Microsoft and Culminis launch User Group Support Services
The UGSS platform went live today! Here is the full announcement...
MICROSOFT AND CULMINIS ANNOUNCE USER GROUP SUPPORT SERVICES
WHAT ARE USER GROUP SUPPORT SERVICES
User Group Support Services (UGSS) offers a free set of tools specific to user group management and content built specifically for User Group events . These services are available through Codezone (Developer & INETA supported), and now for ITPRO are available through Culminis!
WHAT IS READY NOW?
Content Access
UGSS has partnered with Microsoft product teams to provide content built specifically for User Group events (demos, discussion presentations and other content). This content will be free to User Group Leaders and available through the UGSS Connect portal. In the future, User Group Leaders can access community led launch event content as well as explore other Beta Connect program opportunities.
How do I know what’s available to me? A user group specific content editorial calendar is available to User Group leaders within the UGSS portal on Culminis.
Where can I go to download the content? UGSS Connect portal (user group content download center) is accessible from:
· Culminis
· TechNet
Online Services
UGSS framework offers a free set of tools specific to user group management. These services include:
· Speaker's repository
· Sponsorship Repository
· Event management & attendance tracking
· Member management and communication
· Consolidated User Group Management Interface
· User Group Kits: Available in supported regions
· Study Groups
More Details:
Speaker Repository
We have built infrastructure to help support local and regional speakers. This allows UG Leaders to connect with speakers in their own areas so they can always find great presenters to come and present at their monthly meetings.
Sponsor Repository
The intent of this repository is to help groups connect with potential sponsors in their area. We will be working with the Microsoft partner group to educate our partners about the opportunities they have to engage with the User Group community. While we sponsor many groups, it is important to help groups find other sponsors as well so that they can get all of the resources they need to help their groups grow and be successful.
Event Calendar
Add your own events and search for meetings and events locally and globally.
Event Management and Reporting
The event management and reporting system functionality includes:
· RSVP functionality for pre-event engagement
· Improved connections to speakers and sponsors for events
· Event attendance reporting format choices for their events (online/offline)
· A tie-in to User Group kits (if applicable)
HOW DO LEADERS PARTICIPATE?
If you are a member of the Culminis ALLIANCE, your leader credentials are already activated to give you access. Simply sign-in to the Culminis Leaders Portal (www.culminis.com) and navigate to UGSS.
If you are not a member of Culminis and would like to be, register here or access similar services by joining Codezone and follow the steps necessary to become a member. Codezone was developed thru collaboration between INETA and Microsoft to deliver services to the Developer Community
Membership in Culminis and Codezone are both free.
http://www.codezone.com/MyCodezone.CodezoneCom?ActiveID=2821
WHEN DOES THIS START?
The services are available via the Culminis leader portal June 30, 2008.
HOW DO LEADERS PROVIDE FEEDBACK?
Leaders can provide feedback via this blog post by adding a comment below. You can also respond send a note to us directly via thevoice@culminis.com or contact Microsoft directly via ugsadmin@microsoft.com.
Don’t Forget! Free Live Meeting Accounts!
Free Live Meeting Accounts for User Group Leaders are available to UG Leaders. Please contact Culminis, INETA, PASS or your local Microsoft evangelist for more details.
