Microsoft West Region Partner Community Area : Newsletter

Building a Microsoft based Information Worker Business

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:08:48 GMT

http://cid-e0867f061b7c8e88.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public?uc=1

please go to my skydrive to download this PDF, great study

Mark Your Calendar! WWPC

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:15:38 GMT

Announcing Worldwide Partner Conference 2008: Houston, Texas

I’m excited to announce that Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference will take place July 7 – 10^th, 2008 in Houston. Texas. The fourth largest city in the United States is also one of the most culturally rich in the nation. Home to 87 consulates, the third-largest consular corps in the nation, Houston is a major U.S. hub for international business and trade. Houston further boasts industry leadership in energy, information technology, medicine, and even space exploration. The city is hip. Diverse. And offers a world-class art scene and the kind of cuisine foodies crave. Read what Houston-based Microsoft partners have to say about their community.

No More Cold Calling

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:35:01 GMT

Why does referral selling work so much better than cold calling?

Visit our website

I could spend the next few paragraphs telling you why, but instead I'm going to refer you to two of the Web's best resources for salespeople.

These sites feature articles from many of the world's most prominent sales authorities:

Salesopedia.com - the Internet's premier sales Web site, featuring more than 500 articles, blogs, podcasts (check out mine), and videos. Salesopedia is featuring one of my recent articles, There is No Such Thing as a Warm Call. If you sign up for the free Salesopedia newsletter, you will be entered in a drawing to win my book, No More Cold Calling^TM !

Top10Sales Articles.com The Web's best location where time-strapped business captains, sales professionals, and publishers can locate the top sales articles published every week. Each week this site researches and evaluates sales articles submitted to all the main article communities, then culls them until arriving at the ten best pieces of work as judged by a panel of experts. As one of the panelists, I can tell you that making these selections is no easy task. While on this Web site look for my article, Why is Everybody Buying Lists?

My goal is to give people information that will help them get more business. Both of these sites provide fantastic information for anyone in sales. Visit them, then send me a note and tell me how the articles helped you make more sales!

Partner Newsletter

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 16:04:50 GMT

Hot Topics

January 4 - Monthly Certified and Gold Partner Call

Please join Margo Day, Region Vice President, Microsoft SMS&P as we resume the West Region monthly partner calls beginning January 4, 2007 from 10:00-11:00 PST.

Back by popular demand …the Microsoft West Region monthly partner calls designed to give partners the latest sales and marketing information to help drive small and medium sized business efforts into local markets.

This month’s agenda is as follows:

10:00-10:15 – Welcome and RVP Region Update – Margo Day

10:15-10:30 – Marketing and Partner Program Highlights – Cheryl Kelly

10:30-10:50 – Special Guest Speaker (applicable to all partners) - This month’s topic: “L-O-V-E – Launch of Vista Office and Exchange 2007”

10:50-11:00 – Q&A

Click Here to Join Live Meeting

Meeting URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join
Meeting ID: 6FQ339
Meeting Key: zz9@%<WTh
Audio Conferencing (Toll): +1 (203) 480-8000
Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738
Participant Code: 1706357

January 22, 2007 – Partner Speed Dating

9:45 am – 1:00 pm

Microsoft SF Office, The Landmark@One Market, Suite 200

Register: http://www.msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/SearchResults.aspx?culture=en-US&evtID=1032320243&evtTyp=3&lng=en&advFlag=1

Speed Dating for Partners of all categories – SI’s, ISV’s, Dynamics (MBS), App Dev, Registered, Certified, Gold, Training, etc.

Create a "Circle of Trust", establish relationships with a variety of service partners in order to offer your customers the complete solution. Plus, meet several other types of services providers to better understand the types of solutions available. Attendees participate in raffle for gift cards to variety of retailers.

PLUS – our guest speaker for this month is back by popular demand, the author of The Paradox of Excellence, How Great Performance can Kill Your Business, David Mosby. Dave has thirty-five years of experience in high technology includes nearly twenty years in CEO positions. As founder and CEO of InterWorks Software, Inc., a software development firm that creates specialized customer retention and value reinforcement solutions, Dave has built solutions for many Global 2000 companies including DHL, Kaiser Permanente, and Link Logistics/Starbucks. Previously, Dave was president and CEO of Softguard Systems, Inc., a publicly traded software firm where he increased market capitalization 2,500 percent in three years. Prior to that, he was president of The Systems Support Group and has also led teams at SAGE Software, Boole & Babbage, and University Computing Company. He started his technology career at the NSA and Strategic Air Command.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email suzl@microsoft.com

2007 Microsoft Office system: Try it free for 60 days

Try out your choice of suites or programs from the 2007 Microsoft Office release for 60 days. Trial programs contain the same functionality that you get when you buy the perpetual versions, but only for a limited time.

Training Offerings

January 12, 2007 - Optimization Pack

8:30 AM – 9:20 AM (PST)

Learn how to accelerate deployment and increase manageability with the Optimization Pack. This is a new product that features application virtualization, asset inventory services, diagnostics and recovery tools and advanced group policy management.

Attendee Info: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join?id=NQ2PDX&role=attend&pw=8%5CC5rx9X8

Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738 Participant Code: 675400

January 12, 2007 - Microsoft Forefront FY07 Update

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM (PST)

Take this opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the Forefront product line, Microsoft’s family of security products aimed at business customers.

1. Release of Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Forefront Security for Sharepoint.

2. EHS and ISA Server

Forefront reflects Microsoft’s ongoing, strategic commitment to providing comprehensive, end-to-end security for business customers, and helps distinguish Microsoft’s business security products from its consumer-oriented products.

Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server

Multi-engine protection against the latest e-mail threats

Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server includes multiple scan engines from industry-leading security firms integrated in a single solution to help businesses protect their Exchange messaging environments from viruses, worms, and spam. Because it ships with and integrates multiple industry-leading antivirus engines, Forefront Security for Exchange Server provides comprehensive, layered protection against the latest threats.

Attendee Info: https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/SearchResults.aspx?culture=en-US&evtTyp=0&kwdAny=1032323285

Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738 Participant Code: 675400

January 26, 2007 - Enterprise CAL

8:30 AM – 9:10 AM (PST)

The Enterprise CAL was introduce recently and is available in the Select and EA programs. The E-CAL adds additional functionality to the CORE CAL. This session will help you understand how Microsoft positions the E-CAL, we will detail what is included in the new CAL and we will illustrate how to migrate to the new CAL.

Attendee Info: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join?id=3Z43TM&role=attend&pw=8%5CC5rx9X8

Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738 Participant Code: 675400

January 29 , 2007 – SBSC Exam Cram

Partners – Learn it and take the exam in one session!!

If you are:

· A Microsoft partner pursuing your Small Business Specialist certification

· An IT professional working in or consulting with small and medium-sized businesses

· Someone with at least one year of experience designing, deploying, and managing network solutions and utilizing Windows Server 2003

· Interested in brushing up on Small Business Server and gaining Small Business Specialist certification in a quick, cost effective manner

Then this event is for you!

About The Training

Microsoft, through New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, is offering a 3 hour Exam Cram session followed immediately by having students take the two-three hour exam Exam 70-282: Planning, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for the Small and Medium-Sized Business

Jan 29, 2007 8:00AM-2:30PM PST

New Horizons of San Francisco Bay Area, 1798 Technology Drive, Suite 292, San Jose, CA 95110

Target Audience

This event will benefit partners who have at least one year of experience designing, deploying, and managing network solutions in an environment with the following characteristics:

Up to 100 company network connections

Company networks with Internet connectivity

Individual users or user groups that connect to the company network from remote locations

Prerequisites

The focus of the exam cram is to help students brush up primarily on the aspects of Small Business Server that relate to the exam. It is not designed to teach people who have never learned about how Small Business Server operates. Nor is it designed to teach people everything they need to know about Windows Server 2003 networking. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in these areas. The exam itself covers all aspects of the solution, not just Small Business Server.

Course Outline

Go to http://norcalpcm.spaces.live.com/ for details.

Free Exam Retakes

Built into this event will be the opportunity to take the exam a second time at no charge, if for some reason you don’t pass the first time. If you pass the exam on the first try and don’t need the free retake, you will be automatically given a 25% discount on you next exam.

SBSC Corner

Blitz Days

SBSC Partners please join us for a day of Cold Calling in our Microsoft office. Start with a refresher on cold calling, the Technology Assessment Tool, Solution Selling, review of special offers, financing, and rebates; then start calling down on lists provided by Microsoft. Register immediately – only 12 slots available, email suzl@microsoft.com

January 18 – San Francisco (9:00 – 2:00)

January 24 – Sunnyvale (10:00 – 2:00)

January 25 – Sacramento (10:00 – 2:00)

Partner Discounts

MCTS:SQL Server 2005, and MCITP: Database Developer

Unitek offering a 25% discount for Partners that enroll in these events. All 8 courses are here http://www.unitek.com/portal/partner_skills_plus_portal.php.

Dynamics Corner

Upcoming Instructor Led Training for Dynamics GP

Microsoft Dynamics GP Financials & Supply Chain:

http://www.msusapartnerreadinessevents.com/gp

Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 Field Service

http://www.msreadiness.com/IL_abstract.asp?eid=5014739

Microsoft Dynamics GP Business Portal

http://www.msreadiness.com/IL_abstract.asp?eid=5014736

Microsoft Dynamics GP Manufacturing

http://www.msreadiness.com/IL_abstract.asp?eid=5014799

Microsoft Northern California Partner Community Weekly Newsletter

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 17:52:13 GMT

Highly Recommended!!

December 4^th Several Vista sessions on Deployment (exclusive for IAMCP members and SBSC partners), plus Business Readiness Panel (Open to All Partners). Plus….ODD!

Open Door Days Revived!!

By popular demand we’re holding our first ODD in 4 years. Drop by the Microsoft SF office on December 4^th from 11:30 – 1:00 to network with partners and the Microsoft team.

Must Attend!!

SBSC Partners and other Interested in SBS and/or Licensing Made Fun

Mark your calendar for a special (educational and entertaining) session with Eric Ligman, the host of www.lessthancoffee.com and other great sites and blogs. December 13^th from 8:30 – noon.

Vista Load-a-Thon Registration Info Below! Harold Wong is our Host.

Hot Topic

December 4 - Vista Deployment Presented by Chris Henley

December 4th, 2006

8:30 am - 10:25 am

Microsoft San Francisco Office, The Landmark@One Market, Suite 200, San Francisco

Please Register: http://www.msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032319234&culture=en-US

Session overview presented by Chris Henley

1. Windows Vista Deployment Tools

2. Imaging Concepts

3. The deployment process

4. Cool things you can do with Deployment tool outside of deployment.

$25 attendance fee paid at the door (IAMCP members and SBSC partners no fee required).

Chris Henley is a fun and energetic representative of the Microsoft TechNet Team. He is passionate about the way that technology influences people’s lives for good. He spends much of his time showcasing the latest client and server innovations from Microsoft. He has extensive experience in designing, building, and supporting Microsoft networks. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and loves to discuss technology solutions that can change the face of business. Chech out his blog blogs.technet.com/chenley

Breakfast Provided

December 13 - Please join the Microsoft Northern California Team for our 2nd Quarter Partner Briefing.

The Northern California Team cordially invites you to attend the upcoming Northern California Quarterly Partner Briefing Wednesday, December 13 at the Microsoft Silicon Valley Conference Center.

We are very excited to be able to offer partners exclusive tours of the Microsoft Technology Center, a state of the art lab and customer briefing center that partners can use to close customer deals. Come tour the lab and find out more!

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Registration and Tours of Microsoft Technology Center

1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Keynote: Northern California Area Update (to include Vista/Office Updates, partner readiness, launch Event schedules)

Diana Beckman, Area General Manager SMSP

1:45 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. Promos and Licensing Update

Eric Ligman, Senior Marketing Manager

2:25 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Microsoft Technology Center

Ashu Goel, Microsoft Technology Center Director

2:30 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. MSAM Update – Marketing Resources at Your Fingertips

Jonathan White, Regional Engagement Manager

2:35 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Using Microsoft CRM to Increase Your Company’s Sales Velocity and Enhance your Customers’ Satisfaction

Arleigh Taylor, Region MBS Partner Technology Specialist Manager

2:55p.m. – 3:10 p.m. Break

3:10p.m. – 3:30 p.m. SharePoint – Your Key to Driving Increased Revenue across the MS Stack

Subhash Jawahrani, Technology Specialist

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Vista Readiness

Keith Moore, West Region PTS Manager

3:45 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. Northern California Partner Awards

Diana Beckman

4:05 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. Breakout Sessions:

End to End Security Story

Using the Office System and Office Platform as a Key Differentiator for Dynamics partners

Winning with Exchange 2007

4:35 p.m. Informal Networking and Continued Tours

Microsoft Technology Center

Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to expand your own Circle of Trust by meeting your fellow partners who offer complementary products and services.

To confirm your attendance, please register on-line by THURSDAY, December 7, 2006:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032310891&Culture=en-US

Or Call: 1-877-673-8368

Date and Time: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

*Cocktails and hors d’oeuvre will be provided

Location: Microsoft Silicon Valley Conference Center, 1065 La Avenida, Building One, Mt. View, CA 94043

Vista Load-a-Thons

December 15, 2007

Microsoft San Francisco Office, The Landmark@One Market, Suite 200, SF

Friday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

December 18, 2007

Microsoft Silicon Valley Campus, 1065 La Avenida. Mountain View

Monday 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

December 19, 2007

Microsoft Sacramento Office, 8880 Cal Center Dr., Suite 330. Sacramento

Tuesday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Looking for tips and tricks on a perfect Vista load? Want a forum for asking all the questions you have around deploying, implementing and planning for Vista? This is the event for you.

All Partners, system builders, and resellers are welcome to put your hands on the new code for Windows Vista and Office 2007.

Here are the specifics:
- Bring your own laptop (or complete desktop system and monitor, but a laptop is easier).
- If you have the release code for Vista (MSDN, Partner downloads, etc.) bring it.
- We'll provide Vista RC1 DVD if you need it.
- We'll provide Office 2007 install CD.
- We'll provide a Small Business Server 2003 to connect to when your build is complete.

- Meal provided.

Harold Wong from Microsoft will discuss issues, deployment strategies, and cover Q&A. We'll discuss options as well as installation choices. We'll also cover the business side of migrating to Vista.

BONUS: There will be NO slide deck telling you what Vista is. Harold wants to focus on your questions and your issues.

Training Offerings

December 4 - Is your business ready for vista?

10:30 – 11:30 am

Microsoft San Francisco Office, The Landmark@One Market, Suite 200

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032317047&Culture=en-US

Please join the IAMCP for a panel discussion where you can ask the experts first hand all the questions you need to know to get ready to be ready for this People Ready business.

What is Vista?

What does it mean to you?

What does Vista mean to your customers?

What it mean to your enterprise?

How will it impact you?

How will it be deployed?

How will it be maintained?

What are the business benefits?

How will you train your people to support it?

What happens if your clients are ready for Vista and you aren’t?

Will your clients be ready before you?

This is one event you don’t want to miss!

This event will be followed by an Open Door Day J

December 8 - Software Assurance - So Why Is It So Important?

Live Meeting 9:00 – 10:00

Kirk Selby, Northern California Licensing Specialist, will be reviewing Software Assurance benefits with an emphasis on those benefits that can be used when implementing a Microsoft solution in a client account. For instance, the Information Workers Solution Seminar offering will be discussed as a tool to use to help determine high priorities projects in an account.

Register: http://www.msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032318049&EventCategory=2&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US

Live Meeting Info: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join?id=9SSTCB&role=attend&pw=8%5CC5rx9X8

Call in information: 866 500 6738 ID 675400

SBSC Only

December – Blitz Days

SBSC Partners please join us for a day of Cold Calling in our Microsoft office. Start with a refresher on the Technology Assessment Tool, Solution Selling, review of special offers, financing, and rebates; then start calling down on lists provided by Microsoft. Register immediately – only 12 slots available, email suzl@microsoft.com

Register and mark your calendar for additional Blitz Days:

December 6 – Sacramento (10:30 – 2:00)

December 14 – San Francisco (9:00 – 2:00)

December 19 – Sunnyvale (10:00 – 2:00)

Special Session with Eric Ligman December 13th

Mark your calendar for a special training session on Licensing, Benefits of the SBSC program and much more. December 13^th from 8:30 – 12:00. Followed by a open forum lunch discussion.

User Group Corner

BASBiTS SBS 70-282 Exam Cram – December 6th
BASBiTS (SF Bay Area Small Business Information Technology Specialists’ Users Group) is hosting a three hour exam cram on Wednesday, December 6^th starting at 5:30pm in East Palo Alto. Visit www.basbits.net for address and map links. Email Tim Carney at timc@basbits.net or call 408-221-6423.

To prep for the exam cram, we can send you the Harry Brelsford’s & Beatrice Mulzer’s book, Small Business Specialist Primer & 70-282 Exam Preparation Guide. We also have several 70-282 certification exam 30% discount coupons. The coupons expire on 12-31-06 so as soon as you confirm you will attend our exam cram, we will forward you the coupon code and registration information so you can schedule your test.

Costs: $45 includes the book and the food & drinks, or just $10 for the food & drinks.

To become a MS Small Business Specialist, the complete the following steps:

1. Sign up for the BASBiTS’ 3 hour SBS 70-282 Exam Cram – just email timc@basbits.net.

2. Sign up for the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Program https://partner.microsoft.com/productssolutions/windows/40021525

a. Your organization must be a Certified Partner, a Gold Certified Partner, or a Registered Member.

b. Your organization must have a current subscription to Microsoft Action Pack or be currently enrolled in Empower for ISVs. Get the Action Pack - https://partner.microsoft.com/us/actionpack

c. Your organization must employ at least one individual who has passed the Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment.

d. Your organization must employ at least one individual who has passed one of the following technical exams: Microsoft Exam 74-134 OR Microsoft Exam 70-282.

3. To help you pass the 70-282 Exam:

a. Go to http://www.smbnation.com/70-282%20Exam%20Update%20Guide.htm to get the update guide.

b. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-282.asp and register for the exam.

c. Study the book and study the update guide.

d. Go back to the link on step 3 and take the practice test.

e. Bring your money for the book and food to the class on December 6^th.

f. Take the test.

4. Optionally

a. Attend a training or Workshop on SBS http://www.msreadiness.com

b. Enroll in SBS additional training http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/syllabi/2395afinal.asp

Connections and TS2 Events

http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/acrossamerica/

December 05, 2006 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Santa Clara

Dynamics Corner

Microsoft Dynamics CRM: New Addition to Microsoft Dynamics Price Lists
Beginning December 4, Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be available to order via the Microsoft Dynamics price lists. If you sell licenses of Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, or Microsoft Dynamics SL, you now will be able to license a full Microsoft Dynamics suite or cross-sell Microsoft Dynamics within your existing accounts. Learn more now about this exciting opportunity at:
More

Complete the Microsoft Dynamics CRM SPA Addendum
Make sure your organization has completed the necessary paperwork so on December 4th, you can place your Microsoft CRM order with your Microsoft Dynamics order. Download the Microsoft Dynamics CRM SPA addendum at the following location. For additional questions, you can also refer to the SPA guide.
More

Limited Time Promotion for e-Learning
For a limited time, you and your customers can try the same unlimited organizational access to E-Learning that will be available to partners and customers enrolled in a service plan for Microsoft Dynamics.
Between November 20 and December 31, 2006, you and your customers can try e-Learning for Microsoft Dynamics and related business products at no charge. E-Learning consists of interactive, self-paced courses that are available 24 hours a day and cover detailed concepts related to specific topic areas. E-Learning allows you and your customers to gain a level of product knowledge that is comparable to classroom training.
Learn how you and your customers can access eLearning for free during the promotional period, by visiting PartnerSource at:
More

Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM 3.0 Blended Learning Boot Camp
Nov. 6, 2006 – Feb. 9, 2006 Locations Vary
Attend the Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM Blended Learning Boot Camp for Applications, Customization, or Installation & Configuration and you will receive the in-depth technical training you need to prepare for customer scenarios and exam preparation. The blended learning delivery allows you to pick the specific area, or combination of areas, you would like to train on and keep the out-of-office time to a minimum. With this training delivery format you’ll be able to take any combination of the three tracks available.
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Utilizing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 for Marketing – Tips and Tricks
Dec 13, 2006 1:00 PM Pacific
Join your Microsoft team for a 1 hour partner readiness presentation showcasing Microsoft CRM and how you can leverage the marketing functionality embedded within to increase your efficiency and business success. This 1 hour presentation will involve a demonstration with Q&A following and is intended only for Microsoft Partner organizations representing Microsoft CRM or those wanting to learn more.
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Understanding the Opportunities ERP Partners Have to Sell Microsoft Dynamics CRM/Ask the Expert
At WPC 2006 we announced another way to purchase Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Beginning on December 4th 2006, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partners will have the ability to order Microsoft Dynamics CRM via the Microsoft Dynamics Price Lists. Attend a training session to understand the opportunities that ERP Partners have to sell Dynamics CRM into your installed based. To learn more about this new initiative and to sign up for training please visit:
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