Microsoft West Region Partner Community Area : Special Offer

New CRM Online Offer for Eligible Partners

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:39:28 GMT

A significant offer was announced at WPC in Houston this year for the new CRM Online product! Eligible partners can purchase the Professional Plus version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for just $19 per month, per seat – this represents a 60% discount for our partners! All Certified (including Partners who have signed a CSA agreement), Gold, and SBSC Partners are eligible. Availability will begin in August for North America, with world Wide availability to be announced.

Call to Action: Go to the Partner Portal for more information about the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Offer (https://partner.microsoft.com/CRMforPartners). Partners can sign up now with no obligation to purchase

Free Exam Vouchers

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:16:04 GMT

Here is a great offer just announced by the Essential Business Server (EBS) Team. Free beta coupons for the EBS exam by Prometric! And to make it even sweeter, we’ll take an additional 50% off that, so now it’s FREE! Yes, I know that 50% off Free doesn’t really save you anything else, I’m just testing to see who’s really awake this morning. :-)

Here’s what the EBS Team had to say about the offer:

“Beta exams help you to understand what’s involved with running the product and help you get ahead of the pack supporting Essential Business Server 2008.

You may be wondering why we’d give this away? Simple; we want as many people certified as possible, and we want to make sure this exam is set to the right level.”

So, how do you get your FREE vouchers? Simple:

Navigate to http://www.prometric.com/Microsoft/default.htm
Select Schedule/Reschedule
Schedule an appointment
Select your location
Select Microsoft, and then the 070,071,074, 075,076 program
Read the legal content – hit next
Scroll almost all of the way down till you find 071-654 – Windows Essential Business Server 2008, configuring, select and hit next
Choose your test location
Sign in with your Prometric account
Set time, date
Enter promotion code EBS08
Sit your exam

Enjoy!

Zero Payments with Microsoft Financing

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:35:09 GMT

SmartPay from Microsoft offers total IT financing with no payments for six months - allowing you to address your IT infrastructure while retaining critical cash flow.

Get the solid expertise of Microsoft, and the rest of your IT solution, in one streamlined
package with SmartPay. You have the drive, the talent and the passion – let Microsoft help you create the IT infrastructure to launch your path to success. Contact your
partner today to learn how.

www.microsoftfinancing.com - need 1:1 support, email Maria Reines b-marein@microsoft.com

The Invent Your Future Wellness Forum

Wed, 21 May 2008 21:55:32 GMT

NOTE special pricing for our Partners for this GREAT event (feel free to forward this invitation).

Ready to learn some tricks and tips to relieve your stress, improve your brain health and maintain your optimal health and performance? Interested in learning how medical myths are shaping your health decisions?

Join Microsoft, Sutter Health, Burke Williams Spas and Clif Bar & Company at

The Invent Your Future Wellness Forum

Special Registration Rates for Microsoft Employees and Partners! Sign up for the lunch only price ($50) and receive the $95 package including a $25 gift certificate from Burke Williams Spas!

Space is limited – sign up at http://www.inventyourfuture.com/WomensWellnessRegistration.html.

June 2, 12pm-6:30pm
Microsoft Conference Center
Westfield Center
835 Market Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA

FEATURING

Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Chief Medical Editor, NBC News, Author of "Medical Myths That Can Kill You." Learn more
Margaret Sabin, CEO, Sutter Health Partners; Vice President, New Product Development, Sutter Health
Sheryle Bolton, Brain Fitness Software Entrepreneur, Former Chairman & CEO of Scientific Learning Corporation

DISCOVER THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR SUCCESS

You will learn:

The medical truths that will save, extend and improve your life
Foolproof ways to reduce stress at work
How to make choices now that will keep your brain in tip-top shape throughout your life
What parts exercise, nutrition, stress management, and mental stimulation play in maintaining a vibrant mind
How to fit these into our busy schedules

Take a personal day! Join us for lunch with national media personality, Dr. Nancy Snyderman; stay all afternoon and participate in both seminars, join us just for the evening reception, or enjoy all three! For pricing options and to sign up today visit Space is limited.

Why do we need a Forum on Women's Workforce Wellness?

Women are the catalysts for disseminating healthcare information in their offices, homes and communities.
The US spends more than $2 trillion on health care annually and those costs will continue to accelerate if we don't change the way we take care of ourselves!

I do hope you will join us on June 2^nd!

Marketing - Need Help? FREE

Tue, 20 May 2008 16:14:02 GMT

Go to http://www.mspartnerdirect.com/mktghelp/ there are resources available to help you today with how to use marketing materials and services that can help you identify sales opportunities, generate demand, and grow your customer base - call your regional marketing specialist!!

Volunteer Opportunity: Bellevue, Seattle Area

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:43:53 GMT

My name is Wes Yanaga, and I am the new Partner Evangelist for Microsoft, in the Western Region of the United States. My goal is to improve the experience of our custom development partners. My first step is to understand the challenges you face as a Microsoft custom development partner. I am interested in talking with smaller partners that don't get a lot of direct contact with Microsoft. I will use your feedback as a starting point to help us move forward in improving your satisfaction working with Microsoft.

I am creating an advisory council in Bellevue, WA on June 11 from 11AM-1PM. I have room for 20 attendees for each location. Lunch and a special gift will provided for your participation.

Here are a few of the areas where I would like your feedback:

1) If we were able to fix three things what would they be?

2) Information/communication too much, too little, too hard to find (MSDN, MS Partner Site, microsoft.com etc.)

3) Training how do you educate yourself on new and existing Microsoft technologies? What works or doesn’t work

4) Partner Program issues - What’s working not working

If you would like to secure a reservation - please email me at wesy@microsoft.com

The meeting logistics are as follows:

Date: June 11, 2008

Time: 11AM-1PM

Location:

Microsoft

Civica Office Building
205 108th Ave. NE, Suite 400
Bellevue, WA 98004

Thank You,

Wes

Wes Yanaga

Partner Evangelist - Developer and Platform Evangelism

Microsoft Corporation-Silicon Valley Campus

1065 La Avenida - Sunnyvale/2006

Mountain View, CA 94043

650-693-2104

650-678-1217 (c)

Bigger Big Easy - Incentive Program

Tue, 06 May 2008 01:25:19 GMT

The BIG Easy just got Bigger - More Offers. an easy way to understand what's included - watch this recorded Live Meeting training session.

https://www112.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/view?id=Bigger+Big+Easy

Remember - if you aren't offering these discounts, your competitor is!!

Increase Your Visibility with Customers: Use the Partner Solution Profiler

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:35:32 GMT

Business growth depends on generating leads and finding qualified prospects. When you profile your solutions and services, you can promote them to the more than 170,000 customers who search Microsoft.com for technology experts every month. Call to Action: Profile yourself today using the Profile Tool on Microsoft.com! https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40010922

Discover How to Sell Open Value and Win Prizes!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:45:44 GMT

Join us to learn how Northwest Area Microsoft Resellers can expand their portfolio and increase customer satisfaction by selling Open Value. In an economic downturn, selling smart is a necessity. Let us show you low cost high value sales scenarios that will excite your customers and improve your bottom line.

Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM PDT
Take advantage of this webcast to expand your business today: Register here: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8813420

After attending this webcast you will be able to:

1. Combine several hot offers to create a multiplier affect

2. Leverage proven sales scenarios that win

3. Start selling Open Value today

New sales & services promotions Microsoft is currently offering its customers.

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:49:13 GMT

May 14, 2008 at 9 AM PST

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=246405

May 16, 2008 at 9 AM PST

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=246406

Attend this Live Meeting 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.

Microsoft is launching an exciting consolidated offer across products that will mean more dollars for both you and your customers! Please join us for a live 1 hour webcast to learn more about this offer and also 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. This webcast is a great opportunity to understand how best to leverage these offers in your customer conversations.

Open Value Challenge - Easy Money $$$

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:41:48 GMT

check my skydrive for the contest - it really is easy to get money from Microsoft!

http://cid-e0867f061b7c8e88.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Microsoft%20Special%20Offers

Would you like to sell more Microsoft products and get a chance at a great prize?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:09:52 GMT

Two round trip airplane tickets to anywhere in the United States or…
A Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV or…
A Callaway Golf Club set

Then take part in the Northwest Reseller Open Value Challenge!

For Full Contest Overview, go to: https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40057992

To qualify for this challenge, you must view the following on demand webcast:

Title: Want to make more money and earn happier customers?
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032368611&EventCategory=3&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
OR

Download: PowerPoint slide deck https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40058526

Extra Tip -- Triple Up on $$$ – Use the Big Easy for Incentive Funds, VAR Rebate to get money back, and Earn Easy Cash with our Northwest Challenge. Ask about Business Incentive Funds

Why the challenge?

We want to make sure you're getting maximum benefit from your Microsoft relationship. Showing you the benefits of reselling Open Value is just one more way we help you succeed. If you're already a reseller, this challenge is a chance to bring you up to speed on recent changes to the program.

The challenge makes teaching you about Open Value fun and gives you a chance at prizes too…so your customer gets a better experience, and you get a chance at a reward.

Who is the challenge for?

The Open Value Reseller Challenge is for both existing Open Value resellers and those partners who aren't yet. Sign up to become an Open Value reseller, and you'll get $100 if you're one of the first 100 to sell Open Value to a customer. All Open Value reseller participants—new and existing—are eligible for the grand prize. Simply generate the most revenue associated with Open Value and you'll be able to choose from three grand prize choices:

Two round trip airplane tickets to anywhere in the United States or…
A Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV or…
A Callaway Golf Club set

How do I play?

Step 1: Qualify for the challenge by attending the on demand webcast Make More Money and Earn Happier Customers to learn more about being an Open Value reseller, and to sharpen your skill set if you already sell Open Value.

Step 2: If you don't already have one, establish a relationship with at least one Microsoft distributor.

Step 3: Bookmark this page so you can return here after the webcast to review the rules, then download and read terms and conditions.

Step 4: Sell Open Value solutions! Learn more about Open Value at http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/open/openvalue.mspx.

Step 5: New Open Value resellers, claim your prize! After selling Microsoft Open Value, return to this page to print, complete and fax in the claim form. If you're one of the first 100 new Open Value resellers to fax in the form, you'll win $100.00 in American Express Gift Checks and be eligible to win the grand prize of your choice. Continue reading for details.

All Open Value resellers (existing and new) can compete for the grand prize! Simply generate and submit claims for the most revenue associated with Open Value during the contest and be eligible to win the grand prize of your choice: two round trip tickets to anywhere in the United States, or a Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV, or a Callaway Golf Club set.

What is Open Value?

The Microsoft Open Value licensing program provides your small (1-25 PCs) and mid-market (25 or more PCs) customers with simplified license tracking, a more controlled upgrade cycle, and improved management of software costs. Open Value also provides Software Assurance benefits, the ability to spread payments annually, and tools and training.

What does Open Value mean for resellers?

Reselling Open Value helps you build and maintain stronger customer relationships as you drive additional services and revenue.

The challenge runs just March 1st to June 30th, 2008 so get ready now!

Understanding Microsoft Offers - PPT

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:41:10 GMT

Want to understand how to present the many Microsoft offers available to your customers? Please review the newest slide deck on my skydrive

http://cid-e0867f061b7c8e88.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Microsoft%20Partner%20Files/Q4_Making%20It%20Real%20Core%20IO%20and%20Collab_FINAL.pptx

titled: Q4_Making It Real Core IO and Collab

Save Up to add’l $200 with TechData

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:43:51 GMT

Receive $100 off your first qualifying Microsoft licensing order through 6/27/08

Tech Data offers the innovative Microsoft products your customer need, along with the service and support that simplify the sourcing process. Our dedicated product sales champions, software licensing specialists, product managers and systems engineers make it easy to quickly identify, purchase and deploy the right solutions and navigate Microsoft programs.

It pays to buy Microsoft! Leverage the following stackable promotions:
Take advantage of Open Value VAR rebates! Get up to 30 percent back on any Open Value License or Open Value Subscription order!

The Big Easy Offer
Get your share of more than $10 million in partner subsidy funds available, covering Microsoft's core products and solutions.

Microsoft Licensing is one of the most cost-effective ways to deploy Microsoft solutions in your customer base. Let our dedicated Microsoft team take the mystery out of licensing for you!

(TD#s 75039B, 75561B, 77129B, 25365E, 25440E, 25645E, 25467E, 34956H, 34961H, 69145I)

Order now!

Visit Tech Data's dedicated Microsoft Team at 800-237-8931, ext. 82031, opt. 7
or Microsoft@techdata.com.

PS. If you sign up as a new reseller, the $100 registration fee will be waived.

To submit an application to become a Tech Data Reseller customer AND get the start up fee waived, please follow these steps...

• Navigate to www.techdata.com - if asked to select a country, just press the GO button to be taken to the home page

• In the left navigation pane, click the '+' sign for 'Doing Business with Us'

• Select the 'Reseller' link

• On the new page, click the 'Start Now' link at your convenience, after reading more about Tech Data's services and solutions

• On this new page, the first bullet point is a link to the Reseller Application. (Please note it requires Acrobat Reader)

• Once you've completed the application (we suggest completing all data online before printing and signing), fax to the Microsoft team here: 727-532-6010. Please be sure to affix a cover-page with Contact Information AND note they you were referred by Suzanne Lavine/Patrick Duroseau as TechData will try to let you know as soon as they get notified your account is set up.

• TechData will forward your application to New Accounts: newaccounts@techdata.com advising them that Microsoft is going to cover your $100 Start Up Fee.

• That's it!!

TechEd – Discount Offer

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:40:08 GMT

As a highly valued and strategic partner, I'd like to offer you a discounted pass for $1195 ($800 saving) to Tech·Ed North America 2008 Developers, June 3-6 in Orlando, FL.

In addition, you will receive complimentary exam testing valued at $125.00.

With 342 Breakout Sessions, 146 Hands-on Labs, and 224 Interactive Theatre Sessions located throughout the Technical Learning Center, this year's Tech·Ed is your opportunity to go deep into Microsoft products and solutions—including:

 Microsoft^® Visual Studio^® 2008

 Microsoft^® SQL Server^® 2008

 Microsoft^® Windows Server^® 2008

All this great learning in one place can prepare you for the exams required to earn a Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) designation. With this special complimentary testing you can train, test and become certified in four days. This year we have made it easy for you to see what tracks https://www.msteched.com/dev/public/tracks.aspx align to help prepare you to meet your competency goals.

And to kick off this year's first Developers event you will hear from Bill Gates, as a developer himself speak about the future of software development. This opportunity and exclusive invite is one you don't want to miss.

Follow the instructions below to register for a full conference pass at a discounted rate of $1195.00. For more information—including session details and even more reasons to be part of the experience—visit

http://www.microsoft.com/teched2008/.

Please note that I can hold this discount for you only until May 23 , 2008

How to register for your full conference pass AND complimentary exam testing through the Microsoft Certified testing center

 Visit the Tech·Ed North America 2008 Developers registration page. http://www.microsoft.com/events/teched2008/developer/default.mspx Click "New registration for full conference using RSVP code." (It's the second bullet point.) Use RSVP code ATGNYF4Y1 and click "Register Now."

 Please note your Tech·Ed user ID and password for future modification to your Tech·Ed registration. You will not need your RSVP code again.

 Should you need any registration assistance, contact Microsoft Tech·Ed Registration Headquarters at teched2008@microsoft.crgevents.com.

How to pre register for your complimentary exam test

To pre- register for exams. Note: An exam fee will appear until you enter the correct MSPP TechEd attendee promo code (TE08MSPP – for all MCP exams, TEMBSMSP – for all Dynamics exams) which adjusts the exam fee to the special MSPP TechEd 2008 conference attendee rate of $0.00 (no charge). Discount valid only for tests taken by conference attendees onsite at the event.

New to Reselling? Just Signing Up?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:45:42 GMT

We have several promotions if you are just getting signed up as a reseller. Email me if you would like more information on becoming a reseller OR if you just signed up in the last 6 weeks, email me as well.

suzl@microsoft.com

Microsoft Incentives - One Slide

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:55:37 GMT

http://cid-e0867f061b7c8e88.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public

Go to my Skydrive and download this helpful slide that lists all of the incentive you can take advantage of in one view - recommend printing out and putting next to your phone, plus take a copy to review how you can save money for your prospects and customers.

Interact Offer from Doug Spindler

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:52:41 GMT

I ran out of tickets to Interact 2008 in San Diego and asked Microsoft for more. And to my surprise they gave me 10 more.

https://www.interact08.com/main.aspx

If you would like to attend email me doug@pacitpros.org and I'll send you one. Airfare to San Diego is $39 on Southwest from Oakland. The Interact hotel is $250 a night. I'm thinking if some of us got together and rented a car we could stay 10-15 minutes away at a $50-$100 night hotel.)

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:48:07 GMT

There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.

He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio.

He had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers.

But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.

He stood by the side of the road and cried, "Buy a hot dog, Mister."

People bought.

He increased his meat and roll orders.

He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.

He finally got his son home from college to help him out.

But then something happened.

His son said: "Father, haven't you been listening to the radio?

There's a big recession coming on. The Middle East situation is terrible. The domestic situation is worse."

That made his father think: "Well my son's been to college,

he reads the papers, and he listens to the radio, he ought to know."

So the father cut down on his meat and rolls orders,

took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand on the highway to sell his good hot dogs.

Sales fell fast, almost overnight.

"You're right son," the father said to the boy. We are certainly

in the middle of a great recession. There just isn't any business."

(Need we point out the moral?)

This was received in 1974….

Submitted by:

Ken Thoreson

Acumen Management Group, Ltd

423-884-6328

Ken@acumenmgmt.com

www.acumenmgmt.com

Read this and send me an email to suzl@microsoft.com with "Sales Are Up" in the Subject line and I'll enter you in a drawing for several gift certificated. Please include your area code since I have some geographic specific gift cards.

Gear Up Toolkit

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:15:08 GMT

order Gear-Up Toolkit at: https://www.ccsprinting.net/ASPv2/MSSalesToolKit/Files/login.asp

Calling Partner Who Focus on Custom Development

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:30:08 GMT

if you are a partner who focuses on Custom Development, please contact me regarding a roundtable opportunity with our Developer Team. email matchnc@microsoft.com

Thank you

Discover the real value of reselling Open Value

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:03:29 GMT

Reselling Open Value doesn't mean just excellent Microsoft reselling opportunities. For a short time only, it means the potential to win money, or the chance at a grand prize!

To qualify for this challenge, you must participate in the following webcast:

Title: Want to make more money and earn happier customers?
Date: March 18th
Time: 9am-10am PDT
Register: Register here for the web cast

If you're not yet an Open Value reseller
Start reselling Open Value and you could win...

A $100.00 American Express Gift Check
Two roundtrip airplane tickets to anywhere in the United States or...
A Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV or...
A Callaway Golf Club set

If you're already an Open Value reseller
Keep reselling Open Value and you could win...

Two roundtrip airplane tickets to anywhere in the United States or...
A Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV or...
A Callaway Golf Club set

Introducing the Northwest Reseller Open Value Challenge!
This challenge is for new or existing Open Value resellers in the Northwest Region who want to learn about increasing license and services sales through Microsoft Open Value.

For new Open Value resellers, prizes include $100.00 American Express Gift Checks. And both new and existing Open Value resellers are eligible for the grand prize! Simply be the person who generates the most revenue associated with Open Value during the time of the challenge to win.*

"We're seeing a 15-25 percent growth in service revenue that we can trace back directly to the software included in Open Value."
--Tom Rash, President, Northwest Computer Support

The challenge runs just March 1st to May 31st, 2008 so get ready now!

*New resellers who resell Open Value can win one of 100 $100 American Express Gift Checks and be eligible to win the grand prize: two roundtrip airplane tickets to anywhere in the U.S., or a Pioneer KURO 50" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV, or a Callaway Golf Club set. (The $100.00 American Express Gift checks are limited to one gift check award for each individual who is a new reseller of Open Value. There is also a limit of three individual winners per new Open Value reseller organization.) Existing resellers are eligible for the grand prize only. The grand prize will be awarded to the top individual participant who has the largest amount of total revenue associated with valid Open Value claims submitted to the challenge Claim Processing center using the challenge claim forms. You'll download a complete description of the challenge terms and conditions after viewing the webcast.

Forward this e-mail to a colleague.

Set and Manage Your Communication Preferences
Get the partner-related information you want from Microsoft
1) Sign in to the Microsoft Partner Program portal with the Windows Live ID (Passport) used to enroll in the program;
2) Select "View Your Membership Account" and "Membership Center";
3) From "Your Individual Account Page," choose "Edit Profile"*;
4) Scroll down to "Your Communication Options", and select your contact preferences for the areas listed;
5) To save your preferences, click the checkbox and then select the "Update" button at the bottom of the page.

* Individuals who are the Global or Local Administrator for their organization will have a slightly different experience. In the grey bar near the top of the page, select "Administration", then "Manage Your Individual Profile", then follow steps 4 and 5.

Trouble accessing the Microsoft Partner Program portal link?
You may be signed in with a Windows Live ID (Passport) account not associated with your Microsoft Partner Program membership. Sign out of any other Live ID-enabled sites, and then sign in with the credentials used to enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. If you still can not open the link, please contact our support team. You will receive a response within 24 hours (Monday-Friday, Pacific Time).

Want to make more money and earn happier customers?

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:25:09 GMT

Date: March 18^th

Time: 9am-10am PST

Register: Register here for the web cast http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032368610&EventCategory=2&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US

Presenter: Julie Leers, Area Sales Manager, Northwest, Microsoft Corporation

Event Overview:

Help your customers focus on what they really care about: their business. Participate in this exclusive event designed to teach partners how to make more money by reselling Microsoft products with Open Value.

“We’re seeing a 15-20 percent growth in service [attach] revenue that we can

trace back directly to the software included in Open Value.”

— Tom Rash, President, Northwest Computer Support

Looking for Leads? Calling all NorCal Partners

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:15:11 GMT

Attend one of our Product & Licensing sessions - walk away with some "suspects & prospects".

Northern California Partner Licensing Bootcamps

Hosted by Microsoft & TechData

Participate in an interactive Product & Licensing Seminar and learn how to earn additional income and expand your services business!

Demonstrating your expertise in providing licensing solutions and services around Unified Communications and Windows Server 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 seminar 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.

This half day, interactive event will help build your capabilities in the areas of Unified Communications, Windows Server, Open License, Open Value and Financing Options. You are invited to join

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

Attendees will be entered in a Raffle for Windows Vista Ultimate or Office Ultimate 2007 at each location!

Agenda:

8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Welcome & Introductions

Business Value of Unified Communications to Customers

Business Value of Buying Windows Server now ahead of the release of 2008

Licensing & SA Benefits

Tools & Resources to Help you sell!

Q & A

Three Locations To Choose From:

March 17 – Silicon Valley Campus

1065 La Avenida
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 693-4000

Please click here

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032367395&Culture=en-US

March 18 – Sacramento

300 Capital Mall
Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 369-3600

Please click here

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032367398&Culture=en-US

March 19 – San Francisco

835 Market Street

Suite 700

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 972-6400

Please click here

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032367400&Culture=en-US

Looking for SBSCs in Northern California San Jose Area

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:18:52 GMT

I am working with the Small Business Development Center to make some special offers to their class attendees. I am looking for a couple of South Bay SBSC partners interested in teaming with me to promote the Big Easy Offer to their database. Please email suzl@microsoft.com if you are interested.

Forefront Client Security – Midmarket Promos

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:15:28 GMT

New Forefront Client Security Promotions: 25%-35% off Beginning February 1st!

Launching February 1st to WW FCS promotions in Open & Select:

• Competitive Upgrade Promotion: 25% off Forefront Client Security!

Customers don't have to wait for the end of their Antivirus contract to switch to Microsoft Forefront Client Security. They can buy Forefront Client Security without any upfront licensing cost, and with this promotion, they can save 25% on their Forefront Client Security subscription.

• Security & Management Promotion: 35% off Forefront Client Security for SMS/SCCM Customers

As security and management get more and more integrated, customers can standardize on Microsoft for both. They can upgrade their AV/AS solution to Microsoft Forefront Client Security without any upfront licensing cost, and if they have already purchased SMS/SCCM standalone, they can save 35% on their Forefront Client Security subscription.

Deal runs Feb. 1 through July 31, 2008. Click here for more information.

Looking For a Few Good Case Studies

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:43:01 GMT

While we won't pay big bucks, there are some gift cards in your future if you have a customer case study around one of these three areas:

*Upgrade the Desktop,

*Security & Reliability, or

*Dynamics CRM.

Email suzl@microsoft.com

Here's the info we'll be looking for:

Customer information

Customer Situation:

- Describe this customer’s type of business, in no more than two sentences:

- What kind of process or technology problems did the customer face:

- What technology had the customer been using:

- How did the problem impact the company’s efficiency, profitability, productivity or customer relations (provide dollar amounts or percentages where available):

The Solution:

- What specific expertise and/or services did the partner use to develop the solution for the customer?

- What Microsoft technology did the partner use to resolve the problems:

- How did the partner go about implementing the solution(s):

- From the start of implementation, how long did it take before the customer started using the new solution(s):

The Results:

- How did the solution change the customer’s business:

- What measurable results, if any, did the customer experience (cost reduction, speed, etc.):

- What anecdotal results have you seen or heard about (brief stories of how the new applications affected the work force or improved a product/service):

Total Tech Makeover

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:38:09 GMT

https://www.sbsummit.com/tech-makeover.aspx

Do you know of a small business who needs help getting the technology they need to run their business and are willing to tell their story. Refer them to this site!

Northern California Partners Only! Open House

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:24:54 GMT

Please mark your calendar today for our February 27th Open House and Partner Briefing at our NEW San Francisco Office, 2 PM - 5 PM. Executive overview and networking with refreshments!!

The Big Easy Offer

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:12:17 GMT

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!

The Big Easy Offer provides you an opportunity to reach new and existing customers with a cost-effective way to buy the latest Microsoft® technology. With a qualifying purchase*, your customers receive partner subsidy dollars to spend with you on additional services and products you provide. This helps you grow your revenue and secure your place as a trusted advisor.

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

Where
Sign up for one of the six Big Easy Offer webcasts available in January and February. Click here to choose a date most convenient for you. http://www.msreadiness.com/bigeasy

* Offer open to qualifying U.S. commercial and government organizations participating in eligible licensing programs. Partner subsidy dollars will be awarded for qualified purchases between Feb. 1, 2008 and June 27, 2008. Purchases must be registered by July 31, 2008 and subsidy dollars expire 90 days after issue date. Subsidy dollar amounts depend on many factors. For this information and minimum/maximum purchase requirements and other restrictions see full terms & conditions at http://www.microsoftincentives.com/bigeasy/terms.aspx (available on 2/1/08).

Server 2008

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:00:57 GMT

Hope those of you in N. CA are surviving the weather!!

Passing along this good news to you…download the Hyper-V Beta of Windows Server 2008. This is Microsoft's key Virtualization solution!!

This beta release brings much of the functionality expected to be in the final production version of Hyper-V when it is available. Remember, the plan of record is for Hyper-V (formerly known as Windows Server virtualization) to be released within 180 days of the RTM of Windows Server 2008. Because the Hyper-V beta was not expected to be available until Windows Server 2008 RTM, this announcement represents a huge opportunity for us to get evaluations going up to 2 months earlier than expected.

More detail:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/virtualization/default.mspx

Want more information on Windows Server 2008? www.msreadiness.com/westregion