Ronan Geraghty's Blog

Bizspark logos for Network Partners and Startups

ronang — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:50:47 GMT

We now offer a BizSpark logo program for Network Partners and Startups (see NP home page screenshot below). You simply need to log in to your home page, accept the logo agreement and you can use the BizSpark logo in your Marketing Materials.

Here are the examples of the Startup and Network Partner Logos

Networking seminar - Intelligent outsourcing for export success

ronang — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:23:00 GMT

There is an 'Intelligent Outsourcing' seminar and networking lunch on the 2nd July at the Digital Exchange in Dublin. This is a forum bringing together a number of Irish software companies with six of of the leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partners from Sri Lanka.

The forum will explore areas of common interest between the Irish and Sri Lankan companies - looking at opportunities to partner for the Irish/European markets (from a blended costings/ extended capabilities perspective etc) but equally to look to partnering for growth opportunities for Irish companies in the dynamic and growth-oriented South Asian markets. The event is supported by Chambers Ireland.

The attached brochure contains full details.

You can register online at http://tinyurl.com/nq8kun

Details of the event can also be seen at www.BusinessSriLanka.com and the profiles of the Sri Lankan companies can be seen at:

www.tinyurl.com/m93s2z

BizSpark Ireland / Northern Ireland Newsletter content, May 2009

ronang — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:46:00 GMT

Get Windows 7 RC first using your MSDN subscription, access free classroom Azure and Windows 7 developer training, and get ready to ride the Windows 7 wave!
Welcome to the latest edition of the BizSpark Newsletter for Ireland / Northern Ireland.
By the time you read this, the Windows 7 RC should be available for you to download using your MSDN subscription, see here for details from the Windows 7 team.
Remember the Visibility promise of BizSpark? The excitement around Windows 7 is growing – and I am building a pipeline of ISV launch partners! Get your app compatible by checking out the resources on Innovate On, and we have some in-person events coming up which can help - in this edition you’ll also find details of free developer training for both the Azure Services platform and Windows 7 – see the events section. Pease feel free to contact me for more details on becoming a launch partner.

RevaHealth.com Increase Conversion by 66% by Changing Two Words
RevaHealth.com is a healthcare search engine that helps users find and compare health clinics worldwide. With information about 60,000 clinics in the UK and Ireland and thousands more in 50 countries around the world, Revahealth.com helps people take control of their healthcare choices and find the most suitable clinic and treatment for their needs. Having raised €1.25 million of angel funding early this year, the RevaHealth team is now moving away from its original focus on niche markets, and expanding into wider local and national healthcare markets, with plans to move into the Far Eastern and American markets later in 2009. RevaHealth.com recorded traffic growth of 16% from February to March of this year, with UK traffic growing by just over 50%. Learn how they increased their conversion rate by 66%!

Lucey Technology Selected to present at Microsoft European Investor Summit
Microsoft will host the 6th Annual European Investor Summit in Prague, organized in conjunction with the EU SME Week, and I’m delighted to say that Lucey Technology, a BizSpark startup based in Ireland have been selected to present.

Got Millions of Users? You Can When You Share Your Web App
The Windows Web App Gallery provides simple ways for you to explore, discover, install, and deploy your web applications on the Windows platform. You can share your web app with millions of Windows users worldwide. Learn more about the simple submission process, and what you’ll need to join in

Guinness Enterprise Center BizSpark Cluster
Announced at the BizSpark briefing on April 29th, GEC have designated an open plan office suite to facilitate the development of a Microsoft® BizSpark™ start up cluster of enterprises. DBIC/GEC are one of the managers of the AIB Seed Capital Fund and also the Halo Business Angel Partnership
Bizspark participants will join the GEC / DBIC community of over 100 entrepreneurs who have started their companies with GEC / DBIC business mentoring, guidance and resources, and who are equally driven by innovation and technology. For more information, contact the GEC (details at http://co1piltwb.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/mcoeredir/mcoeredirect.aspx?linkId=11856370&s1=1c13a400-855d-4ad0-0ae6-2572fe664970)
BizSpark Startups Can Now Join Metro: Get Pre-release Support and Training!
Metro, Microsoft’s early adoption program that provides access to training and a broad range of pre-release support for projects based on Microsoft’s newest technologies, is now available for BizSpark startups. Get free support and resources on Windows 7, Azure, .NET 4.0, Visual Studio 2010, Office 14 and more!
Join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page.
Promote Your Company on BizSpark DB.
Want to promote your startup to potential investors, clients, employees, and partners? Go to the “Add Your Startup” tab on the BizSparkDB at microsoftstartupzone.com, fill out a short profile and we’ll do the rest. It’s so easy. Each week, we select a new startup to showcase.
Outsourcing – the Perils and Benefits.
We are thinking of running an online seminar on this topic. Some would consider that outsourcing their software development enables them to focus more on executing their business strategy. The client can oversee the development very closely, choosing from a larger pool of specialist resources. Crucially, Irish-based outsource providers can also enter into an agreement covered by Irish law, guaranteeing protection of your IP. If you select the right partner you can greatly benefit from outsourcing and, like everything else, cheapest is not usually the best. Would this topic be of interest to you? If so, let me know...
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Events: Join Us

BizSpark Breakfast Briefing – IT@Cork
May 12th 2009
8.15am-10.00am
Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork
Read More.
European Investor Summit
6th European Investor Summit
May 13, 2009
Prague, Czech Republic
Microsoft will host the 6th Annual European Investor Summit in Prague, organized in conjunction with the EU SME Week. European Startups will present, and as a Startup, you will have an opportunity to meet with Microsoft executives, leading European VCs, and investor groups. Register here.
Seminar on the Microsoft BizSpark Program at the Galway Technology Centre
May 14th 2009
12.30pm-2.00pm
WESTBIC and Galway Technology Centre, Mervue Business Park, Galway
For more details, email mailto:info@gtc.ie
BizCamp Belfast
May 16th 2009
The Black Box, Belfast
Read More.
Azure Services Platform Training(Free!)
May 28th 2009
9.00am-5.00pm
Microsoft Ireland, Sandyford
The Azure™ Services Platform (Azure) is an internet-scale cloud services platform hosted in Microsoft data centers, which provides an operating system and a set of developer services that can be used individually or together. Azure’s flexible and interoperable platform can be used to build new applications to run from the cloud or enhance existing applications with cloud-based capabilities. This is a 1 day course for developers who are interested in building a solution on the Azure Platform. Registration is via the Metro portal : join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page. Then search for Events in Ireland. Any problems, contact me.
2 day Windows 7 Developer Training (Free!)
June 11th & 12th 2009
New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin
This instructor led training course will show developers how to build the next generation of software applications which deliver the richer application experiences and positive product discriminators that users now expect.
The course will consist of approximately 50% instructor presentation (PowerPoint slides and instructor-led demonstration) and 50% hands on lab activities, which will provide students the opportunity to gain solid hands-on experience with the compelling features of Windows7. Registration is via the Metro portal : join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page. Then search for Events in Ireland. Any problems, contact me. The full agenda is available here.
Windows 7 ISV Remediation Workshops, Dublin
June 15th-19th 2009
New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin
This is a set of half day and full day workshops where participants will have the opportunity to test their application for compatibility with the most recent publicly available version of Windows 7. You will also receive valuable guidance on how to address compatibility issues discovered during testing. This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability so be sure to register early to get your preferred time slot.
Who should participate in a Windows 7 Remediation Workshop?
Software vendors may send 1-2 individuals to participate in the half day workshop (for Vista compatible apps) or full day workshop (for XP compatible apps). These individuals should be intimately familiar with the design of the application being tested and should be prepared to work with the workshop staff to execute the technical aspects of the testing process. Software developers, database administrators and testers are all good candidates to represent your company at the workshop. Only one primary contact should register for your company, regardless if only 1 or 2 representatives will be present. Please note:
• You will need to bring your application(s) to be loaded on our secure Windows test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging application issues.
• Prior to participating in the workshop, it would be advisable to go through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook
A dedicated consultant will be on hand to support participants in investigating application compatibility, and give architectural guidance. Registration for these workshops has not opened yet – please contact me directly for more details.
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Windows 7 App Compatibility Resources on the Innovate On Portal
If you have a solution on either the Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system, Innovate On has resources which will help you to ensure your solution lights up on Windows 7. If you’re interested in becoming eligible to display the Windows 7 Software Logo on your solution please feel free to contact me for more details. The good news is it’s become a lot easier!

Microsoft StartupZone
Find guidance for your startup and your investors
BizSparkDB
Gain visibility by profiling your startup company
MSDN Download
Find and share software and code samples
Microsoft BizSpark
Software, support and visibility for your Startup
Channel 9
MSDN community for access to the people who devise Microsoft technologies
Microsoft Partner Program
Development, training, marketing, and sales resources

Windows 7 ISV Remediation (App Compat) Workshops, Dublin, June 15th-19th 2009

ronang — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:33:36 GMT

June 15^th-19^th 2009

New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin

This is a set of half day and full day workshops where participants will have the opportunity to test their application for compatibility with the most recent publicly available version of Windows 7. You will also receive valuable guidance on how to address compatibility issues discovered during testing. This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability so be sure to get on board early to get your preferred time slot.

Who should participate in a Windows 7 Remediation Workshop?

Software vendors may send 1-2 individuals to participate in the half day workshop (for Vista compatible apps) or full day workshop (for XP compatible apps). These individuals should be intimately familiar with the design of the application being tested and should be prepared to work with the workshop staff to execute the technical aspects of the testing process.

Software developers, database administrators and testers are all good candidates to represent your company at the workshop.

Please note:

· You will need to bring your application(s) to be loaded on our secure Windows test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging application issues.

· Prior to participating in the workshop, it would be advisable to go through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook

A dedicated consultant will be on hand to support participants in investigating application compatibility, and give architectural guidance.

Please contact me directly for more details and to reserve a slot.

(Free) 2 day Windows 7 Developer Training, Dublin: June 11th & 12th 2009

ronang — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:13:20 GMT

This instructor led training course will show developers how to build the next generation of software applications which deliver the richer application experiences and positive product discriminators that users now expect.

The course will consist of approximately 50% instructor presentation (PowerPoint slides and instructor-led demonstration) and 50% hands on lab activities, which will provide students the opportunity to gain solid hands-on experience with the compelling features of Windows7.

The event covers both native and managed code (C++-using-COM and C#) and focuses on the features new to Windows7.

The agenda is inline below: for more information and details of how to register, please contact me.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

· Describe the design intent and key features of Windows7.

· Customize the new Windows7 taskbar to the individual application requirements

· Describe the Multi-Touch and Ink support

· Customize the Libraries and Federated Search capabilities

· Describe the common interfaces for Sensors and Location

· Develop the Windows Scenic Ribbon for their application

· Use the Application Compatibility features

· Design an application to be compatible User Account Control

· Describe the Xml Paper Specification and support offered in Windows7

· Create start-on-demand Windows Services to reduce start-up times

· Create Energy-Efficient applications that conserve power.

· Use the Application Instrumentation, Diagnostic and Performance Tools

Audience

The primary audience is experienced early-adopter Developers who wish to use some or all of the Windows7 features in applications.

Product and Technology Experience:

Experience of Visual Studio and either C# or C++/COM

Course Outline

Day 1 – Windows7 : Visible Features

· Windows7 Overview

· The new Windows7 Taskbar

· Multi-Touch and Ink

· Libraries and Federated Search

· Sensors and Location

· The Windows Scenic Ribbon

Day 2 – Windows7 : Supporting Features

· Graphics Improvements

· Application Compatibility Overview

· User Account Control Overview

· XPS

· Background Services and Tasks

· Energy Efficient Applications

· Application Instrumentation, Diagnostic and Performance Tools

New Windows 7 App Compat Resource for ISVs in Ireland / Northern Ireland

ronang — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:59:55 GMT

Windows 7 is coming and excitement is building among consumers and enterprises. Therefore, as an ISV it is critical that your solution is compatible with Windows 7 - now is the right time to ensure you are ready for the Windows 7 wave.
If you have a solution on either the Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system, Innovate On has resources which will help you to ensure your solution lights up on Windows 7. With an application quality cookbook, forums, and Windows compatibility tests you can achieve compatibility easily and also explore how to make your solution shine with the new features Windows 7 provides.

Get compatible by checking out the resources on Innovate On, and if you’re interested in becoming eligible to display the Windows 7 Software Logo on your solution please feel free to contact me for more details. The good news is it’s become a lot easier! We will also be running some (free) classroom training on Windows 7 development in June 2009, along with a remediation workshop to work through any issues you may run into – again, feel free to contact me for more details.

App Compat - Windows 7 Partner Readiness Day – online event, May 7th 2009

ronang — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:26:24 GMT

Check out http://www.windowspartnerreadinessday.com/index.html and the ISV track at http://www.windowspartnerreadinessday.com/isvihv.html for a chance to learn about Windows 7 – all sessions will be recorded for viewing after the event as well….

ISV & IHV Session Information

Time

Topic

Speaker

8:00-9:00am

Keynote

Brad Brooks & Rich Reynolds

9:00-9:45am

Windows 7 Compatibility and Tools

Mark Rogers

9:45-10:30am

Meet the Windows 7 Logo Program

Jeff Price

10:30-11:15am

New Possibilities With Software

Aseem Datar

11:15am-12:00pm

New Possibilities With Hardware - Includes DS, Touch, Playto, Rally

Gary Schare

Windows 7 Compatibility and Tools

Speaker: Mark Rogers

Learn about the programs and tools to test your applications and device drivers to verify compatibility and ensure that your customers have a great experience with Windows 7

Meet the Windows 7 Logo Program

Speaker: Jeff Price

Get the inside scoop on the vision and plan for the Windows 7 Logo program. Learn about why customers care about it and what it means to you.

New Possibilities with Software

Speaker: Aseem Datar

Unlock new value with a collection of new features (Touch, New taskbar, and new extensible Ribbon) introduced in Windows 7 that improve how users discover and interact with applications.

New Possibilities with Hardware - Includes DS, Touch, Playto, Rally

Speaker: Gary Schare

Windows 7 federated search and your web property

ronang — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Just a quick post for those of you who are developing either internet or intranet applications, to highlight how Windows 7 federated search can easily allow users to search your web property from within Windows Explorer on Windows 7.

Here’s how it works using Live Search with the MSDN Ireland blog:

Download the federated search connector file (MSDNIreland.osdx) attached to this post, double click then you’ll end up with:

Select it then enter a search term. If you have the preview pane turned on you end up with the content in your explorer window.

The .osdx file is pretty straightforward : all that’s needed is a URL on the given site that can return results in RSS or ATOM format. For those of you using WCF to create services, creating an RSS/ATOM feed should be pretty easy.

There are plenty of examples of search connectors out there, for example here’s one for Flickr.

Those BizSpark startups out there who are building hosted services might find this a quick and easy way to bring their web presence to the desktop.

Azure Services Training for ISVs, Dublin May 28th 2009

ronang — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:10:18 GMT

We have set up a 1 day course on Azure for ISVs enrolled in the Metro program. Details are below.

This training is for ISVs in Ireland/Northern Ireland only and to attend you must register from within the Metro portal – look under Events->Europe->Ireland.

Spaces are limited, so please only register if you are certain you can attend.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Registration

Azure Services Platform Overview

Break

Introduction to Windows Azure

Lunch

Introduction to SQL Services

Break

Introduction to .NET Services

Break

Introduction to Live Services

Location:

The Auditorium,

Microsoft Building 3,

Carmanhall Road,

Sandyford Industrial Estate,

Dublin 18.

Training date: May 28^th

Time: 9-5

Language: English

Alpha toolkit for the Windows 7 Software Logo Program now available

ronang — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:05:49 GMT

The alpha toolkit for the Windows 7 Software Logo Program is now available. The toolkit provides you with a quick and agile, automated, light weight command-line tool to verify their application’s compliance against the technical requirements.

The toolkit is being made available and supported through the Windows 7 Software Logo Connect site. Anyone can access the connect site, but to download the alpha toolkit or leave feedback, you need to have an invitation code. Sign up to receive updates to get the code.

More information about the alpha toolkit is available at the Microsoft Connect site for the software logo program. Be sure to read the readme file, release notes, the PowerPoint overview with step by step guidance on how to use the toolkit.

If you’re an ISV based in Ireland/Northern Ireland and want to find out more about Windows 7 application compatibility please contact me.

BizSpark Ireland – News and Upcoming Events for April / May 2009

ronang — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:59:26 GMT

Virtual Earth offer for BizSpark startups

Microsoft Virtual Earth, the integrated GIS mapping, imaging, search, and data visualization web service platform, has now been added to the Bizspark program. As a BizSpark member, you can now get a Microsoft Virtual Earth account for commercial production for just $2,000 per year (a 50% discount on the regular Virtual Earth entry-level price).

BizSpark Startups Can Now Join Metro: Get Pre-release Support and Training!
Metro, Microsoft’s early adoption program that provides access to training and a broad range of pre-release support for projects based on Microsoft’s newest technologies, is now available for BizSpark startups. Get free support and resources on Windows 7, Azure, .NET 4.0, Visual Studio 2010, Office 14 and more!
Join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal— look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page.

DBIC/Guinness Enterprise Center BizSpark Cluster
GEC provides a positive entrepreneurial environment for start up companies and early stage developing enterprises. GEC plan to designate an open plan office suite to facilitate the development of a Microsoft® BizSpark™ start up cluster of enterprises.

The overall objective of this cluster is to accelerate the success of early stage software start up companies in Dublin.

Bizspark participants will join the GEC / DBIC community of over 100 entrepreneurs who have started their companies with GEC / DBIC business mentoring, guidance and resources, and who are equally driven by innovation and technology. For more information attend the breakfast briefing in April (see the events section) or contact me.

17th Hothouse Venture Programme

The Hothouse Venture Programme is a year-long comprehensive support and incubation programme for entrepreneurs with technology-based business ideas. There are sixteen places available on each Programme. Participants must have left full-time employment and be working full-time on developing their new business. Read more.

Invent DCU launches Business-Start-Programme

April 24th 2009

Location: Invent DCU

The Business-Start-Programme is a six week part-time programme offering people with a business idea the chance to investigate its potential.

The programme is designed to fit around people who work and weekly sessions are held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The programme takes participants through the planning elements necessary for start-up business.

If you are interested in taking part in the programme or would like further information please contact me.

Innovation Accelerator

Microsoft Ireland in conjunction with the Digital Media Forum hosted an Innovation Accelerator event on Feb 24th where over 200 startups attended to hear some of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs including Iona Founder, Chris Horn Havok founder, Dr Steve Collins share their experiences. In addition to hearing about past success stories attendees were also given extensive practical advice from a range of experts who hosted workshops in key areas such as business planning, sales, marketing, financial and legal services. Read More. Thanks to Peter Griffin, of PowerManual, a local BizSpark startup, for producing this manual of the slides using PowerManual V2! We’re still working on making videos of the sessions available.

Get Hard to Find Windows® 7 Beta
As a BizSpark startup, you get access to the Windows 7 Beta from your MSDN subscription — downloaded from MSDN. Use the beta to test the compatibility of your application. If you’re having application compatibility problems, get all the technical resources and guidance you need from the Metro Portal — see Metro story for details on joining.
Promote Your Company on BizSpark DB.
Want to promote your startup to potential investors, clients, employees, and partners? Go to the “Add Your Startup” tab on the BizSparkDB at microsoftstartupzone.com, fill out a short profile and we’ll do the rest. It’s so easy. Each week, we select a new startup to showcase.

Our local Network Partners

Network Partners are a crucial part of BizSpark and our local community is shaping up nicely. You can find latest details of NPs in Ireland/Northern Ireland here and they are also mapped on Virtual Earth. Suggestions for new Network Partners are always welcome! Note that many of our Network Partners are hosting events over the coming months which you may find useful – see the Events section below for more details.

Events: Join Us

Microsoft European Investor Summit

Prague – 12/13 May 2009

We are now accepting registrations for our event in CZ in May for investors and start-ups. This is an opportunity for start-ups who are seeking funding to pitch to 80+ investors from across Europe. If you are interested in pitching please contact me and we will nominate you. (Accommodation will be paid for pitching companies).

BizSpark Breakfast Briefing - DBIC
April 27^th 2009
8.30am-10.30am Guinness Enterprise Centre

Further details will be posted here as they become available.

Platform Briefing, presented by Spanish Point Technologies Ltd

April, 2009
Live Meeting
Attend this Live Meeting from your desk to get an overview of the current Microsoft application platform. The aim is to "get you current" with the platform and its latest features, from .NET 3.5 to MOSS 2007. Contact me if you are interested in attending.

Networking Event ‘Knowledge Economy Research: Supports for 3rd Level & Companies to facilitate commercialisation and collaboration’

April 2^nd 2009
1.30 pm -5.00 pm, Thomond Park, Limerick.

For start up entrepreneurs and established businesses to focus on the supports available in Ireland for research commercialisation, industry/3rd level collaboration and technology transfer. See http://www.eac.ie/SNSevent.htm for full agenda, speakers and how to book your place.

Better Business Online in a Tough Economy: Money, Marketing, Monitoring & Mobile

The IIA Annual Congress 2009 will be held on Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood. The Net Visionary Awards 2009 will also be held on the first night of Congress, 21 May. Read More.

“The Juice” Breakfast Briefing

Tuesday April 21st, 8.30 – 10.00, Synergy Centre, ITT Dublin

Brian Hurley, Director of Outsourcing Services at HP will advise high technology start-ups on how to win outsourced business. Places are free see www.synergycentre.ie for more details.

Get Motivated and Get Marketing!
April 29^th 2009
10.00am-1pm, The Digital Exchange Building, Crane St, Dublin 8.

Attention start-ups! This free event will give attendees the chance to learn more about marketing their company. Speakers on the day will give tips on marketing on a budget, email campaigns and online marketing methods, such as Facebook and Twitter. Please click to find out more and to register for this event. http://www.ingage.ie/merrionbd/invitation/invitation.html

Creating Relevant & Profitable Online Services.

16 Apr 2009

The IIA and Front present a half day course on how to design online services and businesses that succeed! Read More.

Meetball: Demonstration & Networking Breakfast.

22 May 2009

The IIA presents the first in a new series of Demonstration and Networking events entitled Meetball. Read More.

Microsoft European Investor Summit, Prague, 12/13 May 2009

ronang — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:59:44 GMT

Coinciding with the first European SME Week, Microsoft will bring together key players from the investment community, entrepreneurs and start-ups, innovation organizations, incubators, Partners and Microsoft executives involved in the next generation of technologies and programs to support early stage companies.

Start-ups who are seeking funding can pitch to 80+ investors from across Europe.

You can register for the summit here. (It’s FREE!)

If you want more information about how to get selected to pitch, please contact me.

2009 Worldwide Partner Conference: (and details of awards)

ronang — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:38:20 GMT

Registration is now open for this year's Worldwide Partner conference, scheduled for July 13-16 in New Orleans.

By attending you can gain exclusive access to the latest information and insights about upcoming Microsoft strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and programs—directly from Microsoft leadership.

Learn more about the conference and register today to ensure your place.

You might also want to enter for a Worldwide Partner of the Year Award in your particular competency. Each year at the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC), Microsoft recognizes the best in partner innovation and contributions —from competency excellence to supporting nonprofit technology access.

See here for an overview of the awards and check out the categories here.

For example, here are details of the ISV/Software Solutions category:

ISV/Software Solutions Partner of the Year

The Independent Software Vendor (ISV)/Software Solutions Partner of the Year award recognizes the ISV/Software Solutions competency partners who excel at developing and delivering packaged software to customers. Your software solution must work with one or more of the latest Microsoft server platforms and middleware products, including SQL Server 2008, Windows Server 2008, Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Microsoft Dynamics business management software (all products and versions), and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The solution must also have been built using Microsoft .NET development frameworks and tools, including Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008. Your ISV software solution qualifies for this award if it helps customers make better-informed decisions and facilitate effective collaboration with colleagues, customers, and partners. Companies applying for this award should also have demonstrated effective partnering with Microsoft by using Microsoft Partner Program benefits and engaging with Microsoft to develop, create demand for, and sell their software solutions.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

Be active in the ISV/Software Solutions competency.
First profile your nominated solutions in Partner Solution Profiler.

ISV/Software Solutions Innovation Partner of the Year

The ISV/Software Solutions Innovation Partner of the Year award recognizes an ISV who has developed an innovative, disruptive approach to solving a new or existing business or consumer need based on the latest Microsoft server or client technologies. Companies applying for this award must have demonstrated leadership in the areas of innovation, market potential, media and analyst attention, investor value creation, and customer adoption with at least three active business customers or 1,000 consumers.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

Be active in the ISV/Software Solutions competency.
First profile your nominated solutions in Partner Solution Profiler.

BizSpark startups get access to the Metro portal : free Support and Training

ronang — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:07:21 GMT

This is a very significant development in the BizSpark program!

Metro is a program we’ve been running for a couple of yearss which provides access to training and a broad range of pre-release support for projects based on Microsoft’s newest technologies, and now all BizSpark startups have access to the resources available in the program, giving you access to training / resources / support on techs like .NET 4.0, Azure, Windows 7, WPF, Silverlight 3 and more.

Join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal— look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page:

This is a one-click process from the BizSpark portal once you’re logged in.

Read the Metro user guide when you log in to find out how to profile a project you’re working on so that you can filter on content that’s relevant to you.

Any questions, contact me.

BizSpark latest in Ireland/Northern Ireland

ronang — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:27:53 GMT

Microsoft BizSpark has been receiving a lot of attention in the media over the last number of weeks, featuring on RTE’s Prime Time, The Wide Angle on NewsTalk 106, associated coverage in the Sunday Business Post, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent, and details of the Northern Ireland launch in the Belfast Telegraph.

As part of the program, Microsoft Ireland hosted an Innovation Accelerator event on Feb 24^th where over 200 startups attended to hear some of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs including Iona Founder, Chris Horn Havok founder, Dr Steve Collins share their experiences. In addition to hearing about past success stories attendees were also given extensive practical advice from a range of experts who hosted workshops in key areas such as business planning, sales, marketing, financial and legal services.

We now have over 30 local Network Partners and 140 software start-ups in Ireland/Northern Ireland on the BizSpark program.

See the graphic inline below for details of our current NPs, and refer to www.microsoft.com/BizSpark for contact information / more details, or contact me for more details.