What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

vriyait — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:23:31 GMT

Hi Sonal,

Here are a couple of my thoughts :-

Pre-launch:

- Webcasts would be good on SBS 2008 and EBS (maybe start with an overview one) and then have ones which go into more technical depth

- Hands on Labs (I believe these aren't quite ready for general release) but would be great to get available

- Migration Scenarios

- Virtualisation Scenarios

- Early adopter programme for customers

Launch Event:

- Pricing & Licensing

- SWAG (free copy of SBS 2008?)

- Partner Opportunities

- MS Campaigns to support Partner Selling

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

nick_lloyd — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:32:19 GMT

Webcasts would certainly be good, ones that we can attend when they're live and go back to as a recorded one. Overview and technical would certainly be good, but I'd also like to see content that would help our Sales Director. Something that highlights the advantages of SBS 2008 over 2003. Reasons to go for the new technology over the old and reasons to upgrade.

At the launch pricing and licensing is key, it would be even nicer if we could get this before the launch. Maybe some sales material that is either for immediate customer consumption or to help us design our own material. Maybe something like SBSOffer.com to encourage partners to push the new OS.

Microsoft wants to know what you want for the UK SBS 2008 Launch? Time to stop saying you want it better and time to start saying what you actually want and would use!!

David Overton's Blog — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:38:37 GMT

One thing I have never been accused of is holding back my opinion and on the Yahoo Groups recently there

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

vriyait — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:05:19 GMT

Hi Sonal,

I just wanted to say that as one of the SBSC PALs for the UK for the coming year, you've got my full support for your activities. I think I can speak for the Midlands SBS Group on this as well, that you're welcome to come up to Birmingham anytime and get our input. We always appreciate the time Microsoft peeps take out to come and talk to us.

Speak soon,

Vijay

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

alansilvester — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:24:48 GMT

We're gonna need a hell of a lot of impressive marketing material to justify moving customers from SBS 2003 to 2008!

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

Steve Wright — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:59:57 GMT

Hi Sonal,

From our perspective we would like to see some specific information relating to why an existing SBS 2003 client should upgrade to SBS 2008. It is relatively easy sell to a new client without a server or if their existing hardware is due for change and they are running OEM product. It is much harder to convince SBS 2003 users to upgrade without having a compelling reason to do so – so webcasts based around the benefits would be useful. What about insights from early adopters about the value they are getting from SBS2008 v SBS 2003? I understand we missed out on the TAP program in the UK which is a shame as we have a client who is straining at the leash to get their hands on SBS 2008 and I’m sure they would have made a very compelling story.

There seems to be confusion around the licensing for SBS 2008 and what components of SBS can be installed on the 1st/2nd server. Clarification on these issues would be good before and at the launch to stop misinformation.

Sales information is vital. It is easy to get our tech guys fired up and learning about new products but much harder to get the sales guys motivated, so materials aimed directly at selling would be welcome.

re: What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

rtubb — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:43:46 GMT

Sonal - I'd second Steve's request - I'd like to see strong selling points on how SBS 2008 helps the clients business with compelling reasons to upgrade from SBS 2003. In a nutshell, help us as Partners describe to clients how SBS 2008 helps their pain points and fears rather than focussing on how Technically wonderful the new product is!

What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch?

Team Blog for EMEA SBS Team. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:18:05 GMT

Just in case you missed this; What do you want to see at the UK SBS 2008 Launch? Here is your chance