Hit the ground running

Google Apps Vs BPOS – You decide – Day 1, stage 3 – CONFIG

2009-12-07T10:52:07Z

So the domains are verified and I am now going to configure them to get the full functionality.

The first stage is to note the set up you get ‘out-of'-box’.

On completion of the GApps signup & Verification you are presented with a step by step guide of tasks to do:

The BPOS version of this is a list of ‘to do tasks’ at the top of the admin console:

GApps ‘out-of-box’ install lacked the main component – EMAIL. I had to configure the email service manually by going back into the Domain Admin settings, and adding the MX records. However you can select a drop down for the main registrars and the instructions will be very specific

Out of box everything in BPOS is configured EXCEPT for the Office Communication Online service, however this needed just a button to be clicked to enable.

To use the service on a local machine GApps used its home in the cloud to arrange everything except the chat client and your users can receive an email with all the links to their service within it:

Whereas BPOS used Microsoft’s Client experience to offer both clients to access BPOS and online logins:

BPOS needed downloads, the Single Sign on Client, and Office Communicator 2007 R2

GApps chat client as mentioned above is downloaded from here:

So there we have in, configured to the ‘Out-of-Box’ level. The next stage will be in the user console and experience of carrying out basic tasks like IM, Email, editing documents and collaborating online.

Google Apps Vs BPOS – You decide – Day 1, stage 2 – THE SIGN UP

2009-12-07T10:50:49Z

The next stage was to test out both trials. The ease of sign-up and basic out of box configuration was something I wanted to get to grips with as well as later test the full functionality. However as this section states, this is the sign up phase.

The first part of this was to purchase 2 domains. So I bought these from godaddy as are cheap, quick and simple to configure: (the reason for BPOScompete.com is highlighted below)

googleappsdemo.co.uk (and googleappdemo.com)

BPOScompete.com

BPOS and GApps both have simple places to go to sign up for a trial and were easy to locate. BPOS utilising LIVE-ID, whereas GApps using the Google Checkout.

BPOS was VERY easy to set up, input domain, input live ID and my address details that weren’t already attributed to my account and I received an email…SORTED!

However my first problem with GApps was that it wouldn’t let me use my domain. So not being able to use the .co.uk I purchased a .com domain. It turned out GApps wouldnt let me sign up wit a domain with “google” in it, so I had to buy another domain to use, this one was BPOScompete.com.

Not a great start google! However, imagine my horror when I was directed to the Google checkout and asked how many users I wish to trial, and when selecting 3 I was prompted to enter my card details for about £120. Google claim they only ‘Allocate’ the funds so that they can be taken out the moment my trial is over if I don’t cancel. I don’t know how you feel about this, but this strikes me as one of those cheap companies that rely on you forgetting to cancel or missing the deadline, and this did NOT fill me with confidence.

So now I have my trial and my domains I had to link them together or Verify my domain so BPOS and GApps know I ACTUALLY own the domain. Both companies required a similar set up:

As I hadn’t selected any hosting options on the domains I purchased I opted with both companies to create a CNAME record. This was then verified by BPOS and GApps in turn and voila, I had verified my domains and the standard set up was complete.

Google Apps Vs BPOS – You decide – Day 1, stage 1 – THE FACTS

2009-12-03T17:13:03Z

Ok so the battle has been building up and…. there are many options a business can take when looking to deploy Core technology, especially starting from scratch. The main concern in this discussion is the hosted options. This means there is no need for on premise servers, and therefore the cost that goes for managing them. For now anyway I will assume I have a 8 seater start-up company that has no money for hardware, and a hosted solution fits perfectly as we all have our own laptops.

Firstly – The disclaimer : In the days of everyone suing everyone else I thought it would be prudent to state that this blog post is in no way a representation of any company I work for, or designed to fault any other product, it is merely an indication as to what steps I have encountered during my own personal set up of these services and may not represent the experience of others.

Now that’s out the way lets have a look at the options:

	Microsoft BPOS	Google Apps
Email	Exchange	GMail
Calendar	Exchange	Google Calendar
Collaboration	Sharepoint	Google sites
Office Work	Office	Google Docs
IM	Office Communicator	Google Talk beta
Other	Live Meeting	Google Video

So now lets have a look at the specs for the Premier accounts: (The standard accounts are difficult to compare as only include mail and calendar for Google, but are modular for BPOS)

	Microsoft BPOS	Google Apps
Default Mailbox Size	5Gb	25Gb
Max Mailbox Size	25Gb	25Gb
SLA uptime	99.9%	99.9%
Annual Cost	$120	$50
Phone support	24/7	24/7

Its worth noting at this point that based on the SLA uptime, both have a different way of repaying downtime.

Google Apps will give you more time free based on the length of time you were down for. IE a recent downtime of 3 days was rewarded with 15 days service free.

Microsoft will reimburse your costs based on the length of time you were down for. IE money back

So BPOS:

GApps:

Brand new core i7 MACs - DOA

2009-11-24T18:42:40Z

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/core-i7-imacs-showing-up-doa-including-ours/

“Apple's new Core i7-based iMac might be a performance monster, but it looks like the whole family's having some problems getting out of the gate: in addition to the previously-noted performance issues with the Core 2 Duo models, a quick glance across Apple's support forums and on other Mac boards around the web reveals that some machines are showing up DOA and / or with cracked screens”

Also please do have a look at the comments section below the post…… apple people may not feel so comfortable anymore? you decide…

As much info for you as possible ….. as promised

2009-11-18T23:13:50Z

Apologies for the delay in getting this information up and available, but with the launches of late it has been a little manic to say the least…… So here is a shed load of information for you guys from the New Microsoft Partner Network:

Core Infrastructure - Courses and New Training

Core IO University

Learn strong approaches for selling core infrastructure solutions; online self-paced sales training and tools. Click Here

Core Infrastructure Practice Builder – Launched at WPC09

Expand your role as a Trusted Advisor and deliver increasing business value. Click Here

Academy Live: Building an MDOP Practice

Join this session to get an overview of the technologies involved in the MDOP suite. You can learn about best practices for successful delivery of a proof of concept for Application Virtualisation, which is a core element of MDOP. Review the business case for MDOP and get real-world advice from two of the most-experienced field leaders in selling and deploying MDOP solutions. Click Here

Academy Live: Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualisation (MED-V)

MED-V enhances deployment, management and user experience for Virtual PC images and streamlines operating system upgrades in enterprise environments. Learn how to sell MED-V to your customers including how to run a presentation and demonstration.

Click Here

Updating Your Technology Knowledge of Microsoft Windows XP to Windows 7 – Various Dates and Locations

This two-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with the new technologies in Windows 7. Only £50 per delegate. Click here to Register

Wokingham 23^rd Nov, London 14^th Dec

Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client – Various Dates and Locations

This 2 day instructor-led course is intended for IT Professional who are interested in expanding their technical knowledge of Windows 7 Client. In this course Students learn to install, upgrade and migrate to Windows7 client. Students then configure Windows7 client for network connectivity, security, maintenance and mobile computing. This course will provide knowledge to take Exam 70-680 TS: Windows 7 Configuring. Only £50 per delegate. Click Here to Register

London 2^nd Dec

Windows 7 Application Compatibility Briefings for ISVs – FREE Various Dates and Locations

This 1 Day briefing will discuss and demonstrate the remediation techniques for Windows 7 compatibility issues, the common symptoms, how to test and debug them, and best practices for developing Windows 7 applications. Click Here to Register

Birmingham 26^th Nov, Edinburgh 3^rd Dec, Reading 10^th Dec, London 17^th Dec, Bristol 11^th Jan, Reading 25^th Jan, Reading 15^th Feb

Deploying and Managing Windows 7 with System Center– London 23^rd Nov

In this 4-day course, partners will learn how to sell and deploy the System Center Client Management Suite to address the most common customer scenarios. Also covers Client Virtualization, Optimized Client Architecture and Planning, Operating System Deployment, Application Deployment, Management and Optimization of Win7, Management and Optimization of Applications, How System Center Service Manager implements MOF and ITIL processes. Only £150 per delegate Click Here to Register

Give your Application the green light!

ISV Application compatibility homepage - Stay ahead of the competition and ensure your application is compatible today. Click Here

Updating Your Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist Skills to R2 – Various dates and Locations

This two day intensive course is aimed at fast tracking Windows Server Technical Specialists and IT professionals onto the new technology of Windows Server 2008 R2. This course will also provide enough knowledge and skills for Partners to pass the new WS08R2 exam, due out later this year. Only £50 per delegate Click here to Register

Coventry 7^th Dec, London 9^th Dec, Manchester 17^th Dec

JumpStart Readiness Clinics – Updating Your Skills to Windows Server 2008 & Windows Server 2008 R2

This course provides an overview of the benefits, technical details, and implementation of the improved or new technologies, features and tools that are included in WS08 and WS08 R2. This course discusses new and enhanced options for virtualisation, security, remote management, integration with the Web, scalability and reliability. Click Here

Windows Server 2008 R2 Online Tutorials including: Click Here

WNS115AAL: What's New in Active Directory for Windows Server 2008 R2

WNS116AAL: Windows Server 2008 R2 -- Better Together with Windows 7

WNS133PAL: Selling Business Value of Windows Server 2008 R2

WNS69QH: Windows Server 2008 R2, A Survey of Developer-Oriented Features

WVC35AL: Windows 7 BranchCache – Next Generation Branch Office Optimizations

Server Virtualisation Competency Fast Track

Implementing and Managing Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V & SCVMM (4 Day) – New Dates released!

This course combines the syllabus of Microsoft courses 6422 and 6331 providing delegates with the knowledge to take Exams 70-652 and 70-403 which can lead to the new Server Virtualisation Competency. £200 per delegate Register Here

London 26^th January, Edinburgh 9^th February, Stockport 23^rd March, London 20^th April

Desktop Optimisation with Microsoft & Citrix - Understanding the Virtualisation Opportunity with VDI

In this session for partners we will provide an overview of VDI or more accurately - Desktop Optimisation. We will provide a general business/technical overview exploring the market opportunity, the products that make up a VDI solution, alternatives to VDI and how Microsoft is positioned against the competition. FREE Register Here

Reading 3^rd December

An Overview of Microsoft Server Virtualization

This online tutorial introduces and explains the four types of virtualization and why virtualization is important to our customers, partners, and Microsoft. This includes server virtualization, application virtualization, presentation virtualization and desktop virtualization. Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager, are discussed in more detail, along with their customer benefits. Click Here

Licensing Server-Based Products in Virtual Environments

This online tutorial explains how different server-based products are licensed in virtual environments and will help you understand how products from the Server OS, Server/CAL and Per Processor Product Category Licensing Models, or PCLMs, can be cost-effectively licensed in different deployment scenarios. Click Here

Architecting Microsoft Server Virtualization Solutions with Hyper-V and System Center Virtual Machine Manager

This labcast series provides an introduction for Microsoft and VMware partners to consolidate the physical or virtual Infrastructure into a flexible, dynamic, and low cost Microsoft Dynamic Datacenter, which consists of Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V™ and Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) 2008. With TCO/ROI calculation and design concepts, you will be able to prove the real savings with Microsoft Dynamic Datacenter solutions to Microsoft customers and partners. You will also learn how to transfer, migrate, and convert the existing physical or VMware environment. Click Here

Microsoft Virtualisation and Management – Selling School Click Here

System Center Competency Fast Track:

The System Center Suite Technical Bootcamp R2 - 8th December

The System Center Suite Bootcamp is a new update of the dynamic 3-day training course from the System Center Technical Readiness team which brings together the core products from Microsoft’s System Center Suite in a series of “Real World”, data center management scenarios. The course has been specifically designed for Technical Consultants to give them the skills and understanding they need to successfully implement the System Center Suite for customers and end users. The course consists of a series of instructor led, hands on labs (HOL), which guide the student through the steps required to both successfully configure and use System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2, System Center Configuration Manager 2007, System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 and System Center Virtual Machine Manager R2 in conjunction with core data center applications such as Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2007 running on the Microsoft Hyper-V platform. Only £150 per delegate. Click Here to Register

London 8^th December

System Center Client Management Bootcamp - Deploying and Managing Windows 7 – London 23^rd November

Only £150 per delegate Click Here to Register

Managing Windows, Sharepoint and Exchange Server with Server Management Suite Enterprise (SMSE)

The SMSE Labcast is a dynamic set of actual customer scenarios which walk you through a series of “Real World” data center management situations including disaster recovery, and optimizing Windows, SharePoint and Exchange Server in the Data Center. Click Here

System Center Operation Manager TechNet Virtual Labs

TechNet Virtual Lab: Building Management Packs with the Authoring Console

TechNet Virtual Lab: Extending Operations Manager 2007 to Monitoring SAP on SQL

TechNet Virtual Lab: Installing Operations Manager 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Monitoring Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Exchange 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2007 Authoring Management Packs – Introduction (ITPro)

TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2007 Management Pack Authoring – Advanced (ITPro)

TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 - Advanced

TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 - Introduction

TechNet Virtual Lab: Understanding the Operations Manager 2007 SDK

System Center Configuration Manager TechNet Virtual Labs

TechNet Virtual Lab: Deploying System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Implementing Branch Distribution Points in System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Implementing Desired Configuration Management in System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Implementing Maintenance Windows for Software Distribution in System Center Configuration

TechNet Virtual Lab: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Managing Custom Application Updates using Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Managing Microsoft Updates with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Upgrading SMS 2003 SP2 to System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007

TechNet Virtual Lab: Upgrading System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to Service Pack 1

Implementing and Administering Windows Small Business Server 2008 (4 Days) – Various Dates and Locations

This hands-on workshop provides students with the necessary knowledge to plan and implement Windows Small Business Server 2008. Students gain first-hand knowledge on topics such as installing, migrating, monitoring, securing, and backing up data. £200 per delegate. Register Here

London 30^th Nov

Windows EBS 2008 Exam Cram

This exam groundwork session will guide you in your preparation for the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist exam 70-654, Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuring. No matter if you are building on existing certifications or going for the first time, this session will provide clarity to help you succeed. Learn about the exam scope and what it means, get the right point of view, as well as the strategy and knowledge required to pass this exam. You may even pick up a mental aid that will give you just the advantage you need!

Part 1 Click Here | Part 2 Click Here

Get More Out of Exchange Server 2007 with Windows Essential Business Server 2008

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is an enterprise-class server solution designed and priced for midsize businesses. For those customers who are considering an upgrade to Exchange Server 2007, EBS 2008 represents an ideal way to provide the benefits of Exchange as part of an integrated solution built on Windows Server 2008. Join us to learn more about the great productivity enhancements available in Exchange Server 2007 and how EBS 2008 solves the messaging, management, and security needs for midsize businesses. Click Here

New TechNet Virtual Labs: Secure Messaging and Collaboration

The virtual lab and on-demand webcast series provide a closer look at a variety of ways in which Microsoft provides a more secure messaging and collaboration through a family of products that help protect information and control access. Click Here

Forefront TechNet Webcasts and V-labs

Forefront Client and Server

TechNet Webcast: Forefront Code Name "Stirling" Technical Overview (Level 300)

TechNet Webcast: Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” – An Integrated Security Suite (Level 200)

TechNet Webcast: Forefront code name “Stirling” - The next generation of Forefront Security for Exchange Server (Level 200)

TechNet Webcast: Microsoft Forefront code name “Stirling” - The next generation of Forefront Security for SharePoint (Level 200)

TechNet Webcast: Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” – Forefront Client Security 2.0 Release Update (Level 200)

Identity and Access

TechNet Webcast: Overview of Microsoft Edge Secure Access Technologies (Level 200)

IT Manager Webcast: Closing the Network Backdoor: Using Forefront Threat Management Gateway Beta 2 (Level 200)

TechNet Webcast: Identity Lifecycle Manager 2 (Part 1):Empowering Users with Self-Service Identity Management Solutions (Level 200)

TechNet Webcast: Identity Lifecycle Manager "2" (Part 2 of 3): Expressing and Enforcing Business Policy (Level 300)

TechNet Webcast: Identity Lifecycle Manager "2" (Part 3 of 3): Extensibility and Provisioning with ILM "2" (Level 300)

TechNet Webcast: Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway - Hands on with Beta 2! (Level 300)

Online Technical Resources:

Extend Your Services Offerings with Forefront Client Security

Deploying Microsoft® Forefront™ Client Security (6078AE)

Deploying Microsoft® Forefront™ Server Security Products (6080AE)

Forefront Edge Security and Access – (On Demand)

Business Productivity Optimisation - Courses and New Training

Partner Portal BPIO site and BPIO on-line University

This is an eight-part series delivered online and on demand about Business Productivity Infrastructure Optimization -- a global Microsoft and partner initiative designed to connect sales, marketing, and services to drive growth and customer success. Click Here

BPIO Platform Strategy update & Partner Opportunity – Manchester 26^th November FREE

Microsoft offers you a tremendous opportunity to grow your business by offering Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Microsoft Office solutions to your customers. Partners that specialised in these solutions have experienced strong customer demand, are realising the benefits of significant investments in sales and marketing by Microsoft, and can look forward to strong cross-sell opportunities. Join Hayley Rixon Channel Development Managers at Microsoft UK for this informal, workshop-style session, which will take a look at the partner opportunity. You’ll also get to see some of the Microsoft technologies first hand, with detailed technology demonstrations. Click Here to Register

Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 – This three-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close enterprise projects by using the Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 enterprise tool. This is the second course in the Microsoft Office Project 2007 Official Curriculum series and covers the Microsoft Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Solution.

Click Here to Register

44WK063 - Project Server 2007 Certification preparation – Reading 27^th November

This single day is designed to help prepare candidates for the 70-633 exam - Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects.

Click Here to Register

Growing a profitable business consultancy with Microsoft's Project and Portfolio Management tools

This free one day seminar and discussion forum will help senior directors understand how they can grow a profitable business practice deploying and configuring Microsoft’s client-server version of the popular planning tool, Microsoft Project. It will show how to leverage their existing client/prospect base, what is required for sales and technical skilling, and how to work with Microsoft sales staff to maximise opportunities. Hear from Microsoft’s Project marketing team, sales people and technical professionals, as well as an existing Project/EPM partner who has tips about the best ways to grow a client base. Objectives Understand Project/EPM business opportunity and partner activity roadmap. Click Here to Register

Exploring SharePoint Series:

Document Management and Records Management in Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 – TVP 12^th November FREE

A look the need for efficient document management and records management systems, with a demonstration of the document and records management capabilities of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.

Click Here to Register

Business Intelligence Platform Strategy Update – TVP 10^th December FREE

This session is not aimed at being a "deep dive" development or technical conversation but instead will focus on the higher level technology platform and the innovation in the Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) platform that can help partners deliver (competitor) winning solutions. Mostly demonstration led, the session aims to deliver a complete “art of the possible” overview of the capabilities contained within the Microsoft BI technology stack. Click Here to Register

Update on Microsoft BI Strategy and Roadmap – L100 Labcast

At the end of this session you will be able to more clearly articulate the key value proposition behind Microsoft BI and provide differentiated messaging and positioning to our customers that resonates with them in these challenging economic times. Click Here

Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management solution (Enterprise Project Management)

Project and Portfolio Management Sales Refresher - 11th November 2009 (TBC) 4pm-5.30pm

Project Server Overview - 24th November 2009 4pm-5pm

Portfolio Server Overview - 1st December 2009 4pm-5pm

Demo Tips and Hot Topics - 8th December 2009 4pm-5pm

Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 – Live Series

Collaboration & Portals in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 & Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – 4pm 3^rd Nov

Enterprise Search In Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 – 4pm 10th November

Business Intelligence with Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 – 4pm 17th November

Performance Point Services with Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 - 4pm 24th November

Collaboration and Portals in Windows SharePoint 3.0 and Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 – 4pm 1st December

New Exchange 2010 Partner Network Landing Page

The Microsoft Partner Network launched a new product landing page dedicated to Exchange Server 2010! Click Here

OCS R2 Ignite (Full Course – 5 Day) – Wokingham 9^th Nov, London 15^th Feb

This course will give you a thorough technical introduction into the technology in Office communications server 2007 R2. You will learn to install, manage & troubleshoot the OCS 2007 R2. The target audience is IT professionals who wish to update their skills on the new features and capabilities in OCS 2007 R2. £850 per delegate. Click Here to Register

Microsoft UC Voice Ignite Readiness Workshop – Wokingham 11^th January, 8^th March

UC Voice Ignite is a 5-day technical workshop based on the interaction of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 with PBX systems in terms of UC Voice interoperability. The goal of UC Voice Ignite is to enable telecommunications, and networking plus IT professionals to successfully deploy Microsoft's UC Voice solution in production with gateway and PBX interoperability. £950 Click Here to Register

Labcast: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Ignite

This course provides an introduction to Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007 R2, including how you can use OCS 2007 R2 for real-time interactions between users, and how you can unite OCS 2007 R2 with Microsoft Exchange Server as part of Microsoft Unified Communications. Click Here

Exchange 2010 & UC – Sales & Technical online courses

Sales & Marketing

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration Campaign in-a-box

UC Cost Saving campaign BOM

Exchange 2010 Upgrade Campaign BOM

Exchange 2010 Demo Showcase

E2010 Deployment and Migration

Technical 100-200

Exchange 2010 Ignite Workshop (HOLOs) (Beta)

Mobility in Exchange 2010

Exchange 2010 Outlook Web Access

Exchange 2010 Demos

Transitioning from Exchange Server 2007 to Exchange Server 2010

Exchange Server 2010 (Beta) HA and Storage Scenarios Virtual Lab

Configuring Exchange Server 2010 Unified Messaging Virtual Lab

Exchange Server 2010 (Beta) Setup and Deployment Virtual Lab

E2010 Learning Snack (Beta)

Collection 6899: Exploring Features of Exchange Server 2010

Technical 300-400

Exchange 2010 Voice Mail enabled by UM

Exchange 2010 Archiving and Retention

Exchange 2010 High Availability

Exchange 2010 Information Protection and Control

Exchange 2010 Management Tools

OCS R2 Ignite

Application Platform Optimisation - Courses and New Training

APO

Application Platform University Online

This online course provides introductory training for partners on the Application Platform Optimization (APO) model. Through this online training, users will learn the basic aspects of APO and how it fits within the overall Microsoft Infrastructure Optimization (IO) campaign strategy. Click Here

Live Series - Perception change: Delivering the SQL mid-market opportunity

Using Microsoft SQL to enhance the speed of delivering a BI platform, positioning SQL and winning against Oracle (MySQL), Business Objects and Cognos based BI competitors. Understanding opportunities and where Microsoft can support and provide tools and resources for you to engage with your customers to win business and drive migration.

25^th November Click Here to Register

Selling the Benefits of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition
Use this presentation to help sell the business value of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Enterprise database software. (Guidance to partners is included in the deck.) Webcast is now available. The PowerPoint slides for the above webcast can be downloaded here

SQL Server 2008 – Partner Academy Live Series

These are 1 hour managed webcasts for Partners using Microsoft’s Live Meeting 2007. Listen to Microsoft subject matter experts as they discuss their areas of expertise related to Microsoft’s sales and competitive strategy. Click Here

SQL Server 2008 – Webcasts

Server Consolidation with SQL Server 2008

SQL Server 2008 Data Management Overview

The Next Release of Microsoft SQL Server: Data Warehousing Enhancements

The Next Release of Microsoft SQL Server: Manageability Overview

The value of Business Intelligence with SQL Server 2008

15 Virtual Labs for BTS 2009 now available on MSDN

Visual Studio 2008: Windows Presentation Foundation – London 18^th November

This three-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to build and configure a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) solution. This course is intended for application developers who know how to build Windows Forms applications, custom user controls in .NET and how to use the common features of the base class library. The course will help prepare delegates who wish to take exam 70-502 “TS: Microsoft .NET 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development”. Before attending this course, students should have intermediate experience developing applications by using previous versions of Microsoft Visual Studio level 200. Click Here to Register

Visual Studio 2008: Windows Workflow Foundation – London 16^th November

This two-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to build and configure a Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) solution. This course is intended for application developers who know how to create applications in Visual Studio 2005 or 2008. The course does not require previous experience creating workflow-based solutions. The course will help prepare delegates who wish to take exam 70-504 “TS: Microsoft .NET 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Application Development”. Before attending this course, students should have intermediate experience developing applications by using previous versions of Microsoft Visual Studio at level 200. Click Here to Register

Visual Studio 2010 & .NET 4 (2 day course)

This 2-day instructor led training course will show developers how to take advantage of the new features being released in Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0. Click Here to Register

Visual Studio 2010 & .NET 4 (1 day course) –

This 1-day instructor led training course will show developers how to take advantage of the new features being released in Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0. Click Here to Register

Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Training Kit - October Preview

The Training Kit includes presentations, hands-on labs, and demos. Use it for training on how utilize the Visual Studio 2010 features and a variety of framework technologies. Click Here

MSdev.com: New Features in Visual Studio 2010

This course demonstrates some of the new features in the Visual Studio IDE including the new start page, the code editor, the XML schema editor, and new tools for web development and deployment. Click Here

Implementing Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS) – Various Dates and Locations FREE

This one-day technical hands-on workshop provides students with the necessary knowledge to plan and implement a Microsoft® Online Services company environment in a classroom environment. NOTE: Please bring own LAPTOP

Click Here to Register

Microsoft London Nov 16^th, Microsoft Reading Dec 17^th

The BPOS Sales Opportunity for Partners – Various Dates and Locations FREE

Join the Microsoft BPOS Sales and Partners Team at these monthly sales seminars to gain further insight into the Microsoft Software + Services business and to understand the sales and implementation opportunities for your business. Click Here to register

Microsoft Reading 24^th Nov, Microsoft London 16^th Dec

Live Series - Microsoft Online Services (BPOS) – What is it and how do partners make money from it?

This 30 minute Live Meeting will cover what is offered within Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite, what is the opportunity in the market place at the moment for Partner selling BPOS? How to ensure that you qualify every opportunity. 19^th Nov, 8^th Dec, 19^th Jan, 16^th Feb, 16^th March Click Here to Register

Live Series - Microsoft Online Services (BPOS) – Quarterly Sales Update

This 1 hour Live Meeting will provide you with an update to new features and functions within the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite. This will be a quarterly update and will have time for questions and answers.

25^th Nov, 17^th March, 26^th May Click Here to Register

BPOS – What is it and how do partners make money from it?

The purpose of this session is to provide Microsoft partners with an overview of the Microsoft BPOS proposition and how they can take it to market. Click Here

Business Productivity with Microsoft Online Services

The Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) from Microsoft Online Services includes Exchange Online SharePoint Online Office Live Meeting and Exchange Hosted Filtering enterprise-class software delivered as a subscription service hosted by Microsoft and sold with partners. This session introduces BPOS and its components and demonstrates the ease with which IT professionals can set up the service for their organizations and users. Click Here

Quickstart for Microsoft Online Services - Overview for Partners to resell Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS)

The webcast will provide an overview of the Partner opportunity for the Business Productivity Online Suite how to register as a reseller and the resources for partners to activate their services business. Click Here

Learn how you can provide your customers with cost-effective IT Solutions with Microsoft Online Services

Building on the recent Software-plus-Services announcements from Microsoft and the need for Partners to assist customers in building cost effective solutions given the current economic market join us for a deep dive on the Partner opportunity with Microsoft Online Services and the recently launched Business Productivity Online Suite. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how the Business Productivity Online Suite fits into Microsoft S+S strategy and the value proposition for Partners. Click Here

Licensing Microsoft Online Services

Learn how to licence the Microsoft Online Services to help your customers incorporate the software-plus-services model into their businesses. And help you generate predictable, recurring revenue; earn advisor fees; expand your base; and serve new segments. Click Here

Webcast: What is Azure?

What exactly is the Azure Services Platform and what does it allow me to do? This session covers the basics including architecture and function, as well as new opportunities the platform provides. Learn too how customers are thinking about cloud computing and how you can join the conversation. Recent updates to the service will also be covered. Click Here

The Azure Quickstart – The Hub!

This community portal provides Microsoft partners with a single destination to start driving their business with Windows Azure. We update this page regularly as new content, whitepapers and presentations become available, provide you with the latest training resources and toolkits to help you get started with your Windows Azure projects, and connect you to the Microsoft partner community and the Microsoft sales, marketing and product management community around Windows Azure. Click Here

Azure Online:

Windows Azure – Value for Partners How does Windows Azure compare to the competition? In this session we explain why the Windows Azure Platform is a very competitive offering in today’s marketplace and offers great value for Partners. Join us for an in-depth look at the value Azure provides and what you can expect from Partnership with Microsoft.

Windows Azure Platform - TCO Tool In this webcast we will answer our partners’ questions around value and TCO, by walking you through the model and giving you a demonstration of how the TCO tool works so you can build your own cost savings case for Windows Azure

ISV Innovation for Developers – This 5 part web series covers various topics for Developers, from fundamentals to specifics. Topics include Fundamentals, Developing Applications, .NET Services, SQL Data Services and Live Framework Services

Partner-Hosted Services

Build Managed Services with the Dynamic Data Center Toolkit for Hosting Providers

Your customers are looking for agile infrastructure delivered from secure, highly available data centers so they can quickly respond to rapid business fluctuations. You can address this need by extending your hosting portfolio with high-value, high-margin services, such as managed hosting, on demand virtualized servers, clustering, and network services. With the Dynamic Data Center Toolkit for Hosting Providers, you can deliver these services, built on Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V™ and Microsoft System Center. The toolkit contains guidance to help you establish appropriate service level agreements (SLAs) and create portals that your customers can use to directly provision, manage, and monitor their infrastructure. Click Here

The Hosting Develop Hosting Deployment Accelerator (HDA) DVD - Now available online!

Includes Technical, Sales and Marketing information for hosted service providers across several key Microsoft technologies: Windows Server 2008/IIS7; Hyper-V; SQL Server 2008 and System Centre. Click Here

Key Online Courses:

Sales & Licensing – Courses and New Training

Licensing’s Cool Event – MLSS Lite - Various Dates and Locations

This half day course is great for new starters in the industry of for people that need a little revision on both the most popular Microsoft Products as well as how Microsoft Licensing works. These two modules form part of the Microsoft Licensing Accreditations and at the end of this course you will have the opportunity to sit the assessments to gain this accreditation. Click here to Register

Advanced Licensing’s Cool Event – Selling to Small and Medium Businesses - Various Dates and Locations

This half day course is aimed at people who have already completed the MLSS Lite. This half day event will cover Volume Licensing for Small and Medium Businesses and eliminate all of the myths around complexity of Microsoft Licensing. These two modules form part of the Microsoft Licensing Accreditations and at the end of this course you will have the opportunity to sit the assessments to gain this accreditation. Click here to Register

Advanced Licensing’s Cool Event – Selling to Large Organisations - Various Dates and Locations

This half day course is aimed at people who have already completed the MLSS Lite. This half day event will cover Volume Licensing for Large Organisations and eliminate all of the myths around complexity of Microsoft Licensing. These two modules form part of the Microsoft Licensing Accreditations and at the end of this course you will have the opportunity to sit the assessments to gain this accreditation. Click here to Register

Intensive Licensing’s Cool Event – Selling to Small and Medium Businesses - Various Dates and Locations

This full day course is aimed at people who would like to complete their MLSS Lite with the Microsoft Product Fundamentals and Microsoft Licensing Fundamentals modules as well as two of the modules that make up the MLSS that cover Volume Licensing to Small and Medium Businesses. All of these modules form part of the Microsoft Licensing Accreditations and at the end of this course you will have the opportunity to sit the MLSS Lite assessments to gain this accreditation. Click here to Register

Selling School

Selling School training courses are designed for sales and licensing staff to give relevant knowledge and appropriate sales strategies around the Microsoft capabilities. Microsoft Virtualisation and Management | Microsoft SharePoint

Roll up Roll up – Windows 7 – Give it a try!

2009-10-27T18:20:53Z

So, hopefully, most of you will have seen the hype around Windows 7 lately, and those of you that haven’t are either living with your head in the sand, or don’t own a TV/PC/or radio :p. So with all this positive hubub around a Microsoft operating system, you know you wanna find out what all the fuss is about :D

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/cc442495.aspx?ITPID=wtcfeed

A 90 Day evaluation copy of Windows 7 Enterprise, available to all and sundry.

At the bottom of the page you will see both the x86 and (those of you with more than 3Gb RAM) the x64 versions.

Win7dium Levisoa - Windows 7 shatters another record

2009-10-21T21:37:47Z

Check this link out :

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/windows-7-breaks-amazon-uk-pre-order-volume-record-ousts-harry/

We outsold Harry Potter :D

Mac Vs PC v2.0

2009-09-06T23:33:21Z

Check out the trailer & take the poll, who do you pledge your allegiance to?

http://www.mycomputerisalive.com/poll.html

Less Hide more Seek – Get yourself found!

2009-09-03T15:52:38Z

Solution Finder is being phased out and to be replaced by Microsoft Pinpoint. Find a Partner near you. Chip chop :D

Full blog post by our very own Matt McSpirit:

http://blogs.technet.com/mattmcspirit/archive/2009/09/01/are-you-on-pinpoint.aspx

Economical Downturn? Let us help

2009-07-28T00:56:19Z

The traditional view has always been to carry out your everyday business, doing what you do best, using technology where it comes up. However, this isn’t ideal as often companies are spending unwisely. Open source, the appeal of ‘free’ technology is very misguided. By leveraging new technologies you can really save money, but don’t take my word for it. Click above to read the article on how Microsoft can save you money, even when you have to pay for the software initially. Improving productivity, saving costs on management and maintenance and reducing energy costs are all major players in the way WE help YOU save money.