In this edition, we’re celebrating the recent launch of the new Core Infrastructure competencies. Find out how they’ll better showcase your expertise—and how you’ll be able to speed your revenue growth and win longer customer engagements.
We’ve designed the new Partner Network competencies to showcase your skills and align with how your customers buy. That’s why the recently launched Core Infrastructure competencies—Desktop Platform, Server Platform, and Systems Management—will help you build a more profitable practice and deepen your customer relationships. And when you add the Virtualization and Security competencies, you have more opportunities than ever to prove your expertise—and your value—to your customers. Use these key resources to learn more about the value of the Core Infrastructure competencies and how to begin building your practice:
• Review the IDC study to learn how you can boost deal size by 68 percent and per-employee revenue by 28 percent.
• Download the Partner Solution Plan (PSP) Activation Kit for concise, actionable guidance and key resources that Microsoft experts have identified as critical.
• Offer your enterprise customers a simplified way to acquire licenses for their infrastructures with Enrollment for Core Infrastructure (ECI).
• Want to learn more about Microsoft Core Infrastructure solutions? Get details.
• Interested in getting Microsoft Core Infrastructure solutions updates? Subscribe to the infrastructure partner newsletter.Showcase Your Windows 7 and MDOP Expertise
Attain the new Desktop Platform competency to prove your skill at developing solutions based on the Windows 7 operating system and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). You’ll get access to no-charge training, exclusive logos and marketing materials, and customer support. All of which you can use to build more revenue for your business.Reach Your Microsoft Exchange Server Sales and Marketing Goals
Microsoft Unified Communications partner marketing campaigns can help you generate sales leads, increase awareness, drive customer engagement, and evaluate the return on your marketing investment. Visit the Partner Marketing Center and get started with these valuable to-customer campaigns: • Cost Savings with Unified Communications
• Enhanced Communications and Collaboration
• Exchange Server UpgradeNew Report: More Than 80 Percent of Vulnerabilities Are in Non-Microsoft Code
Download the latest Security Intelligence Report to learn more about the findings. And be better equipped to provide sound recommendations to help your customers stay on top of the latest online threats. Download the SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP
Explore new capabilities designed to help your customers improve IT and developer efficiency, easily capture and share business intelligence (BI) with all users, and scale to meet changing business demands. Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010 Now Available
Download the next-generation release of Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server. Then find sales and marketing resources, training, and support to help you reduce the cost and complexity of Web security for your customers. Download Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Beta
Get hands-on experience with new features. Find out how it’s easier than ever to bring together real-time data from multiple sources and how to improve efficiency with enhanced workflow-based functionality. Get Ready for Next-Generation Cloud Computing
The Windows Azure platform is launching soon. Start training now to deliver robust cloud-based applications that help your customers operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Get prescriptive guidance through role-based training.Win more business and evaluate your strategy with tools, resources, and guides in the Core Infrastructure Practice Builder, created by Core Infrastructure partners. Watch Core IO Learning Snacks for short, informative presentations about Core Infrastructure Optimization (Core IO).Need training? Find prescriptive guidance in learning paths for virtualization and Microsoft System Center.Get up to speed with updated Exchange Server 2010 Ignite Technical Training.
Accelerate your Exchange Server 2010 sales with online training and seminars.Register Now for Practice Accelerator Experience
Get the comprehensive set of tools, resources, and best practices you need to build your midmarket practice around Microsoft solutions through Practice Accelerator. This unique for-fee experience offers the opportunity to participate in a four-day, in-depth training session delivered by Microsoft experts through Microsoft Office Live Meeting. The last event runs December 14–17, 2009, 9:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M., Pacific time. Download the EAP Configurator from Microsoft LicenseWise for Volume Licensing
Help build and accelerate your Microsoft Enrollment for Application Platform (EAP) proposals with the new Microsoft EAP Configurator. The tool includes easy product and service selection, automatic generation of a customer quote and preliminary pricing sheet, and comparison of EAP and Microsoft Enterprise Agreement prices. December 2009 Agreement Refresh for the Open Programs Now Available
As of December 7, 2009, the Microsoft Open License, Microsoft Open Value, and Microsoft Open Value Subscription agreements include changes that help clarify language and bring alignment with other Volume Licensing agreements, and program enhancements that help simplify licensing. The December 2009 changes apply to customers who sign a 2009 agreement. The 2009 agreements are available from your distributor. Download a customer presentation for additional details, and get answers to customers’ frequently asked questions (FAQ).VLSC Replaced MVLS and eOpen on December 6, 2009
As of December 6, 2009, Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) provides a single, integrated portal for managing all Volume Licensing IDs. The Microsoft Volume License Services (MVLS) and eOpen licensing management websites have been retired and now automatically redirect to VLSC. All user accounts and registered Volume Licensing IDs have been migrated. • Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 to Be Supported on Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows 7 Role-Based Learning Paths
• Windows RSS Feed
• Upgrading to Windows 7 for SMB
• Windows 7 Videos
Visit the Microsoft Partner Network Portal
Volume 6, Number 12
Welcome to your new PC!
If you're buying a new PC for the holidays - or if you already bought one to take advantage of the new Windows 7 operating system - here's what you should do to welcome your new PC into the world and say goodbye to your old one.•Take 4 steps to protect your computer •Back up your files •Safely retire your old computer •Learn ways to recycle your electronics waste
Microsoft security news 8 tips for safer online shopping Straight from the Windows Internet Explorer team at Microsoft, here are eight ways for you to have a safer online shopping experience.
Security updates Security updates for December 8, 2009
The bulletin for December includes six security updates: four for the Windows operating system, one for Internet Explorer, and one for Microsoft Office Project. Get updates from Microsoft Update See a summary of the updates Watch a short video about the updates
Protect your computer Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender? If you download Microsoft Security Essentials to help protect your computer against malicious software, do you still need Windows Defender? Get the facts. Is your computer infected? Find out with this free tool If you suspect your PC has a virus or other malicious software, download the free Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to find and remove it.
Protect yourself and your family 7 tips for Internet safety at home From creating strong passwords to thinking before you click an attachment or links in e-mail or instant messages, these seven tips will help keep you safer online. Be careful when you search the Web Rogue security software sites can appear as top results in popular searches - a cybercrime known as search engine spamming, or "spamdexing." Learn more. Find answers to common computer security questions Visit our Consumer Security Support Center for information on scanning, detecting, and removing viruses and spyware, security updates, online fraud, and more.
Security resources•Microsoft Online Safety: online safety and privacy education •Microsoft Security: the latest in computer security •Security Tips & Talk blog •Microsoft Consumer Security Support Center
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