South Central Area Community Blog

Houston IAMCP Event: February 22nd – MOSS and Microsoft Dynamics ERP

2008-02-15T17:08:20Z

Due to the expected large turnout for this event, please register today so we can plan for lunch appropriately.

February 22nd – MOSS and Microsoft Dynamics ERP

Dynamics and infrastructure partners, come see a demonstration of the 2007 Microsoft Office SharePoint Server and how it blends the Dynamics ERP products with the classic Microsoft platform, SharePoint Server, Office 2007 and more. If you’re a Microsoft partner, this is one presentation you won’t want to miss!!

Watch a live demo of MOSS where partners will see how MOSS simplifies:

· Managing content and processes

· Improving business insight

· Internal and external collaboration

· Empowering IT to make a strategic impact

Click here to register.

DATE: Friday February 22nd

TIME: 11:00 - 1:00

LOCATION: Microsoft Houston - 2000 W. Sam Houston Parkway S. Suite 350

Houston, Texas 77042

(832) 252-4300

COST: Members - $10 Non-Members - $20

Announcing our Open License Bootcamps in Dallas and Houston!

2008-01-16T20:10:00Z

February 4, 2008

Las Colinas, TX

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration & Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM

February 15, 2008

Houston, TX

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration & Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM

Participate in an interactive Licensing Boot Camp and learn how to earn additional income and expand your services business!

Demonstrating your expertise in providing licensing solutions and services to customers opens new opportunities for you to earn additional income, develop continuing revenue streams, and expand your services business. The knowledge you gain in this boot camp can help you differentiate your services from your competitors and help you be recognized as a Microsoft Partner specializing in providing licensing solutions and services.

Even if you don’t sell licensing this event will still be valuable. The knowledge gained will help you become your customer’s trusted advisor and win more deals.

This interactive event will help build your capabilities in the areas of Open License, Open Value and Financing Options. You are invited to join your South Central Partner Community Manager, TS2 & Tech Data for this educational event.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP by registering for this event today!!

Agenda:

· Welcome & Introductions

· Licensing 101

· Software Assurance Positioning and Benefits

· Leveraging Renewals to drive new business

· Tools you can use

· Client and Server licensing in 2007

· Applying what you’ve learned: Customer Scenarios

Who should Attend:

Microsoft Partners that focus on accounts in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Whether you are new to Microsoft licensing or have been working with Microsoft for years, don’t miss this Microsoft Licensing Boot Camp!

Announcing our Big Easy Offer!

2008-01-14T23:39:05Z

What

The Big Easy Microsoft offer, with up-to 10 million partner subsidy dollars, is available exclusively to Microsoft Partner Program members. This one offer covers most core products and solutions you sell to your small and medium-size customers. The offer is an excellent way to add significant value to the solutions you provide and build strong, long-term working relationships with your customers.

Please join us to learn more about The Big Easy Offer with up to $10 million partner subsidy dollars available exclusively to Microsoft Partner Program members!

Offer Period: February 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.

Redeem by July 31, 2008

When
January 30, 2008 at 9 AM PST

January 31, 2008 at 9 AM PST

February 12, 2008 at 9 AM PST

February 14, 2008 at 9 AM PST

February 26,2008 at 9 AM PST

February 28, 2008 at 9 AM PST

January Partner Briefings

2008-01-07T19:36:21Z

Dear Microsoft Partner,

Ready for another great year in 2008? Let’s us help you build a strong one!

Join us at our South Central Area Partner briefing events taking place in Houston, Dallas and Austin this month.

Why should you attend?

Once again, there are seismic changes taking place in our business. After Microsoft’s largest ever technology launch last year (Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007 and more) we are getting ready to do it all over again next month with the upcoming launch of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and more.

In addition to new technology offerings, Microsoft announced at our Worldwide Partner Conference last July that it has begun a series of strategic market investments to develop new business opportunities for our Partners. Some of those investments have already begun in the South Central Area! No matter the type of Microsoft Practice you represent, we want to insure you are participating in them.

The opportunity to help your customers become more agile and “do more with less” is has never been greater and is only matched by the unprecedented opportunity for Microsoft Partners. The paradigm shift in IT Operational Efficiency, Collaboration & Communications and Worker Productivity that began in 2007 moves to the next level in 2008. We are pleased to invite you to our first local Partner Briefing of 2008 where we have prepared an agenda designed to help you and all members of your team understand and profit from the opportunities that lie ahead this year and beyond.

In addition to three concurrent morning sessions and the most dynamic afternoon agenda ever assembled, our program ends the day with our popular Partner Mixer where you have a chance to network with other partners and with members of the local Microsoft team.

These free local briefings take place only twice a year and always sell out. Secure your space (and your staff’s) by registering today.

We look forward to seeing you!

Click here to register now.

Announcing our Winter Wonderland Partner Promotion!

2007-12-18T23:34:10Z

Winter Wonderland

Microsoft Partner Subsidy Open Offer

Special Incentive Program

Microsoft South Central Area SMS&P

EARN up to $1k in gift cards

Top 3 Reps and 3 Largest Deals

For each Partner Subsidy Open Offer customer redemption, the reseller rep managing the sale will receive a $25.00 Amazon.com gift card (up to a combined maximum of $1,000)

The Top 3 reps driving Partner Subsidy Open Offer deals with customer redemptions (total combined value) AND the reps responsible for the 3 Largest unique deals will each receive a copy of Halo 3 and an Xbox 360 console!

NOTE: If multiple reps (max 2) contribute to the Open sale and Offer redemption, each will receive credit for a $12.50 gift card after verification of involvement by their Leadership.

QUALIFYING RULES: Open deal must be sold to customer December 15, 2007 – January 31, 2008. (December 15, 2007 – December 31, 2007 for Windows Server) and Partner Subsidy Open Offer must be redeemed by January 31, 2008 (Windows Server) or February 29, 2008 (Office 2007, Small Business Server, and SQL Open Subsidy.)

NOTES: “Top 3 Reps” = Total combined sales of open offers with Partner Subsidy Open Offer redemptions. “3 Largest Deals” = Total individual sale of a single open deal to one unique customer with Partner Subsidy Open Offer redemption.

Notes:

Each rep is responsible for notifying Jacob Rivera at matchsc@microsoft.com of deal closure and offer redemptions. (Subject: “Winter Wonderland Program Deal”)

Please include the following information in your email: customer name, agreement number, dollar value of agreement, reseller and rep name, reseller and rep contact info (email and phone number)

Please refer to www.microsoftincentives.com for details on the Open Partner Subsidy Offer.

Qualifications, Terms, and Conditions:

1. All SMS&P resellers. SMS&P South Central (TX, LA, OK, & AR) customers only.

2. Open deal must be sold to customer December 15, 2007 – January 31, 2007 and open subsidy offer MUST be redeemed by January 31, 2008 for Windows Server Open Subsidy or February 29, 2008 for Office 2007, Small Business Server, and SQL Open Subsidy.

3. If multiple reps (max 2) participate in the open sale and offer redemption, each will receive a $12.50 gift card after verification of their involvement by their leadership.

4. Maximum of $1000.00 in gift cards paid to any individual.

5. Maximum of one Xbox 360/Halo 3 package per rep per incentive program (i.e. If top 3 deals are transacted by same rep, the next two reps with top deals will receive an Xbox/Halo package. HOWEVER, one rep can win for both the “Top 3 Reps” and the “3 Largest Deals” incentives)

6. Maximum payout of $15,000.00 total in gift cards for incentive program (across all customer redemptions.)

New Microsoft Customer Promotions Webcast

2007-12-17T17:09:09Z

What
Find out about new sales and services promotions that Microsoft is currently offering its customers.

When
January 8, 2008 at 9 AM PST

January 10, 2008 at 9 AM PST

Where
Live Meeting

Attend this webcast to learn more about the new promotions, offers, and programs that Microsoft has available to help you close business and provide more value add to your customers.

We at Microsoft are bringing in the new year with some very exciting new offers that you would not want to miss! These include partner subsidy promotions that mean direct dollars to YOU! Please join us for a live 1 hour webcast to learn more about these key offers in market in Q3 that you can leverage across a myriad of Microsoft Solutions including Microsoft Office, SQL Server, Windows Client, Exchange Server, and more. This webcast is a great opportunity to understand how best to leverage these offers in your customer conversations.

As your Account Manager, I thought this Microsoft Promotion may be of interest to you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Also, if you prefer me not to forward these types of communications to you just let me know.

Happy selling!

Sign Up!

If you want to know more about the incentives and promotions that are currently available, sign up for the January 8th webcast here, or the January 10th webcast here.

TS2 Power Series Event in Austin, TX

2007-11-26T20:28:08Z

12/13/2007 8:00am – 5:00pm
Regal Metropolitan Stadium 14
901 Little Texas Lane
Austin, TX 78745

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

If you’re interested in taking greater advantage of the training and services available to Microsoft Partners, we invite you to attend our newest offering: the Microsoft TS2 Power Series Events. These events are broken into separate morning and afternoon sessions, but we encourage you to stay for the full day to gain the most insight and information. The morning begins with the sales and support tips of a regular TS2 event, but then the afternoon sessions dive deeper into how the Microsoft Partner Program can dramatically help grow your business.

Plus, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to WIN a free copy of Windows Vista™ Ultimate, Microsoft® Office Professional 2007, Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2, and much more when you attend the event and complete an evaluation form. Register to attend the TS2 Power Series Event in Austin today!*
PLEASE NOTE: Separate registration is required for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Get the most from this event and make a full day of it!

Morning Session
TS2 Content: 8:00am – 12:00pm

In the morning session we’ll discuss ways you can use Microsoft tools to support your customers’ business goals after you’ve made the initial sale. You’ll learn more about:

Increasing revenue opportunities with Managed Services offerings, including System Center Essentials 2007, Forefront™ Client Security, and Exchange Hosted Services.
Building a reoccurring revenue model around security management using Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer, Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer, and Windows Server® Update Services.
Streamlining customer communications with the key technologies of Microsoft’s Unified Communication strategy, including Exchange Server 2007, Office Communications Server 2007, and Windows Mobile 6.0.

Afternoon Session
MS101 For Partners: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Provide an overview of the Microsoft business model and approach to the partner channel.
Guide you through the Microsoft Partner Portal with live demonstrations.
Provide an overview of the Microsoft business model and approach to the partner channel.
Discuss how you can make the most of Microsoft technology strategies, customer marketing campaigns, licensing programs, and organizational structure.

Open Value Licensing: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

In the final session of the day, we’ll help you understand how the business goals of your customers can be met through the Open Value licensing purchase plan. Open Value offers real benefits and value to customers who are seeking to keep their software up to date while spreading their payments out over time.

Register today for the TS2 Power Series Event on 12/13/2007 in Austin.
PLEASE NOTE: Separate registration is required for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Get the most from this event, and make a full day of it!

MORNING SESSION (8:00am to 12:00pm)
AFTERNOON SESSION (1:00pm to 5:00pm)

Announcing SQL Server 2008 Training: Business Intelligence Overview

2007-11-26T15:24:01Z

PARTNER ACADEMY LIVE

Join us as we approach the launch of SQL Server 2008. This Partner Academy Live session will cover 100-200 level content.

SQL Server 2008: Business Intelligence Overview
November 28, 2007

8:00-9:00 am PST
presented by Julie Strauss

Level: 200

Target Audience: Technical Specialists

Description:

As the platform for the end-to-end Microsoft Business Intelligence offering, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 builds on the strong momentum in the business intelligence market. This session will provide an overview of the new business intelligence capabilities available with the next release of SQL Server. In addition to discussing the overall value of the Microsoft business intelligence platform delivered with SQL Server 2008, you will also have the opportunity to see the new SQL Server 2008 BI capabilities in action through a set of product demonstrations.

Webcast Details

· https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/msevents/join?id=SQL29AL&role=attend&pw=JEI728

· Meeting ID SQL29AL

· Meeting Key: JEI728

· Telephony: 866-294-0201

· Pin: 7086

What you need before the Webcast:

To attend our upcoming Webcast you will need:

1. A computer with access to the Internet to view the visual portion of the event.

2. A functioning sound card and speakers or headphones for your PC.

3. Windows Media Player 9 (WMP 9).

4. To test your system, click on the following link http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=90703. You will be prompted to Accept, Install and Join the LM07 client. Please make sure your ActiveX controls are turned on. If you need assistance, please contact Event Support (1-800-893-8779 - US & Canada and 1-971-544-3222 - International)

Web-based console

In some situations, you may not be able to use the Live Meeting console software. You will then be provided with a link to attend the event by using the Web-based console. You will be provided with this link if:

· You cancel the installation of the Live Meeting console software.

· You are unable to install the Live Meeting console software.

· You are using a Macintosh computer.

Please note: Although using the Web-based console is similar to using the Windows-based Live Meeting console software, the functionality and layout of the Web-based console are different. You will be unable to hear the Internet Audio Broadcast over your computer speakers and will need to dial the call-in number (866-294-0201 pin: 7086).

Listen to the audio portion of the event

After you log in to the Live Meeting console, you will hear the event's streaming audio. If you do not have Windows Media Player (WMP) 9 or later installed, you will be prompted to install it. If you have WMP 9 or later installed but still do not hear the audio, confirm that your PC speakers are turned on and that the volume is turned up. If you continue to experience difficulties, once you are logged into the session, please turn your feedback color to red via the drop down menu in the upper right corner of the console. Expect a 1:1 chat for assistance. If you are using the Web-based console, you will be unable to hear the Internet Audio Broadcast over your computer speakers and will need to dial the call-in number (866-294-0201 pin: 7086).

Support:

· To contact Live Meeting Event Support:

o +1.800.893.8779 (Within the US & Canada)

o +1.971.544.3222 (International)

· If you have any questions about this or future Webcast sessions, please contact MSPAL@Microsoft.com.

Announcing MS101 for Small and Medium Business Partners

2007-10-23T03:24:54Z

Ever wondered what investments Microsoft is making in your business? Where do you profile your Microsoft solutions for customers to see? How do you find out more about the customer benefits of Open Value? Where do you find more about Information Worker Ready-To-Go Campaigns?

Join us for a 90-minute session where we will guide you through the Microsoft Partner Portal to:

Help guide you through the partner portal website through live demonstrations
Provide an overview of the Microsoft business model and our approach to the partner channel
Discuss our core technology strategies, customer marketing campaigns, licensing programs and organizational structure

This session will provide a jumpstart or refresher for new and experienced Microsoft partners on your understanding of and how to best leverage the Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP) to help save you time and grow your business.

View this webcast on demand at:

http://www.msreadiness.com/CourseDetail.aspx?id=7796

Partner Details on Microsoft Licensing Relief Program in Louisiana

2007-10-19T16:31:03Z

Microsoft and the state of Louisiana announced a License Relief Program for small businesses in Louisiana affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that launched October 1st. Through this Program, qualifying Small Businesses in Louisiana can be eligible to have their entire first year Open Value payment made by Microsoft on their behalf to allow them to benefit from the use of Microsoft technology as they strive to get back on their feet without having to absorb the up-front cost to do so. As a Microsoft Partner located in Louisiana, below are some details on the program and how you can help your local qualifying clients to participate. In addition, we are hosting a Microsoft Live Meeting session for Microsoft Partners to learn more on Friday, October 26^th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am CST. View details of the session and register HERE.

1) Which Microsoft Partners can participate in this?

a. ANSWER: All Microsoft Partners are eligible to offer this to qualifying Small Businesses in the 30 Federal disaster designated Louisiana Parishes

2) What Small Businesses qualify for this Licensing Relief Program?

a. Small Businesses who meet ALL of the requirements below are eligible for this program:

· For-profit business with less than 200 employees

· In business prior to August 29, 2005, the date of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, or September 24, 2005, the date of Hurricane Rita’s landfall

· Business was located in one of the 30 Federal disaster designated Louisiana Parishes. (Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, E. Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, W. Baton Rouge, W. Feliciana, and Washington)

· Have applied for the following federal or state government business assistance programs: SBA Disaster loan, State Bridge loan, and State Small Firm Loan and Grant Program? (You need not have been approved for aid.)

· Must purchase a three-year Microsoft Open Value Software License for business software and bring the purchase agreement to a Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) office and fill out the application.

· The purchase must be made between September 28th, 2007 and Sept 24th, 2008.

3) How does the process work?

· Qualifying Small Business purchases a new three-year Microsoft Open Value Agreement through any local or national reseller

· Business owner brings first year invoice and documentation of federal/state assistance application to LSBDC

· LSBDC enters agreement number and other pertinent information into Microsoft web-based application and faxes copy of invoice to Microsoft

· Business owner leaves SBDC with "receipt" for their application, printed off the Microsoft web app

· Microsoft processes the application to validate the agreement, etc.

· If approved, Microsoft issues a check for the 1st year payment and sends it to reseller with SBDC cover letter

· Microsoft informs the SBDC that the check is cut or, if it's not approved, the reasons why not

· LSBDC informs small business that the process is complete

4) What purchases qualify for this program?

a. New three-year Open Value License + Software Assurance (L+SA) purchases made between September 28th, 2007 and Sept 24th, 2008 by qualifying Small Businesses.

5) Do Software Assurance only purchases or renewals, or any other purchasing program except a new Open Value L+SA purchase qualify?

a. No, Software Assurance (SA) only, OEM, Retail Box/Full-Package Product (FPP), Academic, Charity, Open Business, Select, Enterprise Agreement, or any other licensing program would not qualify.

You can view some additional information on this Program below:

LSBDC Joins Microsoft and Senator Mary Landrieu to Launch Relief for Small Businesses in Louisiana

2007-10-18T01:08:06Z

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Microsoft was among the first companies to pledge to help New Orleans and other flood-ravaged areas rebuild. In a landmark deal brokered by Senator Mary Landrieu, Microsoft has announced it will offer additional financial relief for small businesses affected by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Read more about this program at http://www.lsbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1160

Let me try to put some money in your pocket TODAY! Read on...

2007-10-10T16:42:46Z

Stop discounting your services AND sell more quicker!

I want to take a moment to remind you to leverage Microsoft dollars in your next proposal.

You may already qualify to get paid up to:

$30,000 per customer who purchases Microsoft Office
$55,000 per customer who purchases SQL Server 2005
$10,000 per customer who purchases Windows Server 2008
..and MORE!!!

Learn more about our current customer promotions (many expiring in December) and how Microsoft pays YOU as you help your customers succeed. Do not leave money on the table! Close more deals with our sales promotions today by visiting:

http://www.microsoftincentives.com/

Combine these promotions with Microsoft Financing and get paid UPFRONT when you engage us to finance the services, hardware and software that are part of your solution. Also, check out their latest financing promotions at:

https://www.microsoftfinancing.com/

Virtual Licensing Bootcamp

2007-10-10T16:29:06Z

Join Us For Our First Virtual Licensing Bootcamp

Thursday, October 18, 2007 9:00 AM Central Time (US & Canada), 120 minutes

Presented by Kelly Fink, the Microsoft Marketing Development Specialist at Ingram Micro and Darren Harbaugh, Partner Community Manager at Microsoft.

Licensing can be a very confusing topic that raises a lot of questions.

· What are the different licensing programs?

· What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

· Which one is the right one for my client?

· Is each product licensed differently?

· How do I know if I’m quoting my customer correctly for licensing?

· And, most importantly, how does licensing help me make money?

If you have ever asked one or more of these questions, then we can help.

Earn Additional Income. Build Continuing Revenue. Expand Your Services

Discover, learn and take advantage of the opportunities offered by Microsoft^® Licensing. This live webcast bootcamp will help build your capabilities in the areas of Open License, Open Value and Financing Options. The new pricing and licensing for 2007 Office and Vista will be included. The entire session will also be infused by the most common licensing scenarios.

You should attend IF:

· You are a reseller or interested in learning more about Microsoft Licensing

· You are a Sales Manager, Sales or Tech Sales role in your organization

· You are looking for basic Volume Licensing “101” knowledge or have attended a previous Microsoft licensing boot camp and are looking for a licensing “refresher”

Register today by visiting: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032353774&EventCategory=2&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US

New Promotions and Offers to Help You Close Business!

2007-09-21T14:47:31Z

What
Find out about new sales and services promotions that Microsoft is currently offering its customers.

When
October 2, 2007 at 9 AM PST

October 4, 2007 at 9 AM PST

Where
Live Meeting

Attend this webcast to learn more about the new promotions, offers, and programs that Microsoft has available to help you close business and provide more value add to your customers.

Please join us for a live 1 hour webcast to learn more about some of the key offers in market today that you can leverage across a myriad of Microsoft Solutions including Microsoft Office, SQL Server, Windows Client, Exchange Server, and more.

If you want to know more about the incentives and promotions that are currently available, sign up for the October 2nd webcast here, or the October 4th webcast here.

Microsoft can pay you up to $30,000 per customer!

2007-09-10T21:17:21Z

Now until January 31, 2008, customers can get a subsidy of up to US$150 per license when they purchase qualifying open licenses for Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007, Office Professional Plus 2007, or Office Small Business 2007. When they redeem the offer, Microsoft will send out a check made out to the qualifying partner of their choice.

More information at http://www.microsoftincentives.com/OfficePromo/