UK ISV Blog

Windows Azure - technical briefings for Microsoft partners Jan 2009

kirstys — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:02:20 GMT

The Developer & Platform Group at Microsoft are pleased to announce a series of technical briefings, targeted at our Microsoft ISVs and start-up partners, focused on the cloud based Azure Services Platform, first announced at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles in October 2008. This event will cover:

· Windows Azure – The operating system for the Cloud

· .Net and Live Services – Mesh, Service Bus, Access Control and Workflow.

· SQL Data Services and data access

· Next Steps

The briefings will consist of technical discussion, demos and interactive discussion and will focus on how Azure can be used as a platform for development. The sessions will be small, typically less than 25, to keep the flow of conversation going, and are suitable for Technical Decision Makers, Application Architects, Senior Developers and CTOs. There will be time after the event for more detailed one to one discussions on any topics related to this session.

For more information about Azure, please visit http://www.azure.com/

For any questions about the event and its format and content, please email ukdev@microsoft.com

20 January 2009, Reading

Invitation Code: 66DD7F

22 January 2009, London

Invitation Code: 8142F0

Harnessing the potential of SQL Server 2008: An Event for Microsoft ISV partners, 2nd Dec

kirstys — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:21:06 GMT

SQL Server 2008 is the latest version of the Microsoft data platform and can offer significant benefits to your business. If you are a Gold, Certified or Registered Microsoft partner we would welcome your attendance at this event.

At this short but content packed event we will detail how to make the move to SQL Server 2008 and why your organisation should consider doing so. In the current climate of economic uncertainty we are focused on driving value for our partners and customers through our products and SQL Server 2008 is no exception. To understand the potential of this new product and how some ISVs have already harnessed this then join us on 2nd December and learn more.

Click here to register or 0870 166 6680 and quote reference number 2967.

To get a taste of SQL Server 2008 prior to the event, please visit:

Leverage Microsoft Financing to give customers payment flexibility

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:18:25 GMT

Microsoft Financing provides a single financing resource for all of your customers' IT needs. Unlike traditional financing, Microsoft Financing will finance 100 per cent of eligible Microsoft, third-party and ISV software - as well as partner services and hardware - with no hidden costs!

Microsoft Financing

Get your software development off the ground for just £260

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:16:54 GMT

You’ve got the expertise. The passion. The drive. So what’s stopping you from developing? The cost? With our incredible offer for software developers, you can benefit from software, support and other resources to help you dramatically lower your development costs. Key benefit is MSDN Premium Subscription.

Get your product to market faster

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:12:24 GMT

Take advantage of access to Software Development Kits, testing vouchers, technical support assistance, search advertising discounts…..& more to help you gain a quicker return on your development investment.

IDC Presents How You Can Improve Your Business Performance

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:10:18 GMT

Is your company doing everything it can to protect your bottom line and drive profits? In this webcast, IDC Group VP Stephen Graham presents key findings from a recent IDC (Microsoft-commissioned) study on the topic of Microsoft ISV partner profitability. Graham discusses key performance indicators of successful software companies and what you can do to achieve stronger business performance.

View IDC webcast

Experience Internet Explorer 8

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:08:37 GMT

More business applications are Web-based, making browser choice a critical decision for you and your customers. Windows® Internet Explorer® 8 provides a more trusted and reliable Web platform. Take a look at innovative new features —including Accelerators, Web Slic.es, and Improved Search - & download beta 2.

Visit the Internet Explore 8 page

Download the Web Experience Trial

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:07:13 GMT

Find a trial introduction to the Microsoft Web platform all in one place. This newly created virtual image has an improved user interface for easy installation and is loaded with trial software, including Windows Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional, and Microsoft Expression Studio 2.

3.9 GB download

Turning economic challenges into opportunity – together

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:04:46 GMT

Microsoft VP, Allison Watson, discusses how building on great relationships; low cost, high performance Microsoft solutions; and Partner Program resources can create demand.

View webcast

Announcing the Azure Services Platform

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:03:06 GMT

The Azure Services Platform is an industry-leading move by Microsoft to help developers build the next generation of applications that will span from the cloud to the enterprise datacenter and deliver compelling new experiences across the PC, Web and phone. Read this press release and watch an on-demand webcast of Microsoft chief technology officer Ray Ozzie's keynote speech at Microsoft's PDC 2008, where he introduced Windows Azure.

Azure Services Platform

The "Magic Of Software" technology briefings – slots available.....

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:58:18 GMT

The Microsoft UK Developer team are offering a new series of technology briefings entitled “The Magic of Software”, to showcase some of the latest and most exciting software coming out of Microsoft, and explore how that software could be used in your own applications.

Book here

Influence UK technology policies that impact your business

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:54:54 GMT

Voices for Innovation (VfI) is a network of business leaders dedicated to supporting public policies that promote business success, innovation and economic growth. Partners who join VfI will learn how policy issues affect them, voice opinion and engage in discussions ranging from the environment, citizenship, and the economic outlook.

Join Voices for Innovation & be heard

Integrate Microsoft products into your applications

kirstys — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:53:10 GMT

The Microsoft ISV Royalty Licensing Programme offers a convenient way to integrate Microsoft licensed products into your software business applications, replicate the business solution and distribute a fully licensed solution to your customers. Check this out, there is also GBP pricing.

ISV Royalty Licensing

Regional Partner Events – North (6 Nov) & Midlands (7 Nov)

kirstys — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:50:16 GMT

The Microsoft partner team is on the road to deliver virtualisation and unified communications updates, together with the opportunity around Software plus Services, to our Gold & Certified Partners.

Partners will receive research and market insight first hand, specifically covering market influencers, drivers and key considerations to help develop and broaden value propositions to the market. There will also be networking opportunities for partners as well as a technology direction view.

Dates & locations are:

North of England – November 6 2008, IOD Manchester 09.30 to 14.00

Midlands – November 7 2008, Chateau Impney, Worcestershire 09.30 to 14.00

*These events are for Gold & Certified Microsoft Partners*

The Route to SaaS and Beyond - final seminar places remain......2nd Oct 08

kirstys — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:28:11 GMT

Update to a previous post to advise that final places remain for a free half-day seminar: “The Route to SaaS and Beyond” 2^nd October 2008 @ Microsoft London.

This advisory session and networking lunch has specifically been built to provide ISV’s with tips and strategic advice on moving to a profitable Software as a Service (SaaS) strategy.

Hear from Rackspace SaaS client Xero, as well as Microsoft, Mural Consulting and Collectsoft on the key steps to move to a SaaS strategy and beyond.

We will also be on hand during the buffet lunch to answer your questions individually and confidentially.

Find answers to questions such as:

· Why make the move to SaaS?

· How is SaaS going to expand my software revenues?

· How to securely deliver multi-tenanted software online?

· How will my licensing and revenue model be impacted?

· Why traditional funding doesn’t work and how to overcome the funding gap

· How to develop a new sales model for software delivered as a service

Click to view the full agenda and to register