Why You Should Earn a Microsoft Silver Competency

View this email in your browser Public Edition | March 7, 2011 Follow us:  Discover the Value of a Microsoft Silver Competency There are more than 650,000 Microsoft partners worldwide, but only 30,000 (5 percent) can differentiate themselves in the marketplace as possessing the high degree of proficiency that comes with attaining a Microsoft silver competency. In addition to this differentiation, according to IDC, partners with competencies earn more revenue.* And competencies are meaningful to potential customers. Richard Losciale, president of Premier Knowledge Solutions says, “...[Our] multiple silver competencies...make us ‘real-world’ relevant to our customers and other partners.” Bill Breslin, vice president of Insource Technology adds, “A silver competency represents a threshold of [expertise] that my prospects and clients are demanding.” A Microsoft silver competency, with substantial core and competency-specific benefits, sets your business apart and helps you more effectively turn customer interest into sales. Find out which competencies best suit your business and discover the value of the Microsoft Partner Network. Why Join? | Microsoft Partner Portal | Enroll in the Partner Network Featured This Issue Windows Intune Launches March 23! Get ready to bring together cloud services and an upgrade subscription for Windows 7. Use Windows Intune software and services to provide greater value to your customers by helping them simplify PC management and security. Experience Windows Intune by joining a Microsoft Cloud Program. Create opportunities by hosting your own launch event. Find the latest sales and technical training. Get tips about how to get started with Windows Intune. Build Your Business Accelerate the Growth of Your Business with the Microsoft Cloud Essentials Pack Increase business opportunities by building or selling cloud solutions based on innovative Microsoft technologies. Discover engagement opportunities that complement the Microsoft Partner Network benefits you currently enjoy. Get the Latest Microsoft Desktop and Server Software Subscribe to Microsoft Action Pack Solution Provider and take advantage of new benefits and support. Make Windows Phone 7 Your Partner in the Cloud Get robust tools to develop Windows Phone 7 apps that take cloud power mobile. And gain additional market exposure and resources by attaining the Microsoft Mobility competency. Network News What Partners Are Saying about the Microsoft Partner Network Jeff Pyden, president and CEO of OmniVue, explains how the new competency logo is good for Microsoft Dynamics partners. Support IT Jobs and Economic Growth: Join Voices for Innovation Help shape the future of technology and the global marketplace. Voices for Innovation is a community of partners who bring their passion and expertise to public policy discussions. Find out how joining this community can help you stay informed, get connected, and make a difference. Product and Solution Center Are You Ready for Internet Explorer 9? Download the Windows Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate (RC) to begin checking your website compatibility. And take advantage of the browser’s latest features, including site pinning, which seamlessly integrate your web applications with Windows 7. Experience Enterprise-Class Technologies with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Register for the full-featured 90-day TechNet trial and receive access to product resources and expert guidance to help your small business thrive. Resources for an Efficient Windows 7 Migration Watch this three-part video demonstration series to learn how you can use no-cost guidance and tools to plan, securely deploy, and manage a Windows 7 migration. Get Ready for New Appliances from HP and Microsoft Help your customers optimize productivity and decision-making with upcoming Microsoft SQL Server–based appliances that offer infrastructure and server software in a single, integrated solution. Training and Readiness Explore Windows Azure through Our Learning and Readiness Resources Embrace the cloud services model with the Windows Azure platform. Explore the latest training resources, then start developing scalable cloud solutions. Get No-Cost SharePoint 2010 Enterprise Search Technical Training Become an expert at enabling high-end enterprise search with Microsoft FAST Search Server 2010 for SharePoint. Distributors: Now Is the Time to Sell Windows 7 to SMBs Join the network and learn how to increase sales of Windows 7 Professional licenses through your value-added reseller (VAR) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. Make It Easier to Write Secure Software Get no-cost videos and training to learn how the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) can help you identify and prevent vulnerabilities in your software. Technical Support Start Developing Applications for the Cloud Get guidance that can help you answer customer questions about cloud computing, create solutions customized to customers’ needs, and build demos on the Windows Azure platform. Get the Help You Need, When You Need It Microsoft consultants in training, technical presales, and delivery support are ready to offer you expert guidance. Learn more about Partner Technical Services benefits. Licensing Now Available: New Product Licensing FAQ on the Microsoft Volume Licensing Website Help your customers find answers to basic licensing questions about key Microsoft products. Download the Get Answers to Top Product Licensing Questions announcement to learn more. Updated: Microsoft Volume Licensing Reference Guide The popular guide, updated December 2010, is now available. Download the announcement to learn more. Get Licensing News The latest headlines from Microsoft Volume Licensing are available in one convenient location. Find news and announcements about product licensing, licensing programs, pricing, promotions, tools, and resources. Updated on the first day of the month. Follow Us on Twitter Like Our Page on Facebook In This Issue Windows Intune Coming March 23 Internet Explorer 9 RC Now Available In Other News Take Software Development to the Next Level with Action Pack Build a Practice around Exchange Server 2010 Now Available: Service Pack 1 RTM for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Visit the Partner Perspective Blog Get Involved in the Microsoft Partner Network Community Connect with Microsoft Partner Training on Facebook *IDC, “Microsoft Core Infrastructure: Partner Pathway to Business Performance,” June 2009 You are receiving this newsletter at your request. Visit the Microsoft Partner Network Portal Newsletter Legal Information This newsletter was sent by: Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA 98052 Sign Up for Other Newsletters | Update Your Profile © 2011 Microsoft Corporation.    Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement