UK SBSC : Windows Essential Server Launch

New Global Essential Business Server (EBS) User Group

UK SBSC — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:16:14 GMT

We wanted to make you aware of the EBS Global User Group. This is a group dedicated to promoting greater understanding Microsoft Windows Essential Business Server.

The Global EBS User Group has the following features:

Monthly LiveMeeting Webcasts by industry experts(Recorded for Archive):
- February: Virtualization of EBS (Mikael Nystrom – Sweden)
- March: Terminal Services in EBS (Jeff Loucks – Canada)
- April: System Center Management of EBS (TBD)
Distribution Group – Ask a question get answers from Global Experts.

Information about joining:

Membership is Free
Register here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EBSUserGroup/

WESS Partner Training Update - January

UK SBSC — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:05:52 GMT

Here's an update from our Partner Readiness team around Windows Essential Server Solutions training (SBS 08 and EBS 08):

Partnercast: SBS/EBS/Windows Server: Which is right for your customer? (wma)

There have been a number of significant product announcements from Microsoft in the recent part. With options like Small Business Server 2008, Essential Business Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008, identifying the right solution for your customer environment can often be tricky. In this partnercast, Bernardo Munoz, Senior Product Manager for Windows Server and Kevin Watt, Product Manager for Windows Server go through different sales scenarios to help with your decision making. Join them in this discussion not only to learn more about these individual offerings but also how you can leverage all three to boost your revenue.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1820315&page=/plc/search.aspx#

SBS Sales Learning Path: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/learningpaths/?id=windowsessentialserversolutionssales

EBS Sales Learning Path: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/learningpaths/?d=windowsessentialserversolutionssales.windowsessentialbusinessserver

SBS 2008 Technical Training:

44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008 Currently all courses are fully booked for the next 3months – More courses will be scheduled shortly
Partner Onboarding: SBS08 – Online Technical Assessment (30mins): https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=3&courseid=3182&skipdetails=1#
SBS Technical Learning Path: Useful website to direct you to both online and ILT material: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/learningpaths/?id=windowsessentialserversolutionstechnical
SBS Partner Webinar Series: Landing Page for Webinars and online courses: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/search_adv.aspx?ssid=2ff59e1b-42b9-4802-afc1-a02fb3d5eca3
SBS TechNet Page: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sbs/default.aspx
Microsoft Learning: http://www.microsoft.com/Learning/

EBS2008 Technical Training:

44WK045 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Essential Business Server 2008 - 2 Day Currently all courses are fully booked for the next 3months – More courses will be scheduled shortly
Partner Onboarding: EBS08 – Online Technical Assessment (30mins): https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/search_adv.aspx?ssid=37E7159BE6C041569D80D92E6FF6BD06
EBS Technical Learning Path: Useful website to direct you to both online and ILT material: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/learningpaths/?id=windowsessentialserversolutionstechnical.windowsessentialbusinessserver
EBS Partner Webinar Series: Landing Page for Webinars and online courses: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/search_adv.aspx?ssid=2ff59e1b-42b9-4802-afc1-a02fb3d5eca3
SBS TechNet Page: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sbs/default.aspx
Microsoft Learning: http://www.microsoft.com/Learning/

WESS & WS08 for OEM & System Builders Training

Windows Server 2008 OEM Systems Builder course – NEW DATES

44WK054 - Windows Server 2008 OEM Systems Builder course: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/search_adv.aspx?ssid=AF13610010314BBF8AD932CC0B7F509A&site=UK&lang=en-uk

London - 23^rd February
Altrincham - 6^th March

Windows Server 2008 Product and Sales Overview

Introduces the participant to features and benefits of Windows Server 2008 and core Value Proposition for All OEMs. Includes a high-level look at system requirements and installation options.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1800057&page=/plc/search.aspx

MSDN Webcast: Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems (Level 100)

Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems provides new functionality that will be of value to appliance original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including a smaller footprint, virtualization capabilities, and new management and security functionality. Attend this webcast to learn about the new features, SKUs, and pricing for Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1794571&page=/plc/search.aspx#

Essentials of the OEM Pre-Installation Tool Kit (OPK Tools) for SBS2008 and EBS2008

This course will take you through the business value of using the OPK Tools where they fit with SBS and EBS2008. Why you should be using them and most importantly when you should be using them. We will also cover the essentials of using the powerful “Answer File” with SBS and EBS 2008. This single component adds a tremendous value to both the building of multiple SBS and EBS Servers for sale to customers and to installing the SBS and EBS 2008 servers for clients. We will explore when to use the Answer File for building servers and when to use it for migrations from current versions of SBS to the new products.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1823453&page=/plc/search.aspx

The OEM Pre-installation Kit (OPK) and Deployment Methodologies for Microsoft Small Business Server 2008: https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1822617&page=/plc/search.aspx#

SBS TechNet Page: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sbs/default.aspx

Windows Server 2008 TechNet Page: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

Microsoft Learning: http://www.microsoft.com/Learning/

Sharing Feedback - SBSC WESS Launch User Group tour

UK SBSC — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:09:36 GMT

As promised, we wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some of the feedback we received from the SBSC WESS Launch user group tour.

We have now presented at all eleven user groups and have successfully succeeded in our aim of doubling attendance of each group. In total, through the medium of user groups, we have met with over 270 partners to introduce and demo SBS 2008 and EBS 2008, provide you with a marketing fundamentals session and remind you of the tools and resources available to you as an SBSC partner, as well as set expectations on what Microsoft can and cannot do for SBSC partners.

In summary, here are the key takeaways from the events:

No one session stood out as more popular than the others – the product session, marketing session and the SBSC programme session all seemed to add tremendous value to the success of the events with each session scoring on average 4 or 5 out of 5.
The “Fantastic 40” Apps went down extremely well, with partners seeing SharePoint as a new thing to talk about with their customers.
There were some complaints about getting hold of SBS 08 now – general feedback was that Action Pack is too slow and outdated as a medium. Specifically they asked why action pack is not available as a download. This has been fed back appropriately within Microsoft.
Partners expressed that that are pleased to see Microsoft taking a more active interest in the SBSC programme and are liking some of the initiatives they have seen to date. They request more of the same and hope this investment continues.
Partners would like to see Microsoft to continue to do work to drive awareness of the SBSC brand.
We asked partners to score their knowledge of marketing prior to the marketing session and then post the session. Generally they said their knowledge prior to the session was around 2 (poor) and most scored their knowledge post the session at least 2 points higher (4 or 5 – good / excellent).
Many partners requested Microsoft provide more sessions like the marketing one at future events.
We asked Partners how they intend to buy SBS 2008 and EBS 2008. The majority of partners intend to buy SBS 2008 through COEM or Open licensing. Many also expressed Pre-installed through MNA and FPP as an purchasing option.
We asked partners how soon they plan to deploy SBS 2008 - the majority of partners will be looking to deploy SBS 2008 either immediately or within 3-6 months.
We asked partners how soon they plan to deploy EBS 2008 - several SBSC partners stated this product does fall within their market segment but for those who do cover the relevant segment, they would aim to deploy within 6 months+.
We asked partners what impact the economic situations has had on their business. The majority of partners are seeing high impact, though some comment this impact has had a positive effect on their business as customers are looking for the most cost effective ways to run their business using IT.

I hope you've found this a useful summary.

Finally, we thought we'd share some photos from the events...

SMB Nation Event a great success!

UK SBSC — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:31:39 GMT

For those who were unable to make the SMB Nation event the other Friday, hosted at Microsoft's offices in London, I wanted to point you towards a couple of posts from SBSC partners who provide their own brief accounts of the event:

Vijay Riyait's (SBSC PAL) blog post can be viewed here.
Guy Gregory's blog post can be viewed here.

I gather there was a great turn out for this event with around a 100 people in attendance. I was unfortunately unable to make the event as I was on holiday, but heard it went very well and have enjoyed snooping at Richard Tubb's post event pictures that he has shared on his blog.

If you want to learn any more about SMB Nation then visit http://www.smbnation.com.

Training: WESS & Windows Server 2008 for OEM & System Builders

UK SBSC — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:35:40 GMT

Here's an update on what Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) and Windows Server 2008 training opportunities and resources there are for OEM & System Builder partners:

Windows Server 2008 Product and Sales Overview

Introduces the participant to features and benefits of Windows Server 2008 and core Value Proposition for All OEMs. Includes a high-level look at system requirements and installation options.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1800057&page=/plc/search.aspx

MSDN Webcast: Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems (Level 100)

Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems provides new functionality that will be of value to appliance original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including a smaller footprint, virtualization capabilities, and new management and security functionality. Attend this webcast to learn about the new features, SKUs, and pricing for Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1794571&page=/plc/search.aspx#

Essentials of the OEM Pre-Installation Tool Kit (OPK Tools) for SBS2008 and EBS2008

This course will take you through the business value of using the OPK Tools where they fit with SBS and EBS2008. Why you should be using them and most importantly when you should be using them. We will also cover the essentials of using the powerful “Answer File” with SBS and EBS 2008. This single component adds a tremendous value to both the building of multiple SBS and EBS Servers for sale to customers and to installing the SBS and EBS 2008 servers for clients. We will explore when to use the Answer File for building servers and when to use it for migrations from current versions of SBS to the new products.

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1823453&page=/plc/search.aspx

The OEM Pre-installation Kit (OPK) and Deployment Methodologies for Microsoft Small Business Server 2008

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?systemid=1822617&page=/plc/search.aspx#

SBS TechNet Page

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sbs/default.aspx

Windows Server 2008 TechNet Page

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

Microsoft Learning

http://www.microsoft.com/Learning/

Guidance for Small Business Specialists: Virtual Launch Announcement E-mail

UK SBSC — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:31:00 GMT

With the the launch of Windows Essential Server Solutions, Microsoft delivered a webcast as a virtual launch announcement. There is now some guidance available to SBSC partners about how best to use the virtual launch announcement e-mail to generate leads, including instructions on syndicating the event on your website.

Go here to download the guide.

SBS & EBS trials now available for download

UK SBSC — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:14:25 GMT

Following the worldwide launch on 12th November, I'm now pleased to advise that the availability of the official trial versions for both SBS 2008 & EBS 2008. These 60-day trials can be extended three times if your customer requires a longer evaluation period. It can then be upgraded to a fully licensed version.

Please note that the DVD version for United Kingdom is not available as yet but I understand it will be in the near future.

SBS 2008 Sales & Technical Training update - new locations and dates!

UK SBSC — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:55:55 GMT

Recently I announced some heavily subsidised technical training available for Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008. In response a number of you got in touch and asked if we could run the same courses, at the same subsidised rate, but outside the London area. I'm delighted to say that we have now added new dates and locations, and still at that subsidised rate!

SBS 2008 Technical Training:

44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008

Summary: 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.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for technology consultants, system integrators, and in-house technology staff that serve small and medium- sized businesses.

Objectives: At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:

Install Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Migrate to Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Configure Windows Small Business Server 2008 using the Windows Small Business Server 2008 Console.
Manage users and groups in Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Manage messaging and collaboration in Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Manage and monitor Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Secure a Windows Small Business Server 2008 network.
Expand a Windows Small Business Server 2008 network.

Please note the SBS 2008 courses run after the 1^st December will be delivered in 2 days rather than 3 days. This is in response to Partner feedback with regards to availability to attend courses.

Course Title	Duration	Availability
44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008	3 days	London 1st December
44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008	2 days	London 12th January
44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008	2 days	Edinburgh 15th January
44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008	2 days	Stockport 16th February
44CO101 - Implementing and Administering Windows® Small Business Server 2008	2 days	Birmingham 19th February

We also have the following technical training available:

Partner Onboarding: SBS08 – Online Technical Assessment (30mins)
SBS Technical Learning Path: Useful website to direct you to both online and ILT material
SBS Partner Webinar Series: Landing Page for Webinars and online courses

Sales Training:

Don't forget the sales training that is also available.

There are two learning paths available:

We also have an online course on "Essentials of the OEM Pre-Installation Tool Kit (OPK Tools) for SBS2008 and EBS2008 – (Online)". This course will take you through the business value of using the OPK Tools where they fit with SBS and EBS2008. Why you should be using them and most importantly when you should be using them. We will also cover the essentials of using the powerful “Answer File” with SBS and EBS 2008. This single component adds a tremendous value to both the building of multiple SBS and EBS Servers for sale to customers and to installing the SBS and EBS 2008 servers for clients. We will explore when to use the Answer File for building servers and when to use it for migrations from current versions of SBS to the new products.

Objective:

Understand the value of the OPK Tools.
Install and configure the OPK Tool kit for creating Server Images.
Understand how to use an answer file to build SBS and EBS 2008 Servers.

Go here to register.

The Official SBS Blog : SBS 2008 Launch Success

UK SBSC — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:07:34 GMT

Taken straight from The Official SBS Blog, I wanted to make sure you all saw this post about some videos available on SBS 08 and EBS 08 from the TechNet Edge team:

Thank you to all who attended the live webcast and launch event for the Windows Essential Server Solutions product line! The event was a great success, and we keep hearing how excited everyone is that SBS and EBS are finally out in the market.

Just in case you didn’t get enough of SBS and EBS, check out the below videos from the TechNet Edge team.

EBS remote access video interview

Kannan C. Iyer, program manager for EBS, tells us why EBS chose the remote access methods they use, gives us a walkthrough of the Remote Web Workplace (RWW) UI and options, and also lets us in on the future thinking for EBS RWW.

EBS virtualization video interview

EBS is publicly available and you can attend the live virtual launch event today! In light of this, I decided to interview Steve Bourne, virtualization program manager for Essential Business Server. Steve gives insight into EBS virtualization, tells us what is supported, uses the whiteboard to help determine what EBS virtualization scenario will work best for you, and also shows a quick demo of EBS running in Hyper-V.

SBS 2008 remote access demo and interview

Magesh Narayanan, program manager for SBS, gives us a detailed list of the new remote web workplace (RWW) features in SBS 2008 since SBS 2003 and tells us the design goals they had with remote access for this release.

If you happened to miss the event, you can still visit the DreamServer website for the on-demand replay.

The Official SBS Blog : SBS 2008 Launch Success

Only a few weeks left for register for Harry Brelsford's event

UK SBSC — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:52:34 GMT

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about an event Harry Brelsford is holding in the UK on 5th December. Although the event is being held at Microsoft's offices in London, I would like to state that this is an independent event entirely managed by Harry and his team.

Harry tells me that they've had a great deal of interest and places are filling up quickly. There are now only a couple of weeks left to register so if you want to come along, you should sign up now.

The event costs $200 USD to attend. To learn more about the event and to register go here.

When: December 5, 2008

Where: Microsoft London, Cardinal Place, 100 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5JL

Agenda:

8:30am-9:30am Delegate Registration
9:30am – 10:00am Microsoft Introduction
10am – Noon How SBS 2008 Saved The Economy (Brelsford)
Noon – 1:30pm Lunch and HP (Essential Business Server, HP Partner Program)
1:30pm – 3:00pm Migration Techniques for 2008 (Middleton)
3:00-3:30 Afternoon Break with AutoTask!
3:30-5:00 Migration Techniques for 2008 Platforms (Middleton)
5:00pm End of Day

Solutions Pathway - SBS and EBS upgrades - FAQ For Partners

UK SBSC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:51:27 GMT

Eric Ligman has written a great FAQ post for partners on Solutions Pathway - SBS and EBS upgrades. I've cut and paste his post here as I think it well worth you reading - especially the point that SBSC partner can receive and additional 10% discount!!

For those customers with Software Assurance on their SBS 2003 Servers, they already get all of the benefits of the SBS 2003 R2 offering and now have rights to the SBS 2008 solutions moving forward, in addition to all of the Software Assurance benefits. But what about, "Where did the Transition Pack go with SBS 2008?" or other questions about moving into and through the SBS and EBS product families?

Some of you may have heard about a new item called, "Solutions Pathway," which helps provide ways to manoeuvre into and between the SBS & EBS products. To help you better understand what Solutions Pathway is and how it works, we are providing this (rather long) FAQ set for you, which will also be posted to the Microsoft Partner Portal soon as well.

Q. What is Solutions Pathway?

A. Microsoft recognizes the need to provide small and medium business (SMB) customers, and the partners serving these customers, with an easy way to migrate their technology products as their business needs change—whether that entails a move to Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products or movement within the Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products or out of the family to its individual components. With that in mind, Microsoft is introducing Solutions Pathway, which will enable the partners help their customers to upgrade to a new product or solution quite easily from the one that the customers are currently using.

Solutions Pathway offers a tiered discount that will be applicable to various mobility scenarios, i.e. into, within, and out of Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products, and will replace previously offered products, such as Version Upgrade (VUP), Product Upgrade Pack (PUP) and Transition Pack (TP), to achieve the same outcomes. Partners, on behalf of their customers, will be able to make the purchase easily from the Solutions Pathway website on Microsoft.com.

Small Business Specialists and Networking Infrastructure Solutions partners can receive an additional 10% discount. Access to Solutions Pathway for these partners is available here.

For more information on becoming a Small Business specialist, click here. To learn more about joining the Networking Infrastructure Solutions competency, click here.

Q. What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Solutions Pathway?

A. The only requirement to be eligible to participate in Solutions Pathway is that the customer has the perpetual license to any one of the qualifying products, as detailed below, that the customer is using and now wants to move out of. Licenses acquired under any subscription-based Microsoft Volume Licensing program (e.g., Open Value Subscription), do not qualify customers to make Solutions Pathway purchases.

The table below captures the allowed mobility scenarios. The entry points to Solutions Pathway are the products listed in first column:

Click image for full size

Note:

a. The individual components relevant to Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) 2008 are as below:

Click image for full size

b. Detailed information on these Limited Duration Programs is available here.

Q. In which regions will Solutions Pathway be offered?

A. Solutions Pathway will be available worldwide.

Q. How does Solutions Pathway work?

A. An example scenario will clarify how the Solutions Pathway concept will work.
Let’s say a customer has Windows SBS 2008 Standard. Whatever channel the customer buys it from, the partner (on behalf of customer) can go to the Solutions Pathway online store and choose the mobility path, whether it is an upgrade from the Standard to the Premium edition within the same product or from Windows SBS 2008 to Windows EBS 2008, or from Windows SBS 2008 to standalone products.

On the Solutions Pathway online store, the partner will be asked to input the information about the current product, and the most important piece of that information is the 5x5 product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). In this example, the partner will enter the Windows SBS 2008 Standard product key. The back-end infrastructure of Solutions Pathway will recognize the product key and then display the available options based on the fact that customer has Windows SBS 2008 Standard.
The partner can then choose the path she wants to take and buy the corresponding server and CALs. At the time of billing, the partner will be given a discount over the total price of the purchase and will be billed that amount—plus taxes, VAT (Value Added Tax, if applicable), and shipping and handling.

With this, the transaction will be complete and the products (server and CALs) will be shipped to the given address.

Q. Are licenses acquired through Solutions Pathway OEM, Full Package Product (aka Retail box), or Volume licenses?

A. Licenses purchased through Solutions Pathway are Full Package Product (aka Retail box) licenses.

Q. What is the discount offered to Partners in Solutions Pathway? Where can I find my pricing on these items as a Partner?

A. The discount level offered depends on the mobility scenario, i.e.

Into Windows Essential Server Solutions 2008 Family

Within Windows Essential Server Solutions 2008 Family

Out of Windows Essential Server Solutions 2008 Family

Below is an illustration of all possible mobility paths available in Solutions Pathway:

Click image for full size

Solutions Pathway offers a tiered discount. There are 2 different discount levels in each tier – one discount for Small Business Specialists (SBSC) and Networking Infrastructure Solutions (NI) partners, another for all other partners and customers. More information on Solutions Pathway for partners can be found here.

Click image for full size

Discounts applied to Windows SBS 2008 prices listed here and Windows EBS 2008 prices listed here.

Q. You mention customers can order this directly from Microsoft.com—doesn’t this mean that Microsoft is now competing with me as a partner?

A. No. Microsoft has always tried to make its technology products as accessible as possible. Partners are an extremely important part of our ecosystem, especially in the small and medium business (SMB) segment. Because of this, partners receive an additional 10% discount on Solutions Pathway pricing and since SMB customers tend to rely on partners for their IT purchases, Solutions Pathway offers the partners with an opportunity to generate additional revenue.

Q. Will these upgrades and credit programs offered through Solutions Pathway be available in LicenseWise or Gear Up tools for putting quotes together for my clients?

A. No, these will not be available anywhere else except for Solutions Pathway.

Q. Where on the Microsoft Partner Portal can I learn more about Solutions Pathway and how it works with ordering steps?

A. Partner-specific information on Solutions Pathway is available here, and general overview is also available here. We are also making available a step-by-step guide that covers the purchase process through Solutions Pathway from start to finish, which can be found here. (Step-by-Step document coming soon, before Nov. 24^th, but I wanted to post the link here for you so you can access it as soon as it goes up)

Q. Can I order the upgrades that are offered in Solutions Pathway through my Distributor?

A. No, right now the upgrades offered through Solutions Pathway cannot be ordered through distributors; however, the next version of Solutions Pathway, scheduled for release on 05/01/2009, will have an interface for the distributors and the partners will then be able to order through the distributors.

Q. Can I order the upgrades that are offered in Solutions Pathway in advance to have in stock for my clients?

A. No, the upgrades offered through Solutions pathway cannot be stocked in advance as the only way to participate in Solutions Pathway is to have the 5x5 product key of an existing eligible product.

Q. Are the upgrades that are offered in Solutions Pathway also available through the Open License programs?

A. No, these will not be available anywhere but Solutions Pathway.

Q. When is Solutions Pathway available and which mobility paths will be offered?

A. Solutions Pathway will launch on 11/12/08 with one scenario activated: moving into the Windows Essential Server Solutions family. Within and Out of Windows Essential Server Solutions family transitions can only be made after 180 days of purchase of the product that is being used to gain entry to Solutions Pathway. Thus the scenarios: moving within and out of the Windows Essential Server Solutions family will be activated starting 05/01/2009.

Q. When is version 2 of Solutions Pathway scheduled for release and what new features can we expect?

A. Version 2 of Solutions Pathway is scheduled for release on 05/01/2009. Among the features that are part of this release are:

Adding interface for distributors to participate in Solutions Pathway

Offer Windows Server 2008, which ships as part of Windows SBS 2008 Premium and Windows EBS 2008 Premium, downgrade to Windows Server 2003 R2

Please note that this list is directional only and is subject to change.

Q. How will upgrading from the previous Windows SBS versions such as Windows SBS 2000 and Windows SBS 2003 R2 work?

A.   All customers who have Windows SBS 2000, Windows SBS 2003 or Windows SBS 2003 R2 will be eligible to purchase Windows SBS 2008 software and CALs through Solutions Pathway at an attractive discount.

Q. Will customers be able to upgrade from Windows SBS 2008 to Windows EBS 2008 easily? What will the cost be?

A.   Customers can upgrade from Windows SBS 2008 to Windows EBS 2008. So, all customers who have Windows SBS 2008 will be eligible to purchase Windows EBS 2008 software and CALs through Solutions Pathway at an attractive discount.

Q. What are the “Exchange Server 2007 Software and CAL Credit” and “Windows Server 2008 Standard CAL Credit” promotions being offered in the Solutions Pathway program?

A. In conjunction with Solutions Pathway, Microsoft is launching two offers for a limited duration of time:

Exchange Server 2007 Software and CAL Credit: Through this offer, any customer that has a perpetual license to Exchange Server 2007 Standard software and has acquired corresponding Exchange Server 2007 CALs will be given a discount when licensing Windows EBS 2008 Standard or Premium software and Windows EBS 2008 CAL Suite or Windows EBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium users or devices through Solutions Pathway.

Windows Server 2008 Standard CAL Credit: Through this offer, any customer that has a perpetual license to Windows Server 2008 Standard software and has acquired corresponding Windows Server 2008 CALs will be given a discount when licensing Windows EBS 2008 CAL Suite through Solutions Pathway.

The intent of these two offers is to preserve the investments that customers have made in Exchange Server 2007 Standard software and CALs, as well as Windows Server 2008 Standard CALs as these are included in Windows EBS 2008 software and CAL.

Please note that these are limited-duration programs, and more information can be found in the Solutions Pathway terms and conditions.

Q. Will there be an upgrade path from Windows Server 2008 Standard to Windows SBS 2008?

A. No. Microsoft believes that customers with Windows Server 2008 Standard can purchase Windows SBS 2008 and use that Windows Server 2008 Standard in the Windows SBS 2008 domain. This way, customers can enjoy their continued investment in Windows Server 2008 Standard.

Q. When the customer passes the 75-user limit for Windows SBS 2008, what is the next step?

A.   There is a choice: move up the customer to Windows EBS 2008 or to the standalone servers that make up Windows SBS 2008 solution. Both scenarios are supported through Solutions Pathway.

Q. When he customer passes the 300-user limit for Windows EBS 2008, what is the next step?

A.   Partners can take advantage of Solutions Pathway and move the customer to the standalone servers that make up Windows EBS 2008 solution.

Q. Is there a mobility path to CORE CAL?

A.   No. There are no mobility paths to Core CAL through Solutions Pathway.

Q. Will it be possible to step up from S Windows BS 2003 + Software Assurance to E Windows BS 2008 (since Windows SBS 2008 doesn't include an ISA Server)?

A.   Yes, Microsoft is working to create a step-up SKU to Windows EBS 2008 for customers who have Software Assurance on Windows SBS 2003 R2 and want to move to Windows EBS 2008. Details will be available shortly.

Q. Can I add Software Assurance to the Solutions Pathway purchase?

A. Yes, licenses purchased through Solutions Pathway are Full Package Product (aka Retail box) licenses which Software Assurance can be added to within 90 days of Solutions Pathway purchase. See the Microsoft Volume Licensing Product List for details.

Q. How long does it take to receive the media/keys after purchase?

A. It takes 2-3 weeks for shipment to be delivered at the address provided.

Q. What if I experience a problem with my order in Solutions Pathway, who should I contact?

A. At Microsoft, we value our partners and customers and want to ensure a high quality purchase experience. Should you experience a problem with your order, contact your region below:

North America: solutionspathway@one.microsoft.upgrade.com

Latin America: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/contactusen/?ln=es-la

Europe, Middle East and Africa: direct-mar@msdirectservices.com

Asia Pacific: porders@microsoft.com or wwpo@microsoft.com (for Taiwan only)

Q. How are taxes and VAT treated in Solutions Pathway?

A. Customers are required to pay the taxes and VAT (if applicable).

Q. Do customers have to pay shipping and handling charges for their purchases through Solutions Pathway?

A. Yes, customers are required to pay shipping and handling charges.

Q. If I can’t find the 5 x 5 product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) that I used to install my software, where can I get it?

A. You can contact Microsoft support centers for additional assistance or request a media replacement:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=mscom

Q. Where can I find the Solutions Pathway website?

A.   Customers and partners will have different entry websites to redeem their corresponding discounts. Customers can start here and partners here.

Q. Where can I find an end-to-end Solutions Pathway purchase process?

A.   A detailed Solutions Pathway process document is available here to provide you with additional information and easy step-by-step guide to your product upgrade. (Step-by-Step document coming soon, before Nov. 24^th, but I wanted to post the link here for you so you can access it as soon as it goes up)

I hope this helps answer many of the questions you have had about Solutions Pathway, what it is, how it works, etc. If there are others we have missed, well, you know where to find me to let us know. :-)

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Global Partner Experience Lead
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

Microsoft SMB Community Blog : Solutions Pathway - SBS and EBS upgrades - FAQ For Partners

We have launched!!

UK SBSC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:18:20 GMT

Yesterday Microsoft officially launched Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Small Business Server 2008!

If you missed the webcast check it out here... Steve Ballmer and a host of executives talk about what these solutions will mean for SMB customers & partners.

This launch represents a significant opportunity for you to capitalize on as a SBSC in the UK marketplace so make sure you are up to speed and ready to deploy to your customers. Visit the partner portal pages to identify materials that can help you gear up.

Don't forget the Liverpool user group meeting next week!

UK SBSC — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:45:56 GMT

Are you a Microsoft partner based in the Liverpool region? If so, don't forget to sign up and attend the Liverpool Partner User group next Wednesday (19th November). David Bold is getting this partner user group going, having already met once a month or so ago. David has invited Microsoft to come along and deliver and partner readiness session on Windows Essential Server Solutions (that's SBS 2008 and EBS 2008) for this kick off meeting.

Here are the details:

When? – Wednesday 19th November, 5:30pm start
Where? - Gardner Systems, 1 Faraday Road, Wavertree Technology Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13 1EH
What? – The agenda for the first meeting, looks like this:

WESS Product Launch overview - Jamie Burgess, Microsoft Partner Technology Specialist
Marketing Fundamentals – Julie Simpson, ResourceIT (External Speaker)
Refreshment break – (Buffet)
The Small Business Specialist Programme – Emily Lambert, Microsoft Community Development Manger
Q & A

If you would like to attend please contact David Bold so that he can account for numbers.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Technical FAQ

UK SBSC — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:17:58 GMT

TechNet has released a great Technical FAQ on SBS 2008. Topics include:

Product Feature Set
Administration Experience
Client Desktops
Setup
Migration
Management, Monitoring, and Health Status
Networking, Security, OneCare Live for Server, and Forefront Security for Exchange
Terminal Services Questions
Virtualization
Backup and Server Storage
Microsoft Exchange Server, E-mail, and Messaging
Remote Access, Remote Web Workplace, SharePoint Services, VPN
SQL Server and Line-of-Business Applications
Interoperability with other Microsoft Applications
Solutions Pathway

You can access it here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sbs/cc817589.aspx.

Citrix Access Essentials webinars

UK SBSC — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:28:33 GMT

Citrix Systems have recently joined us on the WESS launch SBSC User Group tour.

Following some great interest from SBSC partners in Edinburgh last week, Sally Ross from Citrix has asked me to post her invitation out to all SBSC partner to invite you to some webinars they are holding in December. The purpose of the webinars are to tell you more about Citrix Access Essentials (CAE) and in order to entice you along they are offering 10 free Internal Use Licences for you to use in-house too!

The dates of those webinars are:

Option 1 - Monday 8th at 10:00
Option 2 - Friday 12th at 10:00

Registrations should be made through the following website http://www.citrixchanneltraining.com.

At the Edinburgh meeting, and also at future WESS launch user group meetings, Citrix have provided / will provide copies of the CAE v2.0 evaluation CD. If you are not attending a future WESS launch user group session and would like to receive one, please contact Sally directly. Sally would also be keen to hear any feedback that you might have.

Following the user group meeting in Edinburgh, a few SBSC partners have decided that they would like to become CAE certified, which Citrix are delighted with. For those of you who aren't ready to make the training commitment yet you do not need to be certified to sell CAE, just registered (although, to be eligible for all the benefits you will need to be certified). For more information please refer to their accreditation website at http://www.citrix-channel.com Select Country, Partner Programs, Product Authorization, Citrix Access Essentials.

Alternatively you can contact one of the following Citrix Distribution partners who the product is sold and supported through as they will be happy to help you.

Ingram Micro        0870 405 3956

IQ-Sys                   01753 898369

Interchange          08451 556555

ETC                       08451 557766

DNS                       01189 711511

To learn more about Citrix go here.