Evangelism for Microsoft ISVs, BizSpark Startups & Network Partners : Microsoft

Azure BizSpark Camp @ New York: Chance to Win $5000

Sanjay Jain — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:54:00 GMT

With several successful Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Weeks (Azure Atlanta, Win7 Boston, Win7 Reston, CRM Reston, CRM Boston, Win 7 Irvine, Mobility Mountain View,), we are pleased to announce Microsoft BizSpark Camp for Windows Azure in New York, NY during 28–29 January 2010. Based upon your feedback we have made several changes including offering cash prize, compressed time commitment, and much more. We hope you're tapping into the growing BizSpark community.

The current economic downturn is putting many entrepreneurs under increasing pressure, making it critical to find new resources and ways to reduce costs and inefficiencies. Microsoft BizSparkCamp for Windows Azure is designed to offer following assistance to entrepreneurs.

· Chance to win cash prize of $5000

· Nomination for BizSpark One (an invitation only program) for high potential startups

· Learn and build new applications in the cloud or use interoperable services that run on Microsoft infrastructure to extend and enhance your existing applications with help of on-site advisors

· Get entrepreneurs coaching from a panel of industry experts

· Generate marketing buzz for your brand

· Create opportunity to be highlighted at upcoming launch

We are inviting nominations from BizSpark Startups interested in Windows Azure Platform that target one or more of the following:

The Microsoft BizSparkCamp for Windows Azure will be held at Microsoft Technology Center, New York, NY from Thu 1/28/2010 to Fri 1/29/2010. This event consists of ½ day of training, 1 day of active prototype/development time, and ½ day for packaging/finishing and reporting out to a panel of judges for various prizes.

This event is a no-fee event (plan your own travel expenses) and each team can bring 3 participants (1 business and 1 – 2 developer). It is required to have at least 1 developer as part of your team. To nominate your team, please submit the following details to Sanjay Jain (preferably via your BizSaprk Sponsor) no later than by Mon 18 January 2010. Nominations will be judged according to the strength of the founding team, originality and creativity of the idea, and ability to leverage Windows Azure Scenarios.

BizSpark Startup Organization Details
Name
Web Site URL
Mailing Address
Solution Overview
Key Windows Azure Scenarios
Target Industry
Company Size and Year Founded
How did you hear about this event?

BizSpark Sponsor Details
BizSpark Network Partner or Microsoft Champion Name
Web Site URL

Team Details
Participant 1:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog
Participant 2:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog
Participant 3:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog

You may want to enroll into Microsoft BizSpark, an exciting new offering that enables software startups to leverage Microsoft development and platform technologies to deliver next generation web and Software + Services applications. For details see here.

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

xRM Acceleration Lab from 12/14/09 - 12/18/09 in Chicago

Sanjay Jain — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:56:00 GMT

We are ready to host our 1^st xRM Acceleration Lab from 14^th Dec’09 to 18^th Dec’09 at Microsoft Technology Center, Chicago, IL. We would cover Executive Briefing (EB), Architecture Design Sessions (ADS), and Proof of Concept (POC) with the help of your team, on-site Microsoft experts, and off-shore development team, plus you would have access to Microsoft Dynamics Executives, all in one week.

This is an exclusive event tailored for leading industry ISVs only. We have 2 seats open as of now (out of total 5 seats). If you want to learn and adopt xRM Platform to bring your industry domain expertise to your customers using the latest innovations from Microsoft, rush to submit your nomination via your Microsoft contact and CC me.

What is xRM?

xRM is built upon Microsoft Dynamics CRM’s business application development platform – a platform that can be transformed to support relational business applications. Whether you’re looking to manage real estate properties, recruit employees, or manage franchises, xRM is a platform to solve your basic business needs no matter what they are.

What can you expect from the event?

· Learn xRM with help of on-site Microsoft experts

· Design and develop a prototype (select use case scenarios) validating the power of platform in your business context

· Leverage off-shore development resources to expedite your prototype development

· Interact with various business and technical leaders

· Ability to seek feedback from a panel of experts

Who should attend?

This event is a deep-dive hands-on developer workshop geared for roles like Lead Architect, Development Manager, Product Manager, and Software Developer. We recommend you bring at least 1 developer as part of your team.

What are the event logistics?

This event is a no-fee event (plan your own travel expenses) and each team can bring 3 participants (1 business and 2 technical). This event consists of ½ day of training, 3 ½ days of active prototype/development time, and a final day for packaging/finishing and reporting out to a panel of experts. We plan to start on Monday at 9am and wrap-up by 2pm on Friday.

How to nominate?

We have limited spots, so indicate your interest immediately. To nominate your team, please submit the requested details (preferably via your BDM/PAM) to Sanjay Jain. You will receive additional details once selected.

What are the Nomination Details requested?

· Company Details (Name, Web-site, Company Size, Location, Target Industry, Solution Overview)

· Team Details (Name, Role/Title, email, phone) for all 3 participants

· Suggested POC Scope (1 to 3 Use Case Scenarios)

Note: We recommend to limit the scope which can be achieved in 3 ½ days with the help of your team, on-site Microsoft experts, and off-shore development team.

xRM Resources?

· xRM sessions from PDC09

1. Managing the Solution Lifecycle for xRM Applications by Andrew Bybee

2. Developing xRM Solutions Using Windows Azure by Andrew Bybee

3. Build a .NET Business Application in 60 Minutes with xRM and SharePoint by Barry Givens

· News: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Passes 1 Million User Mark and Expands xRM Initiative

· White Paper: Developing ISV Applications using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

· Blog Post: Are you ready to find X Factor of your LOB Application?

· Accelerators for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

· Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Software Development Kit (SDK)

· Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Performance and Scalability White Papers

· Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Logical Database Diagrams

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day5: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure @ Atlanta 13Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:25:00 GMT

You may see the prior coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure at Atlanta (Day5, Day4, Day3, Day2, Day1, Announcement, Twitter-Feed #MBIWk).

Larry Gregory started the day with Panel Judges briefing. We were fortunate to have following panel judges, who shared their deep insight with startups:

1. Ben Dyer, TechDrawl

2. James McDonough, Fish & Richardson P.C.

3. Larry Gregory, Microsoft

4. Mark Barry, OpenView Venture Partners

5. Mike Schinkel, Atlanta Web Entrepreneurs

6. Said Mohammadouin, TechOperators

7. Sanjay Parekh, Startup Riot

Startup teams worked very hard with their on-site advisors (Ahmed El-Ramly, Chad Brooks, Chris Brooks, Glen Gordon, Heinrich Gantenbein, Murray Gordon, Piyush Saggi, Sanjay Jain) and Dmytro Ivanov from SoftServe and Andy Hopper and Jeremy Likness from Wintellect. Each startup team presented their pitch and a brief solution demo to the panel judges

BizSpark Startup	Solution
ChasingSavings.com	Online Coupons
CoreMotives, LLC	Cloud based B2B Marketing Automation using Azure and Microsoft Dynamics CRM
EyeMail	Audio/Video emails
FandomU	Connect Fans across the world
Izenda	Self-serve Business Intelligence in Cloud
LessMeeting	Productivity and efficiency for Enterprise Meetings
Linxter	MonitorGrid – manage servers from cloud

I know you can’t wait to hear the winners. Every team is winner. The fact that each team got invited to this event is itself a big recognition and in addition each team got a colorful Graduation Certificate, presented by one of the judges. Two teams got the following two award trophies.

Award

BizSpark Startup

Most Viable Business

CoreMotives, LLC

Technical Innovation

LessMeeting

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day4: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure @ Atlanta 12Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:25:00 GMT

Day4 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure at Atlanta. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

Today morning we recorded video interviews with all startup teams. We would be editing and publishing them soon on Channel9.

Larry Gregory, presented on Microsoft’s Vision and resources for BizSpark Startups. He answered several questions and received several suggestions.

In afternoon, we completed dry-run pitch round with each team. Each team is busy finishing up their solution demo and presentation for panel judges tomorrow.

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day3: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure @ Atlanta 11Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:50:00 GMT

Day3 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure at Atlanta. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

All teams are making good progress on their solution. Tomorrow, we would record short video interviews and dry-run on pitches.

James McDonough from Fish & Richardson P.C., today’s guest speaker, did an awesome job sharing his insight on “Why and How to Protect Your IP”. It was a highly interactive session. Very informative!

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day2: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure @ Atlanta 10Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Day2 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure at Atlanta. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

All teams are in high gear in developing their solution with the help of on-site advisors and off-shore development team. We are witnessing a new level of innovation as the week is progressing, underscoring the key aspects of Windows Azure.

Sanjay Parekh, today’s guest speaker, did an awesome job sharing his insight on “How to Pitch to Investors”. It was a highly interactive session, with a simple and slim slide-deck. Folks loved it.

Sanjay Bhatia from Izenda started a Meetup for Atlanta BizSpark Startups. So if you are from Atlanta area you may want to join.

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day1: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure @ Atlanta 09Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:02:00 GMT

Day1 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure at Atlanta. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

We kicked-off the event with 7 high-energy BizSpark Startups. Bill Pierson, MTC Director shared Microsoft’s vision on Microsoft Technology Center. I started with event overview, goals, logistics, and BizSpark offerings, immediately followed by a six-hours training covering key features of Windows Azure, SQL Azure, .NET Services. We watched Microsoft Generation 4.0 Data Center Vision Video.

BizSpark Startups:

1. ChasingSavings.com

2. CoreMotives, LLC

3. EyeMail

4. FandomU

5. Izenda

6. LessMeeting

7. Linxter

The on-site Microsoft advisors are:

1. Ahmed El-Ramly

2. Chad Brooks

3. Chris Brooks

4. Glen Gordon

5. Heinrich Gantenbein

6. Murray Gordon

7. Piyush Saggi

8. Sanjay Jain

Thank you to Dmytro Ivanov from SoftServe and Andy Hopper (ATL) and Jeremy Likness from Wintellect helping all the startup steams.

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Are you ready to find X Factor of your LOB Application?

Sanjay Jain — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:12:00 GMT

XRM is built upon Microsoft Dynamics CRM’s business application development platform – a platform that can be transformed to support relational business applications. Whether you’re looking to manage real estate properties, recruit employees, or manage franchises, XRM is a platform to solve your basic business needs no matter what they are.

xRM is in air; pick your choice from following learning opportunities:

xRM All-Star Roundtable

Join “Ask the Expert” hosted by XRM Virtual User Group

11/3/09 noon ET

xRM Web Casts by CRM Team

From Microsoft CRM to XRM: Introduction

10/30/09 11am ET

From Microsoft CRM to XRM: Building Business Applications

11/05/09 11:30am ET

From Microsoft CRM to XRM: XRM Demonstration

11/11/09 11:30am ET

Microsoft Dynamics® xRM Sales & Marketing Workshop

Duration	1 Day
Cost	Free for Microsoft Dynamics Partners
Agenda	· Microsoft Dynamics xRM Introduction & Demo · Microsoft Dynamics xRM Capabilities · Microsoft Dynamics xRM Marketing · Selling Microsoft Dynamics xRM
Schedule	See up-to-date schedule here (Need PartnerSource access)

Microsoft Dynamics® xRM Technical Sales Workshop

Duration	2 Days
Cost	Free for Microsoft Dynamics Partners
Agenda	· Microsoft Dynamics xRM Introduction & Demo · Microsoft Dynamics xRM Architecture · Selling to the Technical Decision Makers · Selling to the Technical Influencers · Giving a Demo with the Microsoft Dynamics xRM VPC Environment · Rapidly Building the Customer Prototype · Extending & Integrating the Customer Prototype · Technical Q&A
Schedule	See up-to-date schedule here (Need PartnerSource access)

Microsoft Dynamics® xRM Partner Academy

Duration	3 Days
Cost	$1000 for Microsoft Dynamics Partners
Agenda	· Understand out-of-the-box features and functionality · Customize Microsoft Dynamics CRM entities, relationships, security, forms, views, workflows, and scripts for different business sectors. · Discuss dashboards, custom reports, views, and use Excel as a reporting tool including Pivot Tables. · Learn how to extend the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform with plug-ins, custom workflows, IFrames and integration with other internal and external applications (e.g. SharePoint and ISV products) to create solutions specific to common industries. · Understand Microsoft Dynamics CRM Security and System Administration. · Acquire a high-level understanding of Microsoft Dynamics CRM deployment architecture considerations including topology, relationship with Active Directory and Exchange Server, scalability, and failover.
Schedule	· Washington DC; 11/17/09 – 11/19/09 Note: Public Sector Focused; register here · Atlanta, GA; 1/12/10 – 1/14/10 · Chicago, IL; 2/9/10 – 2/11/10 · Irvine, CA; 2/23/10 – 2/25/10 See up-to-date schedule here (Need PartnerSource access)

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Last Call: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows Azure @ Atlanta

Sanjay Jain — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:31:00 GMT

Thanks to everyone who submitted their nomination for Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Azure in Atlanta, GA during 11/09/2009 – 11/13/2009.

We are getting very cool application nominations utilizing Windows Azure Platform that target one or more of the following:

You are welcome to send your nomination, if you haven’t done so. See the nomination details here and don’t forget to check the award winners of the last Incubation Week in Boston.

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day5: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week @ Boston 09Oct09

Sanjay Jain — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:16:00 GMT

Wow! What an exciting week. Don't miss the prior coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows 7 at Boston (Day4, Day3, Day2, Day1, Announcement, Twitter-Feed #MBIWk).

Larry Gregory started the day with Panel Judges briefing. We were fortunate to have following panel judges, who shared their deep insight with startups:

1. Dug Levin, Black Duck Software

2. Ham Lord, Launchpad Venture Group

3. Larry Gregory, Microsoft

4. Mike Werner, Microsoft

5. Stephen McCormack, Commonwealth Venture Capital

6. Wan Li Zhu, Fairhaven Capital

Startup teams worked very hard with their on-site advisors (Bob Familiar, Curt Devlin, Jason De Lorme, Jim O'Neil, John Pelak, Rich Crane, Venkat Hari) and off-shore development team in Bangalore, India (Proteans). Each startup team presented their pitch and a brief solution demo to the panel judges.

BizSpark Startup	Solution	Target
AnswerPoint Medical Systems	Medical Office Automation Systems	Electronic Health Record (EHR)
Baydin	Serendipity Through Email	Information Worker
BumpTop	3-D Desktop	Consumer
Panopto	Presentation Capture and Playback	Knowledge Management
SocialGrow	Grow Your Personal and Professional Social Network	Social Network

Award

BizSpark Startup

Most Viable Business

Panopto

Technical Innovation

BumpTop

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day5-1: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week @ Boston 08Oct09

Sanjay Jain — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:04:00 GMT

We are planning to live stream the closing/award session on Friday 9^th October 2009 around 1:15pm ET. You may want to check out the winners.

Click Here

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day4: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week @ Boston 08Oct09

Sanjay Jain — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:42:00 GMT

Day4 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows 7 at Boston. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

Today morning we recorded video interviews with all startup teams. We would be editing and publishing them soon on Channel9.

Larry Gregory, presented on Microsoft’s Vision and resources for BizSpark Startups. He answered several questions and received several suggestions.

In afternoon, we completed dry-run pitch round with each team. Each team is busy finishing up their solution demo and presentation for panel judges tomorrow.

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day3: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week @ Boston 07Oct09

Sanjay Jain — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:14:00 GMT

Day3 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows 7 at Boston. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

All teams are making good progress on their solution. Off-shore team is wrapping up their assignments. Tomorrow, we would record video interviews and dry-run pitches.

Ben Grossman, today’s guest speaker, did an awesome job sharing his insight on “How to Build Your Brand”. It was a highly interactive session, and you can see the slide-deck here. Very informative!

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows Azure @ Atlanta 09Nov09

Sanjay Jain — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:21:00 GMT

With several successful Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Weeks (Win7 Boston, Win7 Reston, CRM Reston, CRM Boston, Win 7 Irvine, Mobility Mountain View,), we are pleased to announce Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows Azure at Atlanta, GA during week of 9^th Nov’09.

The current economic downturn is putting many entrepreneurs under increasing pressure, making it critical to find new resources and ways to reduce costs and inefficiencies. Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows Azure is designed to offer following assistance to entrepreneurs.

· Learning and building new applications in the cloud or use interoperable services that run on Microsoft infrastructure to extend and enhance your existing applications with help of on-site advisors and off-shore development team

· Getting entrepreneurs coaching from guest speakers and a panel of industry experts

· Generating marketing buzz for your brand

· Creating opportunity to be highlighted at upcoming launch

We are inviting nominations from BizSpark Startups interested in Windows Azure Platform that target one or more of the following:

The Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows Azure will be held at Microsoft Technology Center, Atlanta, GA from Mon 11/09/2009 to Fri 11/13/2009. This event consists of ½ day of training, 3 ½ days of active prototype/development time, and a final day for packaging/finishing and reporting out to a panel of judges for various prizes.

This event is a no-fee event (plan your own travel expenses) and each team can bring 3 participants (1 business and 1-2 technical). To nominate your team, please submit the following details to Sanjay Jain (preferably via your BizSpark Sponsor). Nominations will be judged according to the strength of the founding team, originality and creativity of the idea, and ability to leverage Windows Azure Scenarios.

BizSpark Startup Organization Details
Name
Web Site URL
Mailing Address
Solution Overview
Key Windows Azure Scenarios
Target Industry
Company Size and Year Founded
How did you hear about this event?

BizSpark Sponsor Details
BizSpark Network Partner or Microsoft Champion Name
Web Site URL

Team Details
Participant 1:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog
Participant 2:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog
Participant 3:
Name
Brief BIO
Email
Phone
Twitter
Blog

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369

Day2: Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week @ Boston 06Oct09

Sanjay Jain — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:01:00 GMT

Day2 coverage from Microsoft BizSpark Incubation Week for Windows 7 at Boston. Check out the live tweeter-coverage (#MBIWk) here.

Doug Levin, today’s guest speaker, did an awesome job sharing his insight on “How to Pitch to Investors”. It was a highly interactive session, without any slide-deck. Folks loved it.

Marsh Sutherland from SocialGrow started a Meetup for Boston BizSpark Startups. As of this blog-post, 14 BOSSparkers have already signed up in few hours.

Enjoy today’s pics..

Sanjay Jain

ISV Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Corporation

Blog: http://Blogs.msdn.com/SanjayJain

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SanjayJain369