Hot Topics
January 22, 2010
Building Confidence in Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers tremendous potential for efficiency, cost savings and innovation. Yet several challenges limit widespread adoption of cloud technologies, including ensuring the privacy and security of data stored in the cloud. Microsoft is responding to these challenges by working to build more secure systems and datacenters, and adhering to clear, responsible privacy and security practices — from software development through service delivery, operation and support.
To fully realize the benefits of cloud computing, government action also is needed to ensure that a robust privacy and security legal framework exists to protect and provide user rights and benefits in the cloud.
Visit Microsoft News Center for a virtual press kit of Cloud Computing resources. Watch Microsoft's Brad Smith advance policies for Cloud Computing on the Voices for Innovation website.
January 20, 2010
Intuit and Microsoft Join Forces to Deliver Web Applications to Millions of Small Businesses
Intuit Inc. and Microsoft plan to create new opportunities for software developers to deliver and market Web applications to small-business customers through the Intuit App Center. The two companies plan to integrate the capabilities of their cloud services platforms — the Intuit Partner Platform and Windows Azure platform — to enable developers and channel partners to deliver solutions to the millions of employees within businesses that use QuickBooks® financial software. In addition, the two companies will provide small businesses with Microsoft’s cloud-based productivity applications via the Intuit App Center.
Intuit will name Windows Azure as a “preferred platform” for small-business cloud application development on the Intuit Partner Platform. The companies expect this to jump-start development and distribution of new Web-based applications to help small businesses in today’s challenging economy. The free Windows Azure software development kit (SDK) (beta) for Intuit Partner Platform is available today at http://developer.intuit.com/azure.
For more information, read complete article on Microsoft News Center.
January 18, 2010
US Partners: Win a Trip to WPC 2010
Enter the Let’s Do the Math: Software + Services = WPC Sweepstakes by April 23, 2010 for a chance to win* a trip to the 2010 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington D.C. in July.
By completing each Software-plus-Services training event, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $5,000 prize packages including a 7-day trip to Washington D.C., roundtrip airfare, luxury accommodations at Hotel Rouge, evening tour of the D.C. area, day trip to Mt. Vernon, $1000 in spending money, and paid registration to Microsoft's 2010 Worldwide Partner Conference. Get complete registration information.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 US states (includes D. of C.) 18+ who are employees of companies actively enrolled in the Microsoft Partner Network. Game ends on April 23, 2010. Download the full rules.
January 13, 2010
HP and Microsoft Simplify Technology Environments
HP and Microsoft announced a three-year agreement to invest $250 million to significantly simplify technology environments for businesses of all sizes.
The companies plan to deliver new solutions that will do the following:
• Be built on a next-generation infrastructure-to-application model
• Advance cloud computing by speeding application implementation
• Eliminate complexities of IT management and automate existing manual processes to lower the overall costs
Read complete article on Microsoft News Center and review partner action items in a letter from Corporate Vice President Allison Watson. Get more information about becoming a Frontline partner.
January 12, 2010
Video Interview on The VAR Guy: Microsoft Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Index
Joe Panettieri of The VAR Guy posted Update: Microsoft’s CSAT Index for Gold Partners, a blog post featuring a video interview with Julie Bennani, general manager of the Microsoft Partner Network. In the video, Julie dispels some of the recent negative CSAT comments.
The post states, “In the age of perpetual tweets and FaceBook updates, there seems to be very little public push back about CSAT. Apparently, Microsoft gave Gold Partners plenty of runway to prepare for the CSAT Index requirements.” See post for more information.
Has the new CSAT requirement impacted your activities? Let us know by commenting below.
January 6, 2010
Technology Fans Swarm Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
Some 110,000 gadget-lovers are descending on Las Vegas for the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show. The four-day show officially kicks off tonight, when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Robbie Bach, president of the company’s Entertainment & Devices Division, take the stage at the Las Vegas Hilton to deliver their keynote address. Visit the Microsoft News Center to get the latest CES coverage and watch Ballmer’s keynote on-demand.
