The Canada Partner Learning Blog

SQL Server 2012 Overview for Service Providers and SPLA Live Meeting on Nov 3, 11:00 am EST

2011-10-26T18:53:14Z

The new SQL Server edition, SQL Server 2012 is coming soon and will bring exciting opportunities for service provider partners, ISVs and other partners that are purchasing under the Service Provider License Agreement. In particular, partners can benefit with Denali by:
• Enabling mission critical performance and availability at low TCO with high availability features
• Unlocking new insights with pervasive data discovery across the organization
• Creating business solutions fast, on your customers terms across private or public cloud
This is a special training for service providers and SPLA resellers and partners, are all highly encouraged to attend this session.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training sessions visit The Learning Paths

SQL Server 2012 (Denali) Hands On Technical Overview Training in Toronto and Vancouver starting on Dec 1 in Toronto, ON

2011-10-26T18:34:34Z

Join us for this two-day training for Microsoft® SQL Server® code name “Denali.” This instructor-led course focuses on the new features of SQL Server code name “Denali.” It combines presentations and hands-on labs to help you better understand how SQL Server code name “Denali” addresses the mission critical, business intelligence, enterprise information management, and database development needs of your customers.

With this course, you can:
* Learn how AlwaysOn Availability Groups and enhancements to failover cluster instances can improve high availability and disaster recovery solutions.
* View design patterns for when to employ specific technologies.
* Gain a better understanding of the security capabilities for the SQL Server database engine to improve your client’s compliance requirements.
* Learn how improvements in SQL Server Analysis Services and SQL Server Reporting Services further support the managed self-service abilities for business users.
* Understand how the new SQL Server Data Quality Services solution works with SQL Server Master Data Services and SQL Server Integration Services to help users gain control of their data.
* See how SQL Server Development Tools code name “Juneau” can simplify the development and deployment of databases for SQL Server and Microsoft SQL Azure™.

Click here to register for this training

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Paths

SQL Server 2010 Launch Sales Training for LARs and Distributors starting on November 17 in Mississauga

2011-10-25T17:51:37Z

Learning Outcomes
In this training session you will learn how to:

Articulate what Microsoft Application Platform is, as a strategic selling framework
Deep-dive into the various capabilities for the Microsoft Application Platform such as Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and Cloud-based solutions.
Sell against the competition and partner with Microsoft as a strategic growth driver

Target Audience: Product Managers, Licensing Experts, Product Champs

Click here to register for this training

For additional training resources visit The Learning Paths

Windows Azure Developer Partner Training in Montreal and Toronto starting on November 21, in Montreal

2011-10-24T19:32:34Z

Course Overview:
This training workshop covers the Windows Azure Platform. This event will be based upon the latest release of the Windows Azure Platform Training Kit and will include a hands-on component.

Day 1
•Windows Azure Platform Overview
•Windows Azure Compute
•Introduction to SQL Azure
•Windows Azure Storage
•Identity and Access Control in the Cloud

Day 2
•Windows Azure AppFabric Service Bus
•Advanced SQL Server
•Advanced Web/ Worker Role
•Managing, Debugging, and Monitoring Windows Azure
•Introduction to SQL Azure Reporting

Day 3
•Moving Applications to the Cloud with VM Role and Web/Worker Role
•Building fast Web Applications with Caching and the CDN
•Building Global and Highly Available Services
•Building Windows Phone 7 applications
•Publishing Applications to the Marketplace

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training resources visit the Learning Plan Tool

Windows Azure Platform Architect Partner Training in Toronto starting on November 28

2011-10-24T19:27:16Z

Course Overview:
The Windows Azure Platform Architect Training is a focused, 3-day course that gives you the skills that you need to be successful in architecting Azure solutions with customers.

Learning Outcomes:
•Technically qualify in or out customer scenarios
•Lead an effective Architectural Design Session (ADS)
•Correctly architect solutions for the cloud considering factors such as cost, scale and availability
•Work with a customer on the architectural design of key horizontal workloads.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Paths

Target Audience:
This course is geared towards senior level solutions architects, azure application architects and trainers.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Downloadable Windows Azure Platform training kit and successful completion of the Microsoft Azure exam #70-583.

Agenda Topics:
•Module 1: Technically Qualifying In and Out Windows Azure Deals
•Module 2: Activity: Technically Qualifying Deals
•Module 3: Designing for Cloud
•Module 4: Architecting for Cost
•Module 5: Identity Management
•Module 6: Working with Data
•Module 7: Connecting Cloud and On-Premises
•Module 8: Architecting for High Availability
•Module 9: ALM and the Cloud
•Module 10: Answers to Common Questions
•Module 11: Architecting HPC Solutions
•Module 12: Architecting Website/Portal Solutions
•Module 13: Architecting Social Solutions
•Module 14: Activity: Architectural Case Studies

Windows Azure Platform Business Value Training – The System Integrator Opportunity in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, starting on November 7 in Montreal

2011-10-24T19:24:26Z

Cloud computing is driving a fundamental change in the economics of the technology industry and altering the ecosystem between development platforms, software vendors, and system integrators and creating new risks and opportunities for all.

Now is the Time to Be Ready.

Microsoft is investing heavily in delivering the best cloud platform and experience for both customers and partners. Attending the upcoming Windows Azure Platform Training is your single best opportunity to:

Understand the cloud market space and Microsoft’s strategy to win
Develop important business relationships
Secure Microsoft resources, tools and support to help you grow your business with the Windows Azure Platform

Click here to register for these sessions

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plans

Who Should Attend: Practice Leads, Business Development Managers, Account Managers, Technical Pre-Sales and Sr. Delivery Personnel – Join us and learn how to build and sell cloud service practices and partner with Microsoft to land and deliver Cloud Migration Assessments.

Agenda:

Handling Customers’ Objections in Windows Azure Sales
How to Have the Initial Conversation with Your Customer on Windows Azure
Overview of Windows Azure Licensing and Transacting Opportunities
Understanding Windows Azure Security and Compliance
How to Qualify and Disqualify Windows Azure Opportunities
Windows Azure Pricing and Offer Updates
Horizontal Scenarios
Vertical Scenarios

Cloud Business Model Transformation Jump Start for Decision Makers of VAR & SI Partners Training Session

2011-10-18T15:49:52Z

This series of videos, totaling 6 hours, lays out the cloud opportunity for Microsoft Partners. It provides practical steps for taking advantage of the cloud in their practices.

Modules:

Partner Opportunity with Microsoft Cloud Services
Evolving Solution Integrators and VARs to the Cloud
Understanding Cloud Deal Economics and Managed Services Opportunities
Modeling Cloud Profitability
Refining Sales and Marketing for the Cloud
Managing Customer Churn in a Cloud Business
Partner Cloud Resources and Wrap Up

Click here to register for this training

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Exploring the Private Cloud Partner Opportunity with SQL Server Partner Live Meeting on Oct 25 at 11:00 am

2011-10-17T13:39:06Z

Opportunity in private cloud? You bet. Did you know that 60% of your customers are actively consolidating databases and building toward a private cloud solution in the next 12 months? Microsoft now offers a comprehensive solution for optimizing databases for private cloud. Optimizing SQL Server for Private Cloud presents a great opportunity for services partners from database consolidation to enabling self-service scenarios. Savings for your customers and additional business for you. Sound good? Learn more at our upcoming session where we will:
• Understand the Microsoft and SQL Server story for Private Cloud
• Discuss opportunities for Microsoft partners
• Demonstrate SQL Server optimized for Private Cloud

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Deploying the Optimized Desktop supporting Exam 70-681: TS: Deploying Windows 7 and Office 2010 in Calgary starting on Oct 26

2011-10-14T18:37:19Z

Audience
This course is intended for IT professionals who have working experience and background knowledge of Windows Server® 2008, Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010, and basic understanding of Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP technologies. Basic knowledge of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Windows Vista and Windows XP, and general networking is also helpful.

At Course Completion
After completing this course, students will be able to:
Understand the purpose of the Windows Optimized Desktop architecture, and describe its key components.
Plan for deploying the Windows Optimized Desktop using appropriate strategies and technologies.
Understand how to prepare an environment for successful Windows Optimized Desktop deployments.
Deploy Windows 7 and Office 2010 to new computers using appropriate Microsoft deployment tools.
Configure and deploy the security components of the Windows Optimized Desktop.
Deploy Windows 7 and Office 2010 to existing computers in refresh computer and replace computer scenarios.

Validate your skills and meet a credential for the following Microsoft Partner Network Competency levels:
* Gold Midmarket Solution Provider Competency
* Silver Desktop Competency
By completing exam 70-681: TS: Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deploying through a Prometric Exam Testing facility.

Click here to register for this training course

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Module 1: Introduction to the Optimized Desktop
Lab 1A: Exploring the Windows Optimized Desktop
Lab 1B: Using Applications Through App-V
Lab 1C: Using Applications Through RemoteApp

Module 2: Planning for Deployment
Lab 2A: Reviewing Infrastructure Planning and Design Guides
Lab 2B: Exploring the MDT Deployment Workbench
Lab 2C: Exploring the System Center ConfigMgr Console
Lab 2D: Using the Volume Activation Management Tool

Module 3: Preparing for Deployment
Lab 3A: Exploring Boot Images
Lab 3B: Verifying the Network Environment
Lab 3C: Configuring the MDT Deployment Share
Lab 3D: Capturing and Customizing an Operating System Image
Lab 3E: Exploring System Center Configuration Manager

Module 4: Deploying Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 to New Computers
Lab 4A: Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit to create a Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 Task Sequence
Lab 4B: Deploying Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 by Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Task Sequence
Lab 4C: Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and System Center Configuration Manager to Create a Windows 7 Package
Lab 4D: Deploying Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 by Using System Center Configuration Manager and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
Lab 4E: Deploying Microsoft Office 2010 by Using App-V

Module 5: Deploying Desktop Security
Lab 5A: Deploying Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010
Lab 5B: Deploying BitLocker by Using a Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Task Sequence

Module 6: Upgrading and Migrating to Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010
Lab 6A: Preparing User State for Migration
Lab 6B: Creating a Task Sequence for Upgrades and Migrations
Lab 6C: Using the MDT to Refresh Windows XP and 2003 Microsoft Office System to Windows 7 and Office 2010

SharePoint 2010 Momentum Workshop: Developing Custom Search Solutions in SharePoint 2010 Partner Live Meeting on October 17, at 1:00 pm EST

2011-10-14T18:29:56Z

Get a grasp on search extensibility in SharePoint 2010 including extending search web parts, query syntax improvements, the Connector Framework, refiner customizations, and custom ranking models.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

These web seminars are brought to you by Partner Services and Support team to enhance learning and develop additional technical Microsoft product knowledge. These web seminars are available to Gold competency, Silver competency and Microsoft Action Pack Development and Design subscription partners. One Advisory Hour will be deducted from your benefits, but there is no “out-of-pocket cost” to you. For more information about Partner Services and Support go to:
https://partner.microsoft.com/US/supportsecurity

System Center Momentum Workshop: Planning, Upgrading, and Deployment Partner LM on November 17 at 4:00 pm EST

2011-10-14T18:27:58Z

This session will explore the new features added to VMM 2012 product and new setup improvements also how to prepare your environment for brand new installation and for upgrading from previous VMM version.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Learn about securing SharePoint Server 2010 publishing using Threat Management Gateway (TMG)

2011-10-13T20:53:09Z

Learn about securing SharePoint Server 2010 publishing using Threat Management Gateway (TMG).

Click here to register for this training

Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Power Start Workshop: Overview for Partners Live Meeting on Oct 14, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm EST

2011-10-13T15:12:59Z

Sure Step is a comprehensive customer engagement methodology for Microsoft Dynamics solutions. In this session you will learn about the standard approach and collection of tools, templates, and best practices to use from sales through solution delivery - and beyond.

Click here to register for this training

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Make more money with SQL Server – the economics and best practices of building a SQL Server practice Partner Live Meeting on Oct 13, 11:00 am–12:00 pm EST

2011-10-11T14:33:58Z

This informative session will explain the value of investing in SQL Server for your business. From established BI partners that are looking at additional investment to those that are coming from competitive alternatives such as Oracle or Hyperion to those that are looking at the opportunities with the next version of SQL Server with “Denali” this session is for you! We will dig into the details of project versus practice economics for a partner considering expanding their SQL Server practice. The findings were driven from real world interviews with over 20 of the best SQL Server partners worldwide. In the session we will also demo a Partner Economic tool that we are launching to go deeper and see what impact SQL Server could have on your business. No marketing fluff…just the data.
• Learn from best practices of some of the top SQL Server partners worldwide
• See a demo of an insightful economic tool where you can dig in and evaluate the impact SQL Server could have on your business over a 3-4 year period

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

How Partners Can Make Money Selling Microsoft Private Cloud Solutions (CSD162PAL) Live Meeting on Oct 13, 11:0 am–12:00 pm EST

2011-10-11T14:31:07Z

This session will cover the following topics:
• What customers are asking for from partners in a Hybrid Cloud world
• Successful partner business models (best practices)
• Opportunities for partners to grow their business with Microsoft Private Cloud.
• VMWare Compete
• Primary entry points for partners to take advantage of the Private Cloud opportunity
• How Microsoft can help you build your Private Cloud practice - Sales Tools and Resources

Click here to register for this training session

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Presenter:Naren Narendra, Group Product Marketing Manager

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Demo Skill King Maker Series - User Interface and Navigation Partner Live Meeting on Oct 7, 4:00 pm

2011-10-06T18:59:43Z

We are excited to introduce a new offering within Presales Profits specifically for Microsoft Dynamics AX presales professionals.
The Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 King Maker Series of interactive web-based sessions is designed to bring Microsoft and partner presales technical professionals together to learn how to deliver impactful Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 presentations.
This training series--built with feedback from partners and Microsoft presales experts--breaks down the new 2012 product release into easily digestible concepts. Attendees will see, discuss and practice how to present each piece of this robust solution so that you can readily put together demonstrations for individual opportunities. The training is delivered in weekly installments so you can easily fit it into your schedule with minimal time out of the field.
We will kick off this training initiative on October 7th followed by weekly, hour-long sessions. The series will progress from covering core Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 concepts, to sessions around the functional areas of Financials, Manufacturing, Trade and Logistics, and Architecture, to sessions specific to our target industries of Manufacturing, Distribution, Professional Services and Retail.
Each one hour session will provide attendees a chance to see how Microsoft prepares for and delivers demonstrations relevant to that week’s topic, discussion on preparation techniques and review of the additional resources to extend your knowledge on the topic.

Click here to register for this session

Presenters:
• Melanie Roseland Stoddard, REGIONAL DYNAMICS ERP MANAGER
• Jon Elliott, Partner Technology Advisor
• Dan Burke, Partner Technology Advisor
Before you attend this web seminar, please complete the following pre-requisite training:

Download and install the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Image
download here

View the “PTS Product Release Training”
click here to access

View the “What’s New” Training
click here to access

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Power Start Workshop: SBS 2011 Essentials and Microsoft Online Services Partner Live Meeting on Oct 7, 4:00 pm EST

2011-10-06T18:56:38Z

Explore the essential features and benefits of SBS 2011, SKUs, licensing and take a walk through several typical usage scenarios.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Learn How to Position Microsoft Dynamics in the Cloud vs On-Prem Partner Live Meeting on Oct 6, 12:00–1:00 pm EST

2011-10-05T16:27:45Z

Join us for this informative sixty minute session where you will learn how to position Microsoft Dynamics for Cloud solutions versus on-premise.

Presenter: Errol Schoenfish - DIRECTOR, GP PRODUCT MGMT, US-GP PRODUCT MANAGEMENT – FARGO

Click here to register for this training session

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Windows Intune Power Start Workshop: Windows Intune and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Platform (MDOP) Overview Partner Live Meeting on October 5, 4:00–5:30 pm EST

2011-10-04T14:37:00Z

Find out what's new in MDOP 2011, and take a deep dive into DMOP technologies including AIS, AGPM, SCDEM, DaRT, App-V, and MED-V. Learn about licensing MDOP, MDOP and the System Center, and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.

Click here to register for this session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Microsoft Office 365 Power Start Workshop: Microsoft Lync Online Overview Partner Live Meeting on October 5, 1:00–3:00 pm EST

2011-10-04T14:34:09Z

Get an inside look at the capabilities of the Lync Online service. Requirements, licensing, enhanced functionalities, and implementation scenarios will be discussed.

Click here to register for this partner training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Collaboration in Health Partner Live Meeting on October 5, 11:00 am–12:00 pm EST

2011-10-04T14:31:54Z

Collaboration technologies are enabling new scenarios between care teams, business partners, patients, and the community. Microsoft’s collaboration solutions built on Office 365, Lync, and Dynamics CRM provide new opportunities for partners in the Health industry to design and deliver the next generation of solutions that customers want. Join this session to learn about these innovative technologies and the key scenarios where they are being leveraged in Health.

Click here to register for this training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Partner Opportunities with Windows Intune Live Meeting on October 5, 10:00–11:00 am EST

2011-10-04T14:29:15Z

Please join us to learn about the business opportunities that Windows Intune brings to the partners servicing SMB customers. The next release of Windows Intune, which includes all the latest updates shown in the Windows Intune July 2011 beta, will be available on October 17, 2011. With new features that include software distribution and usability enhancements, this next release can help you deliver an even richer experience to your customers.

Click here to register for this training

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Presenters:
Paras Malhotra, Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Microsoft
Aileen Hannah, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft

Collaboration in Health Partner Live Meeting on October 5, 11:00 am EST

2011-09-29T20:32:57Z

Click here to register for this partner training session

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

Partner Opportunities with Windows Intune on October 4, at 10:00 am EST

2011-09-29T20:25:52Z

Click here to register for this training

For additional partner training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool

MOS61PAL: Experience Innovation in the Cloud with SBS 2011 using the Intel® Hybrid Cloud on October 4, at 2:00 pm EST

2011-09-29T20:15:31Z

The Microsoft Partner Cloud Services team would like to invite you to our next webinar in our learning series “Innovation in the cloud with Windows Server” Tune in and learn how you can use Windows Server 2008 R2 to improve an organization's networking infrastructure and security, server performance and reliability, remote resource access, and client deployment. Subject matter experts break down what these upgrades mean for your environment and how you can take advantage of them. We will feature a services provider you can establish a partnership with to be in market with your solution today. This is a non-technical webinar targeted to IT decision makers. Intended for Microsoft partners who would like to offer Windows Server in the Cloud services, by becoming a hosting service provider thru the Microsoft’s SPLA program or recently signed hosting service providers who would like to attend an introductory SPLA course.

Click here to register for this training

For additional training resources visit The Learning Plan Tool