NZ SBSC Update : Essential Business Server 2008

Happy New Year! Upcoming technical deep dive with Nicholas King, Worldwide Technical Manager for SBS and EBS

nzsbsc — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:19:00 GMT

Hi all,

Happy new year and welcome back. I hope everyone out there had a great Christmas/New Year break. I'm sure you will all agree it's great to back in the office while the sun shines down outside! Or maybe not so great?!

On Thursday the 12th and Friday the 13^th we are running separate 3 hour technical deep dive sessions on SBS and EBS.

These sessions will be run by Nicholas King, the Worldwide Technical Product Manager for SBS and EBS and will provide a great opportunity for you to meet and chat with someone involved in the development of these solutions.

The sessions will be of a highly technical nature and it is recommended that attendees have a core understanding of Infrastructure prior to registering.

Unfortunately due to Nick's tight schedule sessions will only be held in Auckland.

Session 1: Thursday February 12^th, 1-4pm, MPC room Microsoft NZ, Auckland. Register here

Session 2: Friday February 13^th, 1-4pm, MPC room Microsoft NZ, Auckland. Register here

SBS/EBS 08 Trial DVD's are here! Request yours today!

nzsbsc — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:51:00 GMT

Hi All,

We have just recieved a shipment of SBS and EBS 08 Trial DVD's in both Standard and Premium editions. These are a great resource to show potential customers SBS or EBS 08 solutions in action.

These are available free to New Zealand SBSC Partners, all you have to do is email me (email below) and let me know how many you want!

t-bradmc@microsoft.com

Cheers,

Brad

Technical Training: EBS 08 Installation and Migration, Application and Windows Client Deployment

nzsbsc — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:25:00 GMT

Hi All,

A couple of great training events coming up, particularly for those looking to deploy EBS 2008.

Server setup.exe

This session will cover the basics of installation and migration onto Essential Business Server 2008. It is targeted at IT professionals who are deploying EBS 08 and who need to understand the migration process for a successful Small Business Server 2003 migration. Topics covered include:

EBS 08 Feature Overview
EBS 08 Migration from SBS 2003
Managing EBS 08 with System center Essentials

This session will be run by Miguel Rojas, one of our partner technical specialists, and will visit:

Christchurch: Tuesday 25^th November, 1pm-4:30pm register here
Nelson: Thursday 27^th November, 1pm-4:30pm register here
Wellington: Tuesday 2^nd December, 8:30am-12pm register here
Auckland: Thursday 4^th December, 1pm-4:30pm register here

Client setup.exe

This session will cover the basics of application and Windows client deployment technologies. There will be a focus on Office 2007 and Windows Vista deployment as well as the maintenance of the applications and operating systems. The session is ideal for IT professionals who have been deploying single applications in Windows domains but are interested in reducing their workload and moving their customers to the standard quadrant of Gartner's IT maturity model. Topics covered include:

Windows Easy Transfer and User State Migration Tools
The Windows Automated Install Kit
Office Customisation Toolkit
Terminal Services Deployment
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
Office Migration Planning Manager
Windows Deployment Services
Using Group policy to manage applications

This session will be run by Sean Dring, our Technical Specialist, and will visit:

Christchurch: Tuesday 25^th November, 8:30am-12pm register here
Nelson: Thursday 27^th November, 8:30am-12pm register here
Wellington: Tuesday 2^nd December, 1pm-4:30pm register here
Auckland: Thursday 4^th December, 8:30am-12pm register here

Regards,

Brad

SBS & EBS 08 Trial downloads now available

nzsbsc — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:09:00 GMT

Hi all,

Good news, trial downloads of both SBS and EBS 08 are now available. These are 60 day trials but can be extended 3 three times if a longer period is needed.

To download click here.

Also, we are awaiting DVD's of these trial versions and will let you know when these are in the country and how you can get your hands on them.

Cheers,

Brad

Windows Essential Server Solutions launch: IMPORTANT RESOURCES!

nzsbsc — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:46:00 GMT

Hi All,

With the official launch of WESS upon us I though I would give you an overview of some of the key resources available to you right now.

The most comprehensive would have to be the WESS page on the partner marketing centre which has a number of brilliant resources including:

Training: Product Overviews, Quick Reference Sales Cards
Campaign Builder: Direct Marketing Resources, Event Kit
Sales Accelerators: Sales presentations, Case Studies, Demos, Promotions, Business and technology assessment toolkits
Success measures: Measurement worksheet

All of these sections contain a wealth of resources on both EBS and SBS 08 and I HIGHLY recommend checking them out!

Also, early tomorrow morning (5am NZ time) there will live launch webcast on the official WESS site. This will be available for viewing at any time so you don't need to be up early to be able to see it! The webcast will be an excellant resource to show customers and will feature Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Finally, we are running four Server setup.exe sessions on Essential Business Server covering EBS features, migration from SBS 03, and managing EBS with System center essentials.

These sessions will be run by Miguel Rojas, one of our partner technical specialists and will visit:

Christchurch: Tuesday 25th November, 1pm-4:30pm: Register
Nelson: Thursday 27th November, 1pm-4:30pm: Register
Wellington: Tuesday 2nd December, 8:30am-12pm: Register
Auckland: Thursday 4th December, 1pm-4:30pm: Register

Just click the links above to register!

As always I am here to help answer any queries you may have or help you out with something so email me on t-bradmc@microsoft.com anytime.

Cheers

Brad

Full Day EBS Technical Event

nzsbsc — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:17:00 GMT

Hi All,

This has just come through from the partner team. We are running three full day EBS technical sessions this month covering:

Planning, design, Installation and Management
Support and Troubleshooting
Tips, Tricks and Best Practices

Sessions will be held in:

Auckland

Wednesday 5th November, 9am-5pm (I UNDERSTAND THIS IS VERY LATE NOTICE FOR A FULL DAY EVENT BUT THOUGHT I WOULD PUT IT UP ANYWAY)

Venue: Auldhouse, 338 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

Register

Wellington

Wednesday 12th November, 9am-5pm

Venue: Auldhouse, Level 8, Lumley House, 11 Hunter St, Wellington

Register

Christchurch

Wednesday 19th November, 9am-5pm

Venue: Auldhouse, Level 7, Anthony Harper House, 47 Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Register

$10 Lunch Vouchers will be provided at each of these sessions, places are limited so register now!

Cheers,

Brad

On-demand Technical Training: SBS 08 & EBS

nzsbsc — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:12:00 GMT

Hi all,

There are a number of free on-demand technical training courses focussing on SBS 08 and EBS available on the partner learning centre. These sessions cover:

Planning
Installation
Migration
Security
Management
Virtualisation

If you haven't already I suggest checking these out by clicking here

Thanks,

Brad

Technet UNPLUGGED Update: SBS/EBS, Hyper-V EXTRA SESSIONS: AUCKLAND & INVERCARGILL

nzsbsc — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:37:00 GMT

Just a quick announcement that there will be an extra SBS/EBS, Hyper-V Technet session in Auckland on the 10th of October and a new session in Invercargill on the 15th of October.

So if you missed out on the first Auckland session or are a partner based in the (mighty) deep south then register now for what promises to be a great session from Technical guru Nathen Mercer. Info on the content can be found on an earlier post here.

Auckland (Session 2) Fri 10th October: 11am-1:30pm, Microsoft Auckland: Register

Invercargill Wed 15th October: 12:30pm-3pm, Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill: Register

Cheers,

Brad

SBS/EBS Virtualisation!!!

nzsbsc — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:08:00 GMT

Hi all,

The SBS & EBS Virtualisation scenarios have now been released by the WESS team in Redmond. This is key information and something that a lot of partners have been asking about. Below is an overview of the three scenarios for SBS 08 but the full details on each can be viewed at these links:

Scenario 1: Virtualising the SBS Standard Server

Scenario 2: Virtualising the SBS Standard and Premium Servers

Scenario 3: Keeping SBS Standard Physical and using Premium as a Virtulisation Parent

These three options are covered in much more detail in the link above and on the partner webcast here. I will post more info, including any whitepapers as I get them.

Cheers,

Brad

EBS Release to Manufacturing, Jumpstart Online Kit, SBS/EBS click through customer demo's & Partner Training

nzsbsc — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:46:00 GMT

Hot on the Heels of SBS two weeks ago EBS 2008 has released to manufacturing. This is a big step in the journey to release on November 12. EBS is the new server solution for Mid size business customers and has certainly created a lot of buzz in the market.

If you haven't already, download the beta here, and visit the EBS jumpstart online kit here and use it to evaluate whether or not its right for your business.

In addition we have click through demo's for SBS 08 and EBS 08 through which you can demonstrate the capabilities of both products to your customers and online training courses to ensure your employees are ready to have conversations about both products.

Brad

SBSC Beer & Pizza Evening & Resources

nzsbsc — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:40:00 GMT

Hi all,

Last week I ran a Small Business Specialist Beer & Pizza evening for certified & gold certified SBSC's in the Auckland area. The evening included a sales and a technical presentation on SBS 2008 and some time to socialise and enjoy some Heineken and Pizza. This event represents the early steps in the growth of the SBSC community in New Zealand and while only run in Auckland I have plans to run similar events in Wellington and Christchurch in the coming months. The response to the Auckland session was great and the feedback I have recieved has been very positive. My aim now is to take suggestions recieved at the event and formulate the next sessions accordingly with more focus on community and business growth as opposed to products (although these will still have a presence). As always I welcome your feedback on these things, particularly from partners around the country as I organise future sessions. Email me at t-bradmc@microsoft.com with any ideas or thoughts.

The technical session presented at the Auckland session by Sean Dring is attached to this post and below is the link to some VERY important documents on SBS 2008 migration. At the recent SMB pre day at the Australian Tech-ed the lead TS stressed that these documents must be followed to the letter and are essential for ensuring a successful migration.

The link below contains guides on:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Migration help file
Windows Small Business Server 2008 product help file
WIndows Small Business Server 2008 Installation guide
Migrate to Windows Small Business Server 2008 from Windows Small Business Server 2008 Guide
Migrate to Windows Small Business Server 2008 from Windows Small Business Server 2003 Guide

Click here to access these guides

Enjoy!

Brad

Windows Essential Server Solutions Launch Training Series

nzsbsc — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:04:00 GMT

A new technical training series on Windows Essential Server Solutions from Partner Academy Live was launched last week(August 15th).The series kicked off with “The Small and Midsize Business Server Platform: Which Is Right for Your Customer?” and continues with eight sessions for Windows SBS 2008 and eight sessions for Windows EBS 2008. Each session will be a live, one-hour webcast, with the recording posted later for on-demand use.

Login to the partner site to view the last session, or sign up for up-coming sessions: https://partner.microsoft.com/40075344

- Ben

Partner Events Roadshow

nzsbsc — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:20:00 GMT

The partner events roadshow is coming to a city near you! The roadshow features three key sessions all focusing on different aspects of the upcoming Windows Essential Server Solutions. The UNPLUGGED session also features Windows Hyper-V Virtualisation. For Cities, venues and registration see table below.

The sessions include:

1. Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) Licensing Roadshow

Key Audience: Sales Representatives
Key Topics: Licensing, Windows Small Business Server 2008, Windows Essential Business Server 2008

This session, aimed at 100 Level, will dig into the depth of licensing scenarios expected as we see new opportunities arising from the release of Windows Small Business Server and Essential Business Server 2008.

FOR REGISTRATION SEE TABLE HERE

2. HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Road Show

Key Audience: Sales/Technical

Key Topics:

The latest Microsoft and HP technologies and tools to help our joint partners increase their sales of HP ProLiant server and Microsoft server operating systems, which are available from HP either as server bundles or Reseller Option Kits (ROK). Special focus on:

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008
Microsoft Windows SharePoint Server 3.0
HP ProLiant G6 platform
HP RDX Removable Disk Backup System

Event Overview:

Microsoft presenter Sean Dring will detail the new features of Small Business Server 2008 and bring you up to speed on what you need to know to get ready for its release. The Windows Server 2008 as the base, add to that Exchange Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Server 3.0 along with all the tools and wizards you would expect from the Microsoft small business team and you get a product that can grow your business!
Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services, a technology in Windows Server, provides the tools, infrastructure and platform for the development of collaborative applications. Join Sean as he takes you through Windows SharePoint Server 3.0 and deploying and customizing the 40 new application templates you can use today.

Join HP presenter Nigel Owen as he plots the roadmap towards the ProLiant G6 platform and introduces de-duplication for Micro and Small Businesses with the launch of the HP RDX Removable Disk Backup System and the new Disc to Disc technologies.
HP will share proven solution blocks as the SBS 2008 platform can grow with businesses to a multi-server platform. He will also talk about the new Enterprise Configurator (eCO) and will cover your options using HP Partner Portal, HP Solutions Centres, HP Pre-Sales Support, configuration tools and HP funded resources in the channel to ensure the most cost effective outcome for you and your customers.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

3. UNPLUGGED TechNet update: Windows Essential Server Solutions 2008 & Windows Hyper-V Virtualisation

Key Audience: Technical Representatives
Key Topics: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Windows Hyper-V Virtualisation

This session will give a technical overview of the above products including:

Planning, design, installation, and migration
Virtualisation and management
Health & Security, Messaging & Collaboration
Remote Access & Computer Management
Support& Troubleshooting
Tips & Tricks and best practices

FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS AND TO REGISTER PLEASE CLICK HERE

Partner Roadshow Registration

nzsbsc — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:48:00 GMT

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE EVENTS IN THE TOWN CLOSEST TO YOU CLICK ON THE APPROPRIATE LINK BELOW

City	Date	Venue	Event	Time	Registration
Dunedin	23^rd Sept	The Dunedin Centre	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Christchurch	24^th Sept	Hotel Grand Chancellor	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Nelson	25^th Sept	The Rutherford Hotel	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Wellington	30^th Sept	Mana Room, Microsoft NZ,157 Lambton Quay	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
		HP Office, 163-175 Featherston St	2) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
		HP Office	3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Palmerston Nth	1^st Oct	Palmerston Nth Convention Centre	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here

			2) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Hastings	2^nd Oct	Hawkes Bay Opera House	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP- Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Tauranga	7^th Oct	Sebel Trinity Hotel	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP- Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Hamilton	8^th Oct	Kingsgate Hotel	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
			2) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Auckland	9^th Oct	Microsoft NZ, Level 5	1) WESS Licensing Roadshow	9:30am-11am	Click Here
		22 Viaduct Harbour Ave	2) HP- Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			3) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
New Plymouth	13^th Oct	The Waterfront Hotel, 1 Egmont St	1) HP- Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			2) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here
Whangarei	16^th Oct	Kingsgate Hotel, 9 Riverside Drive	1) HP-Microsoft SBS 2008 ROK Roadshow	11:45am-2:15pm	Click Here
			2) Unplugged: WESS 2008	2:45pm-5:00pm	Click Here