/Owner, Implementer, Marketing, Sales,

Overview: Case Management Solutions for Public Health and Social Services are in greater demand now than ever before, and the market opportunity is large even in today’s slowing economy. Microsoft and our partners offer affordable, flexible, and easy–to-implement and -use solutions that meet the workflow needs of Public Health and Social Services professionals and help organizations address their most pressing issues.

By building and marketing vertical solutions for Case Management as built upon Microsoft Dynamics^® CRM and the Microsoft Office system, organizations can realize tremendous opportunities to increase customer reach. The pervasive use of Microsoft technologies in this market enables partners to offer solutions to customers who have built their infrastructures on the Microsoft platform or are familiar with the Microsoft Office interface.

In this Live Academy session you will learn the importance of Microsoft Case Management solutions that use standard Microsoft products for addressing the challenges found in Public Health and Social Services worldwide. You will learn about the material available to have sales conversations, run campaigns and grow your business.

Windows 7 on Partner TV

nickmayhew — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:11:38 GMT

See our own Danny Beck talk through the forthcoming launch of Windows 7 just for Australian partners:

http://blogs.msdn.com/ozpartnertv/archive/2009/03/10/partner-tv-windows-7-is-coming.aspx