Microsoft US Central Region Partner Team

Web Platform Event coming up for partners in Dallas.

2009-12-02T22:23:00Z

Microsoft & SoftLayer Present:

Elite Web Optimization Event

Come spend a day with us to explore the Microsoft Windows Web Platform and the many hosting services provided by SoftLayer!

During this event, we’ll review what’s new in the Microsoft Web Platform and tools, the interoperability improvements in the Microsoft Web platform and the value that SoftLayer can add to your project/business.

We will discuss:

MS Web Platform – IIS management Console, Hyper-V and the Dynamic Data Center, SQL Server 2008 Web Edition, IISMedia Services3.0
MS Interoperability – PHP on Windows, Web-PI, PHP Drivers in MS SQL Server 2008
MS Web Tools – Visual Studio, Expression, Silverlight
SoftLayer services and value add
WebsiteSpark Program
The Great PHP on Windows Contest
Microsoft Partner Evangelism Initiative

All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win one of several prizes including Xbox360 Elite and ZuneHD.

There is still time............

2009-11-25T16:34:00Z

......to nominate your business for an H1 Central Region Partner Award!

Each year, Microsoft recognizes a broad spectrum of partner innovation and contribution. From competency excellence to supporting nonprofit technology access, apply for awards that highlight your organization’s strengths.

This is a great opportunity for recognition – Please see below for details and be sure to submit before the deadlines!

Local Area Awards:

Each semester, your local Microsoft team recognizes partners who have excelled in marketing, growth, competing to win, partnering, and customer experience.

You can view full details on the award categories and self-nominate using our new web-based submission tool. Nominations for this award period are open from August 17, 2009 to December 11, 2009.

Winners for FY2010 H1 will be announced December 18, 2009 – January 8, 2010.

What does a winning solution offer me?

• Area H1 and H2 award winners will be acknowledged at the FY10 (July 2010) Worldwide Partner Conference.

• Area newsletters following announcement of winners will highlight winning partners.

• Area partner briefing sessions that correspond with the announcement of winners will also highlight the winning partners.

• Microsoft will provide partners a press release to the partner to use for local media publications.

• Microsoft will display the Area winners on our Central Region Partner Website.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

-lesley

If partnering is not part of your marketing strategy, you are turning your back on potential new business

2009-11-17T20:28:00Z

WHO IS IN YOUR CONTACT LIST THAT YOU COULD BE CO-MARKETING WITH?

Developing an alliance strategy of co-marketing and co-selling is a smart way to open your business to new communities of prospects that you would not have otherwise had access. Think about this as a new lead funnel of warn leads. Yes, I said warm leads, not cold leads - because you automatically have an endorsement from the organization that you are co-marketing with!

Who is in your existing local network?

1- Are you a member of a local Chamber of Commerce? Have you ever approached them about conducting a small business focused technical seminar series for members and prospective members? Have you offered to contribute content to their newsletter or Website? Have you ever invited them to your events to talk about Chamber membership and in return ask them to promote your event to their membership, and even better, host the event at their office...

2- Have you ever considered conducting a joint marketing program with your accountant, banker or insurance agent? Research confirms that these are the trusted advisors within the small business community. If you are targeting the SMB space, wouldn't it make sense to join forces on some co-marketing efforts?

Partnering and co-marketing is the core of what the Local Engagement Team was founded on, and our mission is to help our SMB partners in these efforts. Check out www.mslocalpartner.com to learn more about the Local Engagement program. Also, get connected with the Business Development Manager in your area below to discuss who you are currently co-marketing with or who you want to start co-marketing with...

Partnering Resources

Alliances: Tap into Microsoft national alliances such as Comcast, AT&T, FEDEX Office and more...

Local Business Community Organizations (LBCO's): (Local Chambers, Small Business Development Centers, ect...) Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, Small Business Development Centers , Womens Business Centers

Microsoft Partners: Connect with other Microsoft partners to create profitable new partnerships, collaborate and build new opportunities. Microsoft PinPoint

Local Engagement US Coverage Map

Midwest < IL, IN, WI >:

Tracye Foy tfoy@microsoft.com

North Central < MN, KS, MO, ND, SD, IA, NE >:

John LaLonde jlalonde@microsoft.com

South Central < TX, LA, AK, OK >:

Michael Murphy "Murph" micmurph@microsoft.com

Heartland <MI, OH, KY, TN >

Carl Preston carlpre@microsoft.com

Microsoft launches Community Connections – Connecting Partners, customers, and organizations with Windows 7

2009-11-09T21:07:00Z

Microsoft launches Community Connections – Connecting Partners, customers, and organizations with Windows 7

Community Connections is an offer that brings together local Microsoft Partners with Local Business Community Organizations (LBCO), such as a Chamber of Commerce, to help them get access to Windows 7 and services from local Microsoft Partners to assist them do their Windows 7 installations. Community Connections provides:

Two (2) free copies of Windows 7 for the LBCO
$150 services voucher to be applied to the installation of Windows at the LBCO by a local Microsoft Partner
Assistance from the Microsoft Local Engagement Team to conduct live Windows 7 events with local Microsoft Partners – event materials, product offers, and funding
$150 services voucher to be applied to the installation of Windows 7 at the customer’s location by a local Microsoft Partner

So what exactly is a Local Business Community Organization (LBCO)?

Eligible organizations: Non-profit 501(c) 3’s, 4’s, and 6’s: Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Business Leagues, and Diversity organizations
Non-eligible organizations: Government funded agencies, schools, non-business community organizations

In essence, the way Community Connections works is:

An LBCO signs up for Community Connections and chooses a local Microsoft Partner to work with. The LBCO receives two (2) copies of Windows 7 and a $150 services voucher. The LBCO uses the $150 services voucher with the local Microsoft Partner to help pay for the installation of the Windows 7 software they received. The LBCO and local Microsoft Partner then host an event for local businesses about Windows 7 using resources provided by the Microsoft Local Engagement Team. Businesses who attend the event and purchase qualifying Windows 7 upgrades through Volume Licensing afterwards can then register to receive a $150 services voucher to use with the local Microsoft Partner to help pay for their Windows 7 installation.

Ready to find out more? Microsoft Partners should head out to the Microsoft Local Engagement Toolkit page , view the recorded session (#1) and encourage LBCO’s in your area to view the Live Meeting from November 23^rd (#2). Then connect with your LBCO’s and have them register to participate in Microsoft Community Connections (#3).

This offer is a limited-time offer, so be sure to get out to the Microsoft Local Engagement Toolkit page and get started with the Community Connections program today. Community Connections, another way Microsoft is investing in our Partners to help you be successful.

Microsoft Community Connections Help Desk mcc@microsoft.com

Local Engagement US Coverage Map

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/local/partner/connect.aspx

Midwest < IL, IN, WI >:

Tracye Foy tfoy@microsoft.com

North Central < MN, KS, MO, ND, SD, IA, NE >:

John LaLonde jlalonde@microsoft.com

South Central < TX, LA, AK, OK >:

Michael Murphy "Murph" micmurph@microsoft.com

Heartland <MI, OH, KY, TN >

Carl Preston carlpre@microsoft.com

3 easy steps to qualify for EVENT marketing support through the Local Engagement Team

2009-11-09T20:57:00Z

1. Plan a customer / lead generation event

2. Feature any Microsoft product

3. Do at least 1 of the following:

Ø Team up and co – market / co-present with a Local Business Community Organization (any organization whose charter is to move SMB’s forward) EX: Chambers, Small Business Development Centers, Professional Associations

Ø Team up and co – market / co-present with a Local Alliance Partner (any local business with a complimentary business offering to yours) EX: Comcast, AT&T, your CPA, local print shop, marketing agency, ect…

Ø Use content from 1 of the 9 solution focused campaigns located on www.mslocalpartner.com For a campaign messaging overview, check out the - How to Choose a Theme pdf to review which products align to each of the 9 campaigns.

To qualify, contact your Local Engagement Business Development Manager with your event details!

Midwest < IL, IN, WI >:

Tracye Foy tfoy@microsoft.com

North Central < MN, KS, MO, ND, SD, IA, NE >:

John LaLonde jlalonde@microsoft.com

South Central < TX, LA, AK, OK >:

Michael Murphy "Murph" micmurph@microsoft.com

Heartland <MI, OH, KY, TN >

Carl Preston carlpre@microsoft.com

Local Engagement US Coverage Map

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/local/partner/connect.aspx

Licensing Bootcamps are back!

2009-11-09T16:51:00Z

You may remember it as the Licensing Bootcamp; we’ve re-named it and AMPED IT UP!!

We’ve now got 101 and 201 level events for those of you that are ready to take your Licensing Skills to the next level.

Licensing Essentials 101 (the Fundamentals session) introduces you to the basics on Microsoft licensing, resources and incentives. This session is best for client-facing sales managers, account executives, and technical resources who are new in role or who need a refresher on Microsoft's licensing programs.

This half day course focuses on topics like:

Increasing your revenue by leveraging the right licensing programs for your customers
Leveraging Microsoft tools to accurately quote customers
Using Microsoft incentive and financing programs to create value for your customers—and increase your profitability
Licensing scenarios to key Microsoft solutions

We will also cover your opportunities with Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 as well as Microsoft's Unified Communication and Collaboration strategy focusing on Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007.

Once you have a grasp of the fundamentals of licensing, it's time to start exercising those skills. Where do you get started?

Licensing Essential 201 (the Advanced session) helps you maximize ways to put your knowledge to work for you and your customers. In this session, we focus on viewing the entire deal, identifying the best licensing program for a particular situation, and executing on Software Assurance.

This course is designed for client-facing sales managers, account executives, and technical resources involved in preparing licensing proposals who have previously attended a Licensing Essentials 101 session.

In this follow-up to the Basic Session, we will cover:

Unique licensing scenarios for key Microsoft products and solutions
Interactive practice exercises on customer licensing scenarios
Using Microsoft tools designed to uncover a customer's licensing needs and organize the collected information.
Using the volume licensing sites for software downloads, license keys, and Software Assurance benefits.

Events are happening now; you can find all events in your geography listed here!

Good Selling!

Lesley

Partner asks: "TPAM, where do I get started with Windows 7..."

2009-10-30T17:20:00Z

Working with TPAMs and Distributors every day, I get to hear common questions. Here is a one:

A partner this morning asked their TPAM how to get the most out of the Windows 7 launch since there is so much interest. Check out the TPAM's response here...

If you want to leverage this Windows 7 momentum, here are a couple suggestions for partners from our Windows 7 Launch Central on the Partner Portal:

Use Windows 7 internally.
With Windows 7 internal-use licenses, you can run your business. Train your staff. Develop and test your new solutions. And demonstrate Windows 7 features to your customers. Internal-use licenses are now available for Gold Certified and Certified Partners and Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS) holders through digital download; physical media distribution begins this month.

Upgrade and Save on Windows 7

Through February 28, 2010, you can offer savings on Windows 7 Professional upgrade licenses—with or without Microsoft Software Assurance for Volume Licensing —to SMB Microsoft Volume Licensing customers who have qualifying Windows desktop operating system licenses. Do not forget the Microsoft VAR Rebate which can also provide 6% rebate on Windows 7.

Create demand with Windows 7

Get a FREE “Launch-in-a-Box” kit!*

Register your customer event using www.MicrosoftPartnerEvents.com (event date must be between 10/12 – 2/1) and you could be eligible to receive your own Launch-in-a-Box kit! *Details and Terms & Conditions here.

30 Event Evaluation Forms

Product Brochures: Windows 7, Windows 2008 R2, Exchange 2010

30 Launch Pens

30 Launch T-shirts

30 Launch Notebooks

2x8 ft. Launch Banner

Conduct an Upgrade the Desktop campaign to get matching funds**

Microsoft will match up to $500 of your Upgrade the Desktop investment in any Ready-to-Go Marketing Services or Event costs. Simply make your purchase and submit your reimbursement request at www.mspartnerdirect.com/rebate using promotion code LAUNCH. We'll send your 50 percent rebate check (for purchases up to $1,000) in four to six weeks. **Details and Terms & Conditions here.

Get trained on Windows 7

Learn to sell Windows 7 with role-based training at https://partner.microsoft.com/40110019

Get up to speed quickly with the Windows 7 Online Readiness Kit at https://partner.microsoft.com/40091612 and the various resource pages by partner-type to see the latest tools, presentations, and campaigns. Here are the specific links for each:

· ISVs: https://partner.microsoft.com/40103819

· Services Partners: https://partner.microsoft.com/40103797

· VARs & Solution Providers: https://partner.microsoft.com/40103868

· Distis: https://partner.microsoft.com/40109544

· LARs: https://partner.microsoft.com/40103860

· System Builders: https://partner.microsoft.com/40103867

Update your Website with Windows 7 Content Automatically.
Subscribe to Windows 7 Web Syndication, a free service that keeps your website populated with the latest information from Microsoft for your customers.

Do you have more questions on how to get started? Ask your TPAM or let me know. -Brad Rozen (bradr @ microsoft.com

Stop Cold Calling & Start Breaking Down Doors with Creative Strategies!

2009-10-30T07:10:00Z

In my 20-year sales career, I've been challenged with that excruciating prospect of picking up the phone and cold calling or telemarketing for new business. You have about 20 seconds to gain someone's attention. And that was back about 15 years ago for me. Things have changed big time with the advent of email and instant messaging. What are you doing to get noticed and gain that appointment with the new account you are targeting? Have you noticed that hardly anyone answers the phone these days?

As I am out in the field, talking to partners, I hear the same thing over and over. "We can't get the meeting, we are struggling with demand generation and cold calling". In my previous role, I had the privilege of being involved with Ingram Micro's VTN (Venture Tech Network). During the chapter meetings, we shared ideas and best practices. In between, we could reach out to the chapter members to seek advice and ask for help with various challenges. When I asked for cold call scripts and ideas to gain access to new customers, I was met with the sounds of chirping crickets. I got to thinking that this was not just a problem with my team, but universal for a lot of VARs.

I am in the process of working on a sales strategy for my VARs in North Central. I thought this would be a great place to showcase some ideas that have worked for me. I'd also love to hear from you. Email me at lhughes@microsoft.com with any creative ideas you have employed to reach a new customer.

One scenario that comes to mind, that I have shared with many sales reps, is a customer that just wouldn't give me the time of day. They were actually a current customer and I became aware that they were contracted for a maintenance agreement that was far too excessive for their actual needs. Plus, they had just purchased another company and had inherited some old gear in the process. I knew they were wasting money, but no one seemed to care. If I could just get their attention, I was confident that I could easily identify many other areas where money was being wasted through an assessment of their current fleet of equipment. I had hit my point of ultimate frustration and finally decided I had nothing to lose by going right to the top of the organization.

I knew the CEO's name, but I didn't have his email address or phone number. I looked at the various business cards I had collected from employees at this company and took a shot that it would be formatted in a similar fashion. The next step was to think like a CEO. What was keeping Fred awake at night? Then I had an epiphany! I would peruse the company's website and look for anything troubling that may be impacting the organization and worrisome to Fred. I popped into the "Investor" link on their website and low and behold, there it was; a press release to shareholders, promising a return to profitability. After some further digging, I also discovered that this company had been cutting staff, much to Fred's dismay.

I took the information and reworked it, incorporating my company into the subject line, and putting a spin on the content. I referenced the pain that his company was suffering at this time and pointed out to him that by participating in my assessment, I could identify waste in the company, streamline processes and eliminate redundancies (a good thing in this case). I suggested that if they continued to conduct business in the same manner, his claims of a return to profitability would probably not come to fruition. I explained that I had been attempting to engage with members of his staff, but was being met with closed doors and asked him point blank, "Where do you suggest I begin?"

It was a bold move and I stared at my "send" key for a long time before finally summoning the courage to blast it off to Fred. I held my breath and hit "send". That was at 4:48 p.m. on a Thursday evening. The deed was done and there was no turning back now.

When I returned to work the following day, much to my surprise, or maybe even shock and awe, my plan had succeeded! I had a response from Fred. The time stamp read 11:45 p.m. His message to me was simple and to the point, "I am traveling until 12/17. Please give me a call later that week. Thanks." You can bet I did my happy dance after reading his message, and got busy putting my next steps together. I made arrangements to have my Sales Director and Facilities Management VP in the meeting with Fred. I got a signed contract for a full-blown assessment and replaced a lot of aging, non-productive equipment shortly after our meeting with Fred.

My suggestion to you is to take this same approach with some of your "wish list" customers. Go right to the top. C-level executives are visionary and are thinking about the business in a completely different fashion than the Network Admins and sometimes even the Directors. Research the company, find out where they are having issues, and communicate your message in an assertive manner, with complete conviction in your solution. However, research in moderation. Some people have been known to spend far too much time in this exercise. Keep it short and sweet.

What have you got to lose?

Here's one of my fave quotes: "It is never too late to be what you might have been."

Cheers to great success!

Lisa Hughes . Partner Territory Manager . North Central Area .

BIG EASY RETURNS!!!

2009-10-23T16:57:00Z

have you heard? The Microsoft Big Easy Partner Subsidy is coming back for two months! check out the webcast to launch big easy --- https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032430478&EventCategory=2&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US

It's the Launch you've all been waiting for!

2009-10-23T00:40:00Z

Midwest Area Partner,

Today we launched Windows 7, Windows Server R2 and Exchange 2010! It’s a big day for Microsoft and our Partners! The upside for our Partners is incredible. Windows 7 gives users the ability to be productive anywhere, reduce risks through advanced security and control and streamline PC management. Windows Server R2 advancements are in the areas of virtualization, Windows Server as a web platform, management and is designed to work better together with Windows 7 via VDI, DirectAccess, BranchCashe and RDS. Exchange 2010 is designed to be flexible and reliable offering anywhere access, advanced protection and compliance and is optimized for on-premise and in the cloud coexistence while offering the end user a seamless experience.

I wanted to send along some resources in case you were not able to attend a live launch event in your local area. In addition to the below resources, Certified and Gold Partners have access to our software via the MPN program for internal use, testing/development and training. There is no better way to get both your technical and sales teams in the game than to run internally.

Partner Go Do’s = Know It, Use It, Show It

Good Selling,

Andy McNulty,

Partner Territory Manager

Microsoft

Midwest Area (IL, IN, WI)

mwapc@microsoft.com

Virtual New Efficiency Launch for Partners

Experience the excitement around the New Efficiency Launch program including Steve Ballmer keynote and demo of the Steve Ballmer keynote on 9/29:

Go to www.thenewefficiency.com and click ‘watch the keynote’

-Steve Ballmer enters at 39 minute mark

-Demo starts at 58 minute mark (for about 9 minutes)

Partner Readiness

Partner individuals can access training on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Exchange Server 2010 available online at: www.microsoftlearningplans.com.

Launch Training for US Partners

Take advantage of these handpicked courses to get ready for the upcoming launches.

· Windows 7 Deployment Training – This 1-day technical event dives into deployment planning and strategy for Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8.0.

· Windows 7 Loadfest – Get Windows 7 loaded on your PC and receive the materials needed to host your own Windows 7 launch event.

· New Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Application Compatibility series from MSdev.com:

o Application Compatibility - General Session

o Application Compatibility - Business Marketing Message

o The Front Runner Program

o Logo Certification

· Microsoft Unified Communications Sales Training Featuring Exchange Server 2010 – Learn how Exchange 2010 enables rich and productive collaboration among its users and offers partner business opportunities.

· Exchange Server 2010 Ignite Training Workshop – This 3-day workshop covers architecture, setup, deployment, tools, migration, security, transport and unified messaging.

Ready-to-Go Marketing in Action

Generate customer leads from The New Efficiency Launch!

Ready-to-Go Marketing continues to expand the options for Microsoft partners to generate customer demand for Launch. There are 3 new “Sneak Peek” Ready-to-Go Marketing campaigns which have helped more than 500 partners’ preview Windows 7, Windows Server R2 & Microsoft Exchange 2010 with their customers before price list availability, and all of the great customer sales offers are built right in! Partners who register their Sneak Peek or Launch event through Ready-to-Go Marketing Events (aka MPE) are eligible to receive the NEW! Launch-in-a-Box kit – a physical box with evaluation forms, product brochures, customer giveaways and an event banner. Details & Terms and Conditions here. Your partners can add great Windows 7 Launch information to their websites via Ready-to-Go Marketing web syndication, a service that provides a dynamic link which allows partners to have the latest Microsoft information embedded directly in their website.

We also have 5 new Ready-to-Go Marketing Launch Campaigns for partners: Upgrade the Desktop; Reduce Your IT Costs (with Optimized Desktop & Optimized Datacenter choices for partners), Business Servers and Virtualization & Management. Partners can use any of the new Ready-to-Go Marketing Services with these campaigns and receive matching campaign funds (up to $500). The new Ready-to-Go Marketing Services include Telemarketing, Email List Purchase, Search Engine Optimization, and Marketing Consultation & Promotions. There is an additional special offer for SBSC partners – an extra $500 (non-matched by MS) towards any Ready-to-Go Marketing activity. If you or your partners have questions at any time about any Ready-to-Go Marketing offering, just ask the Ready-to-Go Marketing Help Desk via email at rtgmktg@microsoft.com.

Syndication

Partner web syndication is available for Windows 7 and can be viewed at: www.microsoftsyndication.com

What’s available: Two variations of Windows 7 syndication are available:

· Windows 7 Professional – targeting breadth

· Windows 7 Enterprise – targeting enterprise

Syndication is added to a partner’s website by simply adding a single line of code!

Each of the Windows 7 mini-site’s include three banners size options to post onto a partner’s website.
When clicked by a visitor, the banner delivers a mini-site highlighting product features, screenshots and a customer testimonial video.
The partner can even customize the microsite to include their contact info and an offer – all with just a few clicks!

Planning a Windows 7 Launch Event of your own, let us help.

2009-10-22T16:08:00Z

Hey Partners-

What a day!! I just watched Steve B. with Matt Lauer on the Today Show discussing the Launch of Windows 7, it was a cool showcase of the great new OS launching today!

Are you planning to leverage the momentum from today's launch buzz to drive marketing activity for your business?

Check out these offers to help you with your Windows 7 Launch Marketing Plans.

TPM Funding

Offer Details

Expiration

Eligibility/Campaigns

Launch in a Box offer

Register your event at www.microsoftpartnerevents.com and you could be eligible to receive a Launch in a Box kit containing evaluation forms, product brochures, customer giveaways and an event banner

Feb 1

Event must be created using one of the Ready-to-Go Sneak Peek or Launch campaigns (complete terms & conditions here)

Launch offer

Microsoft will match partners investment (up to $500) in RTG Campaigns, Services or Event costs

Dec 31

Partner must provide proof of purchase and submit reimbursement via rebate page.

Full list of Campaigns, Services and Event costs eligible here

Good Selling!

Lesley

Early Bird Gets the Worm!

2009-10-21T20:21:00Z

A little birdie told me about a big promotion that’s launching VERY soon!

Want to be the first to find out what it is?

1. Follow Us on Twitter- the big announcement is Friday 10-23.

Visit www.twitter.com/MSIncentives and follow us to hear the news.

2. Feel free to forward this message and encourage your colleagues to follow us too!

Good Selling!

Lesley

How should social media fit into your marketing plan?

2009-10-20T20:23:00Z

Are you as confused as I am? We know it's a new world when you can update your Facebook status from the car as your eating that ice cream cone from DQ, but what about using Social Media as a tool to find new customers, nurture the relationships you have?

Let us help you demystify and understand how you can use Social Media as another tool in your marketing tool kit. We've got resident expert- Jeremy Epstein (former Microsoftie), owner/founder of Never Stop Marketing, joining us for this Friday's Partner Marketing Call. Learn a bit about Jeremy here. http://jer979.com/whyjer979/.

Jeremy joins us to share with you how Microsoft Partners just like you have leveraged Social Marketing to increase sales. Jeremy is a thought leader in the Social Media space. His WPC Presentation was the 3rd highest ranked session at this year’s Partner Conference.

The call is this Friday at 10AM CST, Register Now!

See ya Friday!

Lesley

The New Microsoft Partner Network

2009-10-14T16:32:00Z

At our WW partner conference in July, we introduced the Microsoft Partner Network, a community born from our continued commitment to serve the needs of our partners and help them reach their full potential.

Today, our partners and industry analysts alike rate the Microsoft partner program as one of the best in the industry. However, we knew it could be made even better. Our vision for the Partner Network is simple, and it centers on the “three c’s”:

Capabilities – We heard your feedback; it’s become too easy to attain Gold and it’s becoming harder to tell your customers why you are different than another Microsoft partner. We address this in MPN.
Customers – We heard your feedback; the Microsoft partner program is too focused on the relationship with Microsoft; customers aren’t paying attention to competencies and specializations. We address this in MPN.
Communities – We heard your feedback; you enjoy opportunities to connect with other partners that spark innovation and build real business together. We address this in MPN.

The Microsoft Partner Program has evolved. We’re proud to introduce the Microsoft Partner Network, a community born from our continued commitment to serve the needs of our partners and to help them reach their full potential. We believe the Microsoft advantage shines through the success of partners like you.

After reviewing the changes that are being introduced as part of the rollout of the Microsoft Partner Network, we opted to categorize them into four key areas:

1) CSAT Index Requirements
2) Competency & Specialization Changes
3) Model Transition (Gold/Cert Points ModelàCompetency-Based Model)

Check out the Competency Transition tool to better understand how your current competencies will migrate.

https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40115883

4) Visual Identity & Branding Changes

The Microsoft Partner Network has a place for all partners. Starting in October 2010 – the Microsoft Partner Network has 4 ways you can participate.

Community and Quick Starts: All members of the MPN are part of our community – our foundation. The goal is to engage both existing & new partners via listening /participating/engaging in communities online including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. We are still designing this space so stay tuned for more information to come in the future.

As a member of the MPN you can then choose to have a deeper relationship with Microsoft. You should pick the opportunity that best meets your business needs

Subscriber: With subscriptions, startup companies, small business, and new partners can develop their business & seek opportunities with the support of the Microsoft Partner Network. Like today, these are partners opting for MAPs, Empower and BizSpark subscription will have access to a deeper set of benefits. More subscription offerings may be added in the future to attract partners and develop engagement.

Competency Partner: Competencies help businesses demonstrate their expertise by aligning to business needs, making your certification recognizable to prospective customers. Competencies will adjust to be aligned with how customers go to market and Marketing Campaigns. In the Microsoft Partner Network there is a wide arrange of competencies available…30 total all aligned to customer demands.

Advanced Competency Partner: Advanced Competencies will allow Partners with deeper levels of expertise to differentiate this in the marketplace with a specific brand. In October 2010, partners eligible for advanced competencies will showcase ‘best-in-class’ solutions that went through a rigorous and auditable approval process to demonstrate customer value.

We welcome continued feedback from our partners and customers. As always reach out to us if you have any questions or wish to discuss further.

Cheers,
Lara

Join us for the Monthly Partner Call this Friday!

2009-10-13T17:47:00Z

My last post mentioned a few of my top picks for staying connected to the CR Partner team and as you have it, one of those top picks is coming up this Friday.

The Central Region Monthly Partner Call is one of our primary vehicles for sharing with you business priorities and key resources around sales, readiness and marketing. This Friday, we're talking BPOS and we have an outstanding line up!

· Liz Siver, Market Development Director will kick off the call with a general update on our BPOS Strategy

· Jon Strausburg- Sales Director for Online Services will talk about the partner opportunity

· RBA Consulting, a Microsoft Partner will share their best practice around a BPOS Strategy

· We'll wrap up the call with Readiness Resources along with some great sales incentives/customer offers to help you close business.

Good Selling!

Lesley